A fringe Indigenous group, known for bringing down the billion-dollar Blayney mine project, is now pushing for the peak of Mount Panorama to be declared a sacred site.
The Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation has laid the groundwork for an unprecedented legal bid, following the scattering of one of its former member’s ashes at the site.
What’s Behind the Bid?
The group held a smoking ceremony and scattered the ashes of former member Uncle Brian Grant at the peak in late 2022.
They’ve since sought to register the site as a state heritage site, potentially restricting public access and preventing new developments.
The peak, located in McPhillamy Park, offers stunning views of the town and its famous motor racing circuit.
A Controversial History
The Wiradyuri group gained prominence last year after convincing Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to halt the proposed goldmine.
The decision was based on a Dreaming yarn, known as the Blue Banded Bee story, which many local Indigenous elders have denied being part of Wiradjuri oral traditions.
Grant, who played a key role in handing down the story, passed away in November 2022.
What’s at Stake?
If the site is declared a sacred site, it could set a new precedent for cultural heritage law.
The move could open the door to heritage applications based on contemporaneous Indigenous ceremonies, rather than historical significance.
The federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has yet to receive a new submission for the peak.
Local Reaction
Bathurst Regional Council general manager David Sherley said the council was “blindsided” by the heritage submission and has sought advice from state and federal counterparts.
Local Indigenous leaders, including Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council chief executive Toni-Lee Scott, have criticized the site declaration, arguing it was done without proper consultation.
What’s Next?
The proposed heritage listing has sparked debate about the site’s future. With restrictions on public access and new developments potentially in place, the community is waiting to see how the situation will unfold.
As the Wiradyuri group continues to push for recognition of the site’s cultural significance, one thing is clear: the outcome will have far-reaching implications for cultural heritage law and the community.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!