Andrew Gee (Calare, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

Transmission line developer ACEREZ has put out a statement about its recent destruction of a Wiradjuri rock shelter in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. This is all just damage control, spin and crocodile tears. This was no accident. This site was clearly marked. They knew it was there, and yet a deliberate decision was taken to destroy it. Where's the explanation as to what actually happened here? Two months went by until they told Wiradjuri groups, and ACEREZ continues to stay dead silent on the other cultural sites that Wiradjuri representatives say have been damaged, including grinding grooves on Merotherie Road, at least one scar tree and other artefacts. People hate the hypocrisy of this.

Because this is a NSW government project in a Renewable Energy Zone, ACEREZ and EnergyCo seem to think that they are above the law. There don't appear to be any consequences for their vandalism. I'm talking about the killing and orphaning of native Australian baby birds, the mowing down of centuries-old wildlife corridors and now the wanton destruction of Wiradjuri cultural sites. If anyone else was doing this, they'd be up before the courts and in the slammer in a heartbeat. The Minister for the Environment and Water did not take any action on the destruction at Merotherie Road, and we haven't heard anything about any action being taken on the cultural heritage damage either. They investigate, but nothing ever happens. ACEREZ should not be above the law or above scrutiny and accountability. It needs to change its ways and be brought to heel.