The discovery of Aboriginal artifacts has halted work on the redevelopment of a NSW Riverina hospital.
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Archaeological digs and investigations as part of the statutory planning process unearthed a deposit of artifacts on the Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment site last month.
Several locations around the hospital site were being explored as part of the re-development process between May 4 and 15, with representatives from the Griffith Aboriginal Land Council part of the investigations.
The Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council, Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Health Infrastructure only released a joint statement on Tuesday to announce the discovery of the artifacts.
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The Land Council and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment were notified after the discovery was confirmed by an Aboriginal archaeological consultant.
The consultant is analysing the artifacts and will prepare a report for the Department of Planning.
An Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit will be applied for, and further archaeological excavation will be begin to find any further artifacts before work on the hospital re-development can start in the locations identified in the permit.
The Griffith Aboriginal Land Council is working to identify the history of the site.
A decision on where the artifacts will be kept will be made after the report by the Aboriginal archaeological consultant is completed.
The re-development of the Griffith Base Hospital reached its latest milestone in May, when the new ambulatory care hub became operational.
The proposed final design of what the clinical services building will look like when construction has been finished was also released for public feedback last month.
