A local Aboriginal group says it will continue its vocal oppositions to a State Government decision that will permit mineral exploration in what it says is an important cultural site.
Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands chairperson Vince Coulthard publicly criticised State Aboriginal Affairs Minister Grace Portolesi over a decision to allow Straits Exploration the rights to drill in the Lake Torrens area.
Mr Coulthard expressed disgust of the decision earlier this month, claiming the move would see the destruction of sacred Aboriginal sites.
Ms Portolesi said the issue was not up for negotiation.
“By providing information about what are important sites at Lake Torrens, Mr Coulthard and the Adnyamathanha people will have this noted so that their interest in the sites can be recognised for any future applications that may be made over the wider Lake Torrens area.”
She said Mr Coulthard failed to provide information about the sites’ significance during a seven-month consultation period.
But Mr Coulthard said the department was legally required to contact the Adnyamathanha group on the decision.
“My concern is that the minister should have consulted our group before making that decision.”
Mr Coulthard said his group planned to meet with the Kokatha Uwankara people, who are seeking legal advice on the issue.
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