The Wilderness Society today condemned the deliberate vandalism of critically important rock art in a Central Highlands rock shelter, describing the act as demonstrably racist and despicable. The Society joined the call for urgent overhaul of heritage legislation so Aboriginal heritage is properly protected through robust laws.
A sacred hand stencil in nirmena nala cave has been scarred with deliberate and destructive scratches, only recently discovered by members of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.
“This is a despicable act that demonstrates an ongoing prejudice in the Tasmanian community and a sad hostility to the rich cultural history of tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal occupation of Tasmania,” said Vica Bayley, spokesperson for the Wilderness Society.
“In many ways, the Hodgman Government has set the scene for this kind of vandalism, with its demonstrated disregard for heritage protection by attempting to expand destructive 4WD tracks on the takayna/Tarkine coast.
“On one hand it says it seeks to ‘reset’ the relationship with Aboriginal Tasmania, yet on the other it is appealing a Federal Court decision that found expanding the 4WD tracks would destroy Aboriginal heritage values.
“All Tasmanians have a responsibility to accept, embrace and protect the incredible heritage of Tasmania’s first people. On top of the takayna/Tarkine 4WD tracks and the vandalism of takayna petroglyphs, this incident demonstrates we have a long way to go. It should be condemned by all.
“To properly protect heritage from these repeated acts of vandalism, it’s abundantly clear that new, robust laws are required.
“The Hodgman Government should drop its takayna 4WD appeal and instead move to fix the law so it can properly protect and respect Aboriginal heritage.”
Vica Bayley Tasmanian Campaign Manager The Wilderness Society (Tasmania) Inc.
