While COVID-19 restrictions have affected the Council’s ability to meet face to face, members have nevertheless continued undertaking assessments and providing considered advice to the Minister on permit applications under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975.
At its meeting of 31 July 2020, Council considered five permit applications. Council determined that, whilst it remains opposed to the destruction of Aboriginal heritage, it did not oppose the Minister granting four of the five applications.
Council was also updated on the appointment of four Assistant Aboriginal Heritage Advisers to Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania. The Assistants will commence their roles in late September 2020, and will develop the knowledge, skills and experience to promote the recognition, protection and management of lutruwita’s (Tasmania’s) unique Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Council received a presentation on a project undertaken by the Cultural Management Group of Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania, where areas containing Aboriginal cultural heritage sites at greatest risk are identified through GIS modelling, protective measures implemented, and their effectiveness monitored.
The Aboriginal Heritage Council will meet again on 28 August 2020.