Wiradjuri slam energy company's 'inexcusable' damage to rock shelter
The Wiradjuri community is outraged over the destruction of an Aboriginal rock shelter by renewable energy company ACEREZ, which they claim was done despite prior knowledge of its significance. Community members are demanding accountability and compensation for the loss of this culturally important site. The Commonwealth Department of Environment is currently assessing applications for the protection of the area while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
- ▪ACEREZ workers destroyed an Aboriginal rock shelter near Mudgee while clearing land for power lines.
- ▪Thomas Dahlstrom, a Wiradjuri traditional owner, expressed devastation over the destruction, stating that a cultural management plan was in place to protect the site.
- ▪Aunty Sharon Riley, a Wiradjuri Elder, called for compensation for the community, emphasizing the trauma caused by the loss of their cultural heritage.
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Wiradjuri community devastated by destruction of rock shelter by ACEREZBy Lani OatawayABC Central WestTopic:Indigenous CultureWed 27 May 2026 at 6:13amWed 27 May 2026 at 6:13amWed 27 May 2026 at 6:13amThe rock shelter near the Cope State Forest in the Mudgee district that was destroyed by ACEREZ workers. (Supplied: NSW EnergyCo)In short:Members of the Wiradjuri community say it is "inexcusable" that renewable energy company ACEREZ destroyed an "Aboriginal rock shelter" near Mudgee despite knowing about it.They are calling for compensation and for the company to be held to account.What's next?The Commonwealth Department of Environment is assessing two applications made by a Wiradjuri traditional owner to protect the area, while two investigations into the shelter's destruction…
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