Heritage Declaration For Two Iconic Territory Sites
01 Apr 2011
Heritage Minister Karl Hampton has announced heritage declarations for two iconic Territory sites.
Mr Hampton said the Djirurri Rockshelter located at Wellington Range in West Arnhem Land and the 88 Mile Burrell Creek WWII Chemical Warfare Storage and Maintenance Depot and Camp sites have been declared heritage places.
“Heritage declarations will provide legal protection to these two valuable sites that have withstood the test of time,” Mr Hampton said.
“Ronald Lamilami, senior Traditional Owner from the Mayurrluidj-Namunidjpuk clan belonging to the Maung language group has supported the heritage declaration of the Djirurri Rockshelter.
“Djirurri is one of the most extraordinary rock art complexes in the Territory - in terms of pigment rock art it is the largest, most varied and historically significant across Australia.”
The Djirurri Rockshelter has also been nominated to the National Heritage List with the approval and support of Mr Lamilami and is currently being considered.
Mr Hampton said the 88 Mile Burrell Creek WWII Chemical Warfare Storage and Maintenance Depot and Camp sites – located on the former Stuart Highway (now Dorat Road) between Adelaide River and Hayes Creek – represent significant historical value to the Territory.
“The remnants of these sites are the only known wartime facility of this type in the Territory,” Mr Hampton said.
“The storage and maintenance depot is significant as a reminder of the strategic pre-emptive approach to both the Japanese threat to mainland Australia and operations by the allied forces in the North West Area of Operations.
“These sites provide information relating to the size and layout of the camp and storage and maintenance depot, serving as tangible reminders of the secret activities and living conditions of the specialised service personnel who dealt with deadly weapons on a daily basis.”
One of the Territory Government’s key roles is to provide legal protection to key historic places that have survived and ensure they are properly maintained.
Go to www.nt.gov.au/heritage for more information about heritage listed sites in the Territory.