CS Energy and elders of the Gaangalu Nation People (GNP) have signed a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) ensuring the protection of irreplaceable cultural sites and artefacts, traditions, and practices within the boundaries of the Callide Power Station near Biloela.
From left: Callide Power Station GM Mick Hill, Rod Jarro, Liz Blucher, Kevina Suey, and CS Energy CEO Darren Busine.
Marked with a smoking ceremony and dance at Callide Power Station on Friday 28 February attended by members of CS Energy’s senior leadership team and Board, Callide Power Station employees, and GNP, the agreement is a culmination of nearly a year of collaboration, reflecting a unified effort to ensure the cultural heritage of the area is identified, managed, and protected.
“Over the past year, our relationship with the Gangulu mob has grown stronger, built on mutual respect, listening, and working together the right way,” said CS Energy’s Indigenous Engagement Advisor Neville Hoehne.
“During that time, our Cultural Heritage team has been working with the Gangulu People and their representative body, the GNP, to develop a CHMP for Callide through proper consultation and collaboration, ensuring it reflects the knowledge, priorities, and cultural protocols of the Gangulu People.”
CS Energy’s CEO Darren Busine said that the agreement fostered respect and sustainability for future generations.
“We’ve been through an incredible journey of understanding at CS Energy over the last few years as we developed and implemented our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan,” said Mr Busine.
“Along with becoming more aware of the significance of Cultural Heritage and its importance to Indigenous Australians, we’re also developing an appreciation of its importance to all Australians, as a record of thousands of years of life and living on this land which all Australians share and call home today.
“So, as well as supporting the Gangulu community through development programs over the next 10 years, an important part of our commitment is to support the development of a Keeping Place where cultural artefacts can be cared for, studied, and shared with the next generation.”
ABOUT THE CHMP
CS Energy’s Cultural Heritage Advisor Andrew Binyon, an archaeologist, said that a CHMP sets out how we care for Country, protect sacred places, and make sure any work done on the land respects cultural heritage.
“As part of the agreement, CS Energy will conduct thorough assessments of any new proposed activities to determine potential impacts to cultural heritage in the area; consult with the Gangulu People on protective measures as appropriate; and monitor and report regularly to ensure ongoing compliance,” he said.
“As well as complying with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003, the agreement ensures that cultural heritage and the voices of our Traditional Owner parties will be heard in any future developments at Callide Power Station.”