Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation has issued a call to hear from people with an interest Aboriginal rock art, rockshelters and other archaeological sites along the River Murray.
It is also hoping to hear from people involved in collecting archaeological samples for scientific analyses.
“We want to hear from you about a research proposal”, the Agency said.
“Your views will help the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs decide whether to authorise potential damage, disturbance or interference with Aboriginal heritage, and the removal of Aboriginal objects/materials from the State, to assist the Research Project,” it said.
It said the Minister had received an application for authorisations under the Act from Professor Amy Roberts of Flinders University.
It said Professor Roberts seeks to study Aboriginal rock art, rockshelters and other archaeological sites along the River Murray, and collect archaeological samples for scientific analyses.
“The Research Project would be undertaken in five proposed research zones located between Barmera and Morgan on the River Murray, approximately 140 to 180 km northeast of Adelaide,” Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation said .
“Each of these Application Areas is known to contain Aboriginal sites, objects and/or remains.”
It said the research project would be undertaken as a collaborative project between Flinders University and the First Peoples of the River Murray and Mallee Region through the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC.
“Prior to considering whether to grant the authorisations sought, section 13 of the Act requires the Minister to consult with the Committee, Traditional Owners (for the Application Areas) and any other Aboriginal people or organisations that he considers may have an interest in this matter,” Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation said .
It asked all Traditional Owners or Aboriginal parties with interests in the Application Areas to consider the questions: Should authorisation be granted to the Applicant and Why or why not?; If the authorisations are granted, what conditions, if any, should be imposed on them?; and Are there any other matters the Minister should be aware of when considering the application?.
Qualified people interested in taking part in the project can obtain more information at the submission form at this PS News link.
