Australian Aboriginal culture is the longest continuous culture in the world with traditional practices linked to many significant heritage sites. It is this link to heritage sites that drives SMC’s commitment to continue to protect and preserve these significant sites at its operations.
SMC recognises the importance of establishing positive working relationships with local Aboriginal groups to ensure that its projects are developed in a sustainable and culturally acceptable manner.
We are required to comply with various overlapping statutory legislation relating to heritage in WA.
These include:
• The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984; and
• Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972
SMC’s responsibilities with respect to Aboriginal heritage management to preserve cultural heritage and assists the cultural heritage aspirations of the local Aboriginal groups we engage to achieve this goal.
SMC works closely with local Aboriginal groups in the region to continue to protect and preserve the heritage values and sites for all of Western Australia.