Halloran Trust/Sealark is proposing a 14-lot subdivision at East Crescent, on the shores of Lake Wollumboola - at sea level and 100% in the catchment for the Lake.
Even prior to Sealark's ownership, the site was known to contain significant cultural material and was an integral part of the Jerrinja cultural landscape. As is typical for developments in sensitive areas, this development required an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) - essentially a permit to destroy.
Excavations in 2021 revealed cultural material far exceeding predictions - with over 18,000 artefacts removed to date, that experts have dated back to between 5,000 and 10,000 years. It's been estimated up to 50,000 artefacts could be on the site.
We have been campaigning for over three years to have the AHIP revoked and the artefacts returned to their rightful place.
In August 2024, Shoalhaven City Council voted to support Jerrinja LALC's call for State and Federal governments to put a moratorium on Sealark housing developments in West Culburra. As a result of the motion, Shoalhaven Council will also recommend to NSW Heritage that Sealark's AHIP for work at East Crescent Culburra Beach be revoked.
Download:
Jerrinja JLALC positioning statement, 14 August 2024
