Council is concerned about incorrect public statements claiming that Indigenous artefacts have been found at Sunshine Energy Park. No Indigenous artefacts have been found at Sunshine Energy Park.
In developing the Sunshine Energy Park Vision Plan, Council undertook a due diligence process led by an expert Cultural Heritage Consultant. This involved a review of the historic registers and lists, including national, Commonwealth and international heritage lists, the Victorian Heritage Register, the Victorian Heritage Inventory, the Brimbank City Council Heritage Overlay, the National Trust (Victoria) register, and the register of the National Estate. The investigation included random in-ground probes to areas immediately surrounding the old quarry and landfill area on the proposed Park site.
As a result, Council was advised that there are four registered Aboriginal Places recorded within 200m of the Sunshine Energy Park site. None of these sites are within the boundaries of Sunshine Energy Park.
Council adheres to its legal obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018 and requirements, which would include preparing a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for any future projects, which may include further in-ground probes. Cultural Heritage Management Plans are a requirement for this site as it is located within an area of Aboriginal Cultural Sensitivity due to its proximity to the local waterways.