The bones of three Aboriginal people, which are thought to be more than 300 years old, were found during excavation works in Noarlunga Downs on February 17, 25 and 26.

A smoking ceremony – attended by Kaurna people, Transport Department staff and archaeologists – was held at the site last week.

Kaurna senior Buster Turner, who has overseen siteworks, said the ceremony was to “release the spirits peacefully into the sky”.

She said the remains could be reburied where they were found if the rail route between Old Honeypot and River roads was moved slightly to the south.

“That site is sacred and significant to our culture,” Ms Turner told the Southern Times Messenger.

“We’re asking the Transport Department to move the rail route so we can leave the bodies where they are.”

The Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage Association last year called for another route to be found for the 1.2km rail bridge over the Onkaparinga River amid fears it would destroy ancient sites.

Elders said at the time there was “women’s ground” along the rail corridor, within the Onkaparinga River National Park, including ancient artefacts and remains.

Ms Turner said the unearthing of the remains and the continuation of work on the site was “distressing” for the Kaurna community.

“A day or two after the first bones were found there were workers excavating again.

“I found that appalling and disgusting – there was no respect for our culture.”

Flinders University archaeology professor Claire Smith said the discovery of the bones was culturally and scientifically significant.

A Transport Department spokeswoman said work continued “in a manner which is respectful of, and sensitive to, concerns about the exposure of skeletal material”.

“The Aboriginal groups in attendance were given the opportunity to conduct appropriate ceremonies and to participate in securing the remains, pending burial,” she said.

In an emailed response, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Grace Portolesi said she had not intervened in the on-site works.

“The respectful and sensitive management of discoveries of Aboriginal remains during this project are governed by existing plans and agreements, which were negotiated between the Transport Department and the Aboriginal people concerned in recent years,” Ms Portolesi said.

Australian Cultural Heritage Management chief executive Dr Neale Draper, who will be examining the bones, declined to comment.

via Messenger News

They have called on the major political parties to commit funding for the extension from Seaford in the lead-up to the Federal Election on August 21.

Onkaparinga Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg said road and rail infrastructure were two of the council’s main priorities for the election.

“We can validate the need for funding for road and rail because of growth infrastructure needs to match growth,” she said.

Ms Rosenberg said the extension to Aldinga had been identified as part of the council’s Integrated Transport Strategy 2008-2013.

The State Government has set aside $34 million to buy the rail corridor, but Commonwealth funds would be needed to ensure the project could proceed afer the corridor was purchased. The exact route is expected to be announced later this year.

Forums: Discuss and share your thoughts on the Aldinga rail line extension

Aldinga Arts Eco Village deputy presiding member Ray Mines said residents should be able to cycle to the local station and catch the train to work.

“From an environmental perspective I would welcome the rail extension because efficient, affordable public transport reduces traffic on our roads,” Mr Mines said. Willunga resident Joy Forrest said she supported the rail extension, so long as there were “sufficient feeder buses” to Willunga, Sellicks Beach and Port Willunga.

Friends of Willunga Basin secretary David Gill said the rail extension to Aldinga was an important long-term goal.

“Climate change means we have to be getting out of our cars and using other transport,” he said.

Sellicks Beach resident Jodi Honnor-Figuron said there were “a lot of beautiful spots” in the outer south, but it was difficult for tourists to get to.

Kingston MHR Amanda Rishworth (Labor) said she would “certainly support” an extension to Aldinga, once the corridor was bought by the State Government.

Liberal candidate Chris Zanker said his party supported the rail extension to Aldinga, and saw the need to extend even further south in the future.

Greens candidate Palitja Moore called for bi-partisan support to fund the project.

via Messenger News