Part of the Gingin Brook will be assessed under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 by the Aboriginal cultural material committee when it meets on August 25.

The Gingin Brook is accorded cultural importance and significance due to a creative dreaming narrative, according to consultation information available on the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage website.

Affected stakeholders including traditional owners and landowners can make submissions about Aboriginal Heritage Place ID 40276 Gingin Brook until July 28.

A fact sheet for landowners affected by an assessment under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (AHA) says property owners with land interests that adjoin or intersect any part of the Gingin Brook are invited to provide comments that may be relevant to the Aboriginal cultural material committee’s consideration of the matter.

The fact sheet says there will be no impacts to land ownership or access as a result of the committee’s assessment.

“But any future activities that are likely to damage, excavate or alter the brook, its banks and tributaries may require approval under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021,’’ the fact sheet says.

“The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (AHA) is the state’s legislative instrument to preserve and protect Aboriginal heritage in WA.

“It applies to all land in WA, including crown and freehold land.

“Freehold title gives the owner free and unrestricted access to the land – subject to certain rights which are often reserved by the state.

“As freehold title holder, you have the right to do anything you wish with your land, subject to complying to applicable laws such as planning, environmental or, as in this case, Aboriginal heritage.

“This process does not extinguish freehold title or any of your rights as a freehold title holder.’’

Details of the Aboriginal heritage place ID 40276 (Gingin Brook) and map of the area can be viewed here

DPLH provides an online mapping search system, Aboriginal cultural heritage inquiry system (ACHIS) that is available here

Using the ACHIS, you can search the ACH directory and how Aboriginal cultural heritage (ACH) intersect with your property.

Submissions can be made online, by email to registrar@dplh.wa.gov.au or by post to: Registrar of Aboriginal Sites, Locked Bag 2506, Perth WA 6001.

The closing date for written submissions is 5pm on Friday, July 28.

Late submissions will not be considered.

Direct any general inquiries on the assessment to 6551 8131.

This article appeared on Yanchep News Online on 6 March 2022.

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