Concerns are rising within the Kaurna community regarding the proposed redevelopment of the North Adelaide golf course, a site of significant Aboriginal heritage. Local leaders in the community have expressed disappointment and outrage at the decision. This will be the case for Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher and Kaurna elder Ian Carter. With the redevelopment, plans to impose tight conditions to protect Aboriginal heritage. Many in the community remain deeply concerned about threats to sacred lands.
South Australia’s Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher knows where Ian Carter is coming from. Carter hates to see the disturbance of Aboriginal remains, but he understands that it is absolutely necessary. Redevelopment of the North Adelaide golf course includes a new par three course. The new addition has real cultural significance, as it historically acted as a meeting and ceremonial ground for the Kaurna people. The government’s reassurances don’t cut it for all. Unfortunately, many members of this community now feel disrespected and fearful for what happens to their cultural heritage next.
Concerns Over Heritage Preservation
Whatever you think of the building itself, the Kaurna people have been raising their concerns for years about the effect of development on their sacred lands. Ian Carter, one of the most outspoken, has made it very clear that the disturbing of Aboriginal remains is the crux of the issue.
“It has caused some anxiety and stress,” – Ian Carter
Carter went on to claim that the government’s strategy shows little regard for the historical context of such a development. He accused the Malinauskas government of showing “no respect for our history and … pay us lip service while they’re rubber-stamping development.” His sentiments capture a wider annoyance across sections of the Kaurna community with the continued interference by governments in matters affecting their heritage.
Minister Maher expressed his awareness of these viewpoints. He mentioned how the government has been trying to honor Aboriginal beliefs, but it’s difficult to protect what must be preserved while meeting development requirements. He emphasized that “to absolutely guarantee there’s no prospect of damaging any Aboriginal sites, objects or heritage, you would make sure that there was never any ground disturbance anywhere in this country.”
Government’s Commitment to Heritage Protection
The North Adelaide golf course redevelopment was approved under the strictest of terms. 31 strong conditions under the Aboriginal Heritage Act. These conditions are meant to protect areas of cultural importance, such as the par three course. Maher has since claimed this region as a “protected area.” This decision acknowledges its contemporary cultural values, as well as its historic and spiritual significance to the Kaurna people.
Tim Agius supported the South Australian government’s announcement. He praised their efforts to protect growing this significant world heritage site. He expressed relief that “our ancestors won’t be disturbed in that particular area” and acknowledged the ongoing unease among community members.
“Certainly, I’ve had a lot of discussion with Kaurna elders — not just during this project but over many years — and we seek to respect beliefs and handle heritage as respectfully and thoughtfully as possible,” – Kyam Maher
Agius noted that while some community members appreciate the protective measures, others feel upset that development continues despite known historical significance. He remarked, “The Kaurna people that I speak to are very upset about it,” highlighting a division within the community surrounding the redevelopment plans.
Balancing Development and Cultural Significance
The incident highlights a disturbing trend of development-related violations of Indigenous rights in Australia. Maher addressed this challenge by recognizing that the stewardship of Aboriginal heritage through history has not always been appropriately managed.
“The consequence of the capital city of this state being here is that Kaurna people have suffered more as a result of colonisation than many other people in terms of the disturbance of the land,” – Kyam Maher
He restated his determination to strike the right balance between honouring Kaurna heritage and serving modern aspirations. Maher emphasized that “what we seek to do with these sorts of determinations is balance the quite rightful need to treat Kaurna heritage respectfully with where we are now in Australia.”
It’s unacceptable that the government would even consider building a golf course when there are perfectly suitable facilities operating successfully with no destruction to Aboriginal heritage.
“Why would you even suggest a golf course at Adelaide when the Grange [Golf Club] … has been dealing with this quite well?” – Ian Carter
