Road project will damage the BNI
- richiehowitt
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
DSMG has lodged a submission on Transport for NSW's application to HeritageNSW to approve works associated with the Richmond Road Upgrade Project which TfNSW acknowledges will have “major adverse impact to the heritage values” of the BNI. In its strategy to secure approval to cause damage to the site and its values, TfNSW emphasises that the damage to this important place, at least in the agency’s opinion, will not “constitute a total loss of significance to the values that underpin the BNI, nor is it considered to reach a threshold that would justify reconsideration of the site’s listing on the SHR”, but DSMG argues that there are major flaws in the project design and process to date.
Our submission (see below for the full text), rejects the idea that anyone can consent to damage and destroy or damage the BNI and its social, cultural and heritage values.
DSMG recognises and accepts the need for changes arising from traffic congestion along Richmond Road. We refuse, however, to accept that this significant, loved and treasure place and its value as a window on the region’s cultural and environmental past, present and future should be devalued, damaged or diminished in order to compensate for the dramatic failures of urban, environmental and road planning in the past. Partial return of the BNI to Dharug care in 2018 added to the site’s ongoing cultural and heritage significance for Dharug community and its value to the wider regional and national community.
TfNSW’s approach has determined there is no alternative to the concept design already developed. There was no attempt to pursue a co-design solution that would accommodate community concerns and create opportunities to enhance rather than diminish cultural, social and heritage values of the site. There has been no public display of any alternative design solutions and the assertion that widening into the SHR-listed curtilage is the only possibility has not been demonstrated. Given the importance of the BNI as a heritage site, the assessment and approval process should be required to demonstrate to the Aboriginal public that all alternatives have been explored. This has not been done and should be a minimum condition of any approval of the s60 application.
Our submission identifies areas of specific concern including (but not limited to):
The area of land between Bells Creek and the Castlereagh Freeway Reserve which is widely known as the Men's Camp area
The Bells Creek crossing area which is recognised as an area of deep importance and significance to Dharug women
The animal pathways that allow kangaroos to be relatively safe and always welcome
Loss of safe, long-term access to the BNI because of closure of the existing entrance off Richmond Road and TfNSW's persistent refusal to reconfigure the current M7-Rooty Hill Rd N intersection to provide signal-controlled safe entrance and improved public safety for the BNI and the local community.
We welcome feedback and comments that will further informDSMG's ongoing efforts to protect and enhance the social, cultural, environmental and heritage values of this important Dharug place.
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