Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment: Proposed upgrade of Berrara Creek Walking Track within Conjola National Park

⁠⁠⁠National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS), the proponent, has engaged Apex Archaeology to assist in preparing an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) for proposed maintenance and upgrade of approximately 8km of the Berrara Creek walking track within Conjola National Park. The project is located within the Shoalhaven City Council LGA. The NPSW project manager is Michael Jarman who can be contacted via email at Michael.Jarman@bathla.com.au

There are three registered Aboriginal sites within the area of proposed works and additional sites were recorded along the Berrara Creek walking track as part of an Aboriginal due diligence assessment. An ACHA is required to investigate if this material can be avoided, or if an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) application will be required. As such, a process of Aboriginal community consultation in accordance with the Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation requirements for proponents 2010 is being initiated by Apex Archaeology. The purpose of consultation with Aboriginal people is to assist the proponent in the preparation of an application for an AHIP if necessary, and to assist the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) Secretary in their consideration and determination of the application.

The proponent invites Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the cultural significance of Aboriginal objects and places within the study area to register an interest in the process of Aboriginal community consultation.

Please note that details of the Aboriginal people or organisations who register an interest in consultation will be forwarded to Heritage NSW and Jerrinja Local Aboriginal Land Council (JLALC). Please advise at the time of registration if you do not wish for your details to be forwarded to these entities

Aboriginal stakeholders can register their interest by post to PO Box 236 Nowra, NSW 2541; via phone on 0405 236 821; or via rebecca@apexarchaeology.com.au. Please include the name and contact details of your preferred contact person in your registration

Registrations will be accepted until COB Wednesday 23 March 2022.