Members of the local Aboriginal community have staged a second day of protest at Boggabri, claiming Whitehaven Coal has failed to consult and conduct rigorous cultural heritage surveys at the proposed Maules Creek mine site.
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The $767 million mine, near Boggabri was given full Federal Government approval last Thursday to proceed with the project.
Yesterday, more than 50 Gomeroi traditional owners, Elders, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members and families stood behind an Aboriginal flag and formed a picket line outside Whitehaven’s offices at Boggabri, walking off the job that involves salvaging artefacts at the mine site.
This morning they returned to the site in Merton Street, and an adjacent park to voice concerns.
The stop work action started on Friday where a meeting was held at Gunnedah’s Wolseley Park.
Red Chief Aboriginal Lands Council spokesperson Toni Comber said the company has disrespected cultural issues and that artefacts salvaged need to be preserved.
The protesters are calling for a meeting with Whitehaven executives and in the meantime, will stop the salvage works.
“There has been some consultation but it’s been inadequate,” Ms Comber said.
Gomeroi Traditional Owner Stephen Talbott also said the company has not carried out proper consultation and more respect needs to be given to local Aboriginal culture.
“Our people who were working for Whitehaven Coal have walked off the job and we are determined to fight this Maules Creek mine until they show respect to the Gomeroi people and our culture,” Mr Talbott said.
“Whitehaven have shown no respect for Aboriginal cultural heritage or our people. Even today, they lied to our Elders about work progress. We are standing up for our Elders and for our children today.”
Mr Talbott said the Maules Creek mine will clear more than 4000 acres of culturally significant forest, artefacts and cultural values.
“The forest contains cultural heritage sites, food sources, and totems of our people, and most of them will be permanently destroyed by the planned mine.”
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure said it is happy to talk with the protestors and fully investigate any alleged breaches by Whitehaven Coal.
Whitehaven claims it has carried out formal consultation since the start of the project and has agreed to meet with concerned Aboriginal groups.
