MEDIA RELEASE FROM CRAIG INGRAM MP - MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND EAST Issued: Sunday, 25 November 2007

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Aboriginal Heritage Act causing development delays

The Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Richard Wynne, to meet with local groups frustrated with delays and increased costs caused by the implementation of the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

“Across Gippsland, the concern is that in its implementation this legislation has caused delays and problems with costs, planning and the development of subdivisions and industrial properties throughout the area,” Mr Ingram said.

“Currently, about 160 developments across East Gippsland and Wellington shires have been delayed due to the implementation of this legislation.

It is a very important issue which has been brought up by a number of people throughout my community, including local indigenous representatives, local government representatives, planners, developers and property owners.

“I raised the matter in Parliament this week and have requested that the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs meets with groups from my area in an attempt to thread a path through the implementation stage of this legislation.

“It is important that we recognise that this is not an issue about valuing Aboriginal heritage.

“All the people involved wish to protect the important cultural heritage that we have within our region, but we need to make sure that the cost that is being borne by developers is acceptable and that we protect the heritage involved,” Mr Ingram concluded.