Publications

Comment on the draft standard conditions and risk criteria for exploration and mining activities

Mining activities deemed low risk to the environment may still entail significant risk to sacred sites. Currently the processes for Standard Condition Licenses do not address this risk, nor do they provide a clear pathway to the Sacred Sites Act to mitigate this risk.

Submission on whether the Sea Rights Yingapungapu should be permanently declared as a heritage place

The Sea Rights Yingapungapu is a permanent sand sculpture memorial created in 2018 for the tenth anniversary of the Blue Mud Bay decision, which recognised that Traditional Aboriginal Owners had exclusive rights to lands and waters within the intertidal zone in the Northern Territory. The Authority is supportive of declaring the Sea Rights Yingapungapu as a declared heritage place.

Comment on the Draft Mataranka Water Allocation Plan 2024-34

All the Roper River tributaries in the Mataranka area have a high density of sacred sites. We are pleased that the new water allocation plan recognises the outstanding cultural value of the Roper River and tributaries in the Mataranka area, as well as its unique environmental values.

Comment on proposed changes to the Casuarina Coastal Reserve

The proposed park is within the area traditionally occupied by Larrakia people and retains significant cultural importance and a number of Aboriginal sacred sites. It is vital that consultation occurs with Larrakia in relation to the management of the park, to ensure that the cultural values and stories are recognised and protected appropriately.