MATAGARUP AND RIVER 'DEVELOPMENT' PLANS
As Sovereign Traditional Custodians of the land, and under authority of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, it is the duty of the Nyoongar Tribal Sovereigns to protect Matagarup and the Swan River from any person who alters or assumes possession, custody or control over these sites. Such persons include the City of Perth, and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority, who are planning ‘development’ of these lands and waterways.
The City of Perth has stated that it intends to apply for Section 18 consent under the Aboriginal Heritage Act for proposed development plans for Matagarup, however it has also stated that Aboriginal groups consulted regarding the project thus far have been those identified by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC).
The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority has been designated the power to resume land and undertake urban projects under specified redevelopment schemes in Perth, including Elizabeth Quay and the Riverside development. SWALSC did not make a submission to the amendment of the Metropolitan Regional Scheme, which gave the MRA such powers over these river front sites.
The Department of Aboriginal Affairs is currently undertaking a review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act which includes a proposal to provide the Department with powers to issue certificates that give the same indemnity as obtaining a Section 18 consent. The Nyoongar Tent Embassy is closely observing these developments and will continue to assert their inherent rights as Tribal Sovereigns to Traditional Lands and Cultural Heritage.
In May 2013, after the City of Perth announced it had approved the masterplan for ‘development’ of Matagarup, Nyoongar Tent Embassy Tribal Sovereigns asserted their right to practice culture on the island by performing a Smoking Ceremony on the causeway in peak hour traffic. They then invited the City of Perth to come speak with them on Matagarup. The City of Perth responded by promising community consultation with the Nyoongar Tent Embassy Tribal Sovereigns regarding the ‘development’ plans.
You can find out about the City of Perth 'development' plans for Matagarup here and here.
The MRA's information on their Riverside 'development' is available here.
The City of Perth has stated that it intends to apply for Section 18 consent under the Aboriginal Heritage Act for proposed development plans for Matagarup, however it has also stated that Aboriginal groups consulted regarding the project thus far have been those identified by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC).
The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority has been designated the power to resume land and undertake urban projects under specified redevelopment schemes in Perth, including Elizabeth Quay and the Riverside development. SWALSC did not make a submission to the amendment of the Metropolitan Regional Scheme, which gave the MRA such powers over these river front sites.
The Department of Aboriginal Affairs is currently undertaking a review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act which includes a proposal to provide the Department with powers to issue certificates that give the same indemnity as obtaining a Section 18 consent. The Nyoongar Tent Embassy is closely observing these developments and will continue to assert their inherent rights as Tribal Sovereigns to Traditional Lands and Cultural Heritage.
In May 2013, after the City of Perth announced it had approved the masterplan for ‘development’ of Matagarup, Nyoongar Tent Embassy Tribal Sovereigns asserted their right to practice culture on the island by performing a Smoking Ceremony on the causeway in peak hour traffic. They then invited the City of Perth to come speak with them on Matagarup. The City of Perth responded by promising community consultation with the Nyoongar Tent Embassy Tribal Sovereigns regarding the ‘development’ plans.
You can find out about the City of Perth 'development' plans for Matagarup here and here.
The MRA's information on their Riverside 'development' is available here.
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