SIGNIFICANT indigenous heritage sites around Warrnambool are at risk of being destroyed unless more care is taken by project managers, elder Robbie Lowe Snr has warned.
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He has called for more understanding of the need to preserve history, rather than unfounded fears of interference.
Mr Lowe, who has been teaching Koori culture to school groups for almost a decade, cited recent earthworks on the Emmanuel College site and a drainage project at Dennington as examples of where local Aboriginal leaders were not consulted.
“We as locals know more than the authorities about where the sites are,” he said.
“Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, which is usually consulted by authorities, does not have all the information.
“We know there were campsites scattered from Fitzroy Road through to Russells Creek and there could have been one on the college grounds.
“There could have been artefacts there on the college site. Who knows?”
Warrnambool City Council explained a cultural heritage management plan CHMP was not required for the Emmanuel College multi-purpose hall because the works were associated with a purpose for which the land had been lawfully used prior to the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations of 2007.
“Despite a cultural heritage management plan not being required, the on-site regulations apply if an item or object is uncovered. Builders/contractors must comply with AHR requirements,” the council said.
Mr Lowe yesterday visited Dennington to point out an old Aboriginal sheltered site near the Merri River where he said a drainage pipe had been laid in recent years.
In the distance is Kelly’s Swamp and sand dunes where he said there were other indigenous sites.
“I would have preferred if the pipe had been laid around the site,” he said.
“Property owners should have nothing to fear — Aboriginal people are not out to stop progress or seek compensation. All I’m saying is we need to recognise there’s history that needs to be protected.”
With him yesterday was Koori education leader at Brauer College Will King, who has been involved in developing indigenous history and culture lessons which include taking year seven students with Mr Lowe to significant sites at Warrnambool, Yambuk, Port Fairy, Killarney and Framlingham.
“I first went for a tour with Rob in 2012 — it was a real eye-opener,” he said.
“Now it’s a passion of mine. European history is well documented, but a lot of Aboriginal history has not been written.”
Mr Lowe said he was confident that students who learn about indigenous history would help preserve it in the future.
