For nearly seven years, the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy has guarded the Kuradji man burial site, artefacts and middens at Sandon Point at the bottom of Bulli Pass, in the northern Illawarra. Planning minister Frank Sartor, using recently legislated powers, has given approval to Stockland and the Anglican Retirement Village Trust for a huge development the size of a suburb on the site.
Local resident Jill Walker has mounted a court challenge against the minister. The case is scheduled to be heard in September. "This is a major challenge against disastrous and unjust NSW government legislation that totally ignores community, environmental and social impacts; and it must be stopped", according to Walker.
To raise funds to support the case, an exhibition at Sydney's Mori Gallery was held, including a September 1 art auction. The exhibition included art by members of the Sandon Point Koori community.
Walker argued the state government is ignoring human and cultural rights and environmental impacts. "We have to fight for our civil rights against all undemocratic laws", she said.
For information on the campaign visit http://www.sandon-point.org.au.