Destroying Aboriginal heritage

The general chat & discussion area .
Post Reply
Online
User avatar
marymary
Global Moderator
Posts: 15584
Joined: December 31st, 2009, 7:59 pm

Destroying Aboriginal heritage

Post by marymary »

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-n ... age-listed


A farmer who recently inherited land wanted to get a large machine into a field to clear weeds. He moved rocks to make way for the boom. Unfortunately for him, the rocks were in an eel shape and part of Aboriginal heritage. His point that no one ever told him or put a sign up may save him the huge fine.
User avatar
Little John
member
Posts: 16396
Joined: January 2nd, 2010, 1:46 pm
Location: SE London

Re: Destroying Aboriginal heritage

Post by Little John »

We made a mistake, we shifted a few rocks, and I am very apologetic and I am very sorry it happened
Doesn't sound that apologetic to me.
Yes this is the real "Little John" (or it could be "colin")
User avatar
Leigh
member
Posts: 2122
Joined: January 31st, 2021, 11:06 am

Re: Destroying Aboriginal heritage

Post by Leigh »

The point being, the current owner was not aware of the heritage of those rocks. It's all very well protecting these areas, HOWEVER, the onus should be upon those for whom it is significant to ensure that ALL potential land uses and owners are aware of the significance of said sites. If I own a selection of land, I'd have a reasonable expectation that I can do with that land what I like. Of course, that must comply with local by-laws, I wonder how many councils have rules that say you can't move any rocks on your property without first getting approval. Given the risk of fire from unkept bushland, I can understand that he wanted to spray the weeds. I'm not sure how big that particular paddock was, but I can tell you the ONLY WAY to give it a good coverage is via heavy machinery that would require free access to the site. When I was mowing rural blocks, there was certainly no indication that I should not move items to gain access to areas, nor did I ever get called out for moving such stuff. If these were so significant, surely they could have purchased the block and had it set aside rather than run the risk of this sort of thing happening. Strangely, none of the "Aboriginals" that I saw interviewed on this topic were far paler than I, and I have NO Aboriginal blood in me at all. (that I know of). If there were "traditional" owners, then "traditionally" you would expect them to be present on that particular site. Whilst I am all for preservation of our history, I am also bloody minded enough to realise that what happened in the past should remain there. None of us (blackfellas included) were alive when Australia was "invaded" (contentious point to me) by captain Cook. If we are to start going on about that, then You Brits will also need to return to your "homeland" somewhere in Europe even though the "invasion" of the British Isles occurred a thousand or so years ago.
Of course I'm athletic, I SURF the internet daily!
User avatar
salem
dogsbody
Posts: 2827
Joined: December 9th, 2008, 7:13 pm
Location: In a timewarp
Verified A/C ✅: muppet

Re: Destroying Aboriginal heritage

Post by salem »

An overly simplistic version here is that you have to check before cutting down trees in your property as they may have a conservation order , not quite the same but means that you just can't do what you want , owner of the land or not .
The less said about wanting to built on "Bannockburn" the better . :o
User avatar
Leigh
member
Posts: 2122
Joined: January 31st, 2021, 11:06 am

Re: Destroying Aboriginal heritage

Post by Leigh »

You are correct, Salem, even here, trees above a certain size are protected, but that is common knowledge like looking both ways before crossing the street. A few rocks on a property, however, is not expected to be an issue, and I could easily also have been found guilty or moving some rocks in my time.
Of course I'm athletic, I SURF the internet daily!
Online
User avatar
marymary
Global Moderator
Posts: 15584
Joined: December 31st, 2009, 7:59 pm

Re: Destroying Aboriginal heritage

Post by marymary »

First check if the rocks form the shape of an animal...
User avatar
Leigh
member
Posts: 2122
Joined: January 31st, 2021, 11:06 am

Re: Destroying Aboriginal heritage

Post by Leigh »

Sometimes these things are not evident until an aerial survey or, they are buried and get turned up during land clearing.
Of course I'm athletic, I SURF the internet daily!
User avatar
Little John
member
Posts: 16396
Joined: January 2nd, 2010, 1:46 pm
Location: SE London

Re: Destroying Aboriginal heritage

Post by Little John »

I see your point Leigh but I still think the offending farmers "apology" was unconvincing.
Yes this is the real "Little John" (or it could be "colin")
User avatar
Leigh
member
Posts: 2122
Joined: January 31st, 2021, 11:06 am

Re: Destroying Aboriginal heritage

Post by Leigh »

My "apology" would be unconvincing, too. It's not as though it was a well known, or well "respected" landmark. If it looked like something that was easily recognisable, or had been the subject of a well reported study with people clambering to see it. I'd probably be a little more sympathetic to the Aboriginal's plight, but, in this case, I'm on the farmer's side.
Of course I'm athletic, I SURF the internet daily!
Post Reply