A LOCAL council is seeking State Government permission to continue with plans to create several new campsites and preserve the environment around a Riverland landmark.
Berri Barmera Council lodged applications under section 21 and 23 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act to work on seven camping and day sites at Lake Bonney, and to create a multi-use track around the lake.
Berri Barmera Council CEO Karyn Burton said council had worked closely with the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation (RMMAC) to develop the plans as part of its Lake Bonney Caring for Country Management Plan.
“The applications are about getting permission for council to continue the work that council is doing around the lake with regards to camping sites and other works,” she said.
“It’s also about having areas identified that are a no-go so we don’t inadvertently do something that could have ramifications under Native Title.
“It’s a process that we must go through to ensure we are doing the right things.”
Ms Burton said council had been careful to respect the cultural heritage of the area with works completed so far.
“Any works that we do undertake are overseen by RMMAC monitors to ensure there is no excavation,” she said.
“Most of the significant sites are not necessarily easily visible for people who don’t know they are there, so we do need monitors there to make sure we don’t accidently disturb anything.
“A lot of the work we are doing has a no-excavation policy with no digging, but everything we do needs to have an indigenous ranger monitoring.”
The application is currently open for public consultation until Friday, March 19 at 11.55pm.
For more information or to provide feedback, visit yoursay.sa.gov.au/decisions/lake-bonney-nature-and-cultural-tourism-project.