Jerrinja Tribal Council marks cultural survey at West Culburra

Cultural survey commences at West Culburra

Jerrinja Tribal Council and Sealark yesterday marked the commencement of the cultural survey on a 46-hectare site at West Culburra, ahead of the commencement of a new sustainable development accommodating homes, parks, reserves, shops and more.

A Welcome to Country and a traditional smoking ceremony was conducted on the site by Jerrinja Elders.

Jerrinja Tribal Leader Ron Carberry says it’s very important culturally for the Traditional Custodian to be involved at the outset of the planning process of new developments like West Culburra project.

“It means we can provide our oral history of the development site so we all can better plan and preserve our sites from being impacted by setting up Cultural Management plans to protect and manage our sites now and into future.

“Here at West Culburra we are trying to find the balance between development, culture and the environment. I think we can set a precedent for future developments in the Shoalhaven to follow, working together for the betterment of everyone culturally. That’s all we, the Jerringa Tribal people ask.”

Sealark Managing Director – Land and Development Matt Philpott, says: “This ceremony marks the start of what will ideally become the best practice model for integrating Indigenous heritage in new developments. We look forward to working with and learning from our local Indigenous community,” says Mr Philpott.

Sealark is different to other developers as it is owned by registered charity The Halloran Trust.

At West Culburra, Sealark will soon commence work on new homes, a mixed-use commercial and retail precinct, business premises, parks and reserves to bring greater housing choice, affordable homes, new jobs and a vital economic injection to the town. The Concept Plan for the State Significant Development was approved in December 2021 and Sealark is currently preparing a Development Application for the first stage.

Sealark’s developments, including its new communities at West Culburra and Callala Bay, will generate important revenue to enable The Halloran Trust to continue to give to causes, charities and organisations which contribute to the protection of the local environment and benefit the Shoalhaven region.