PORT HEDLAND CONCERNED ABOUT PRETTY POOL FOOTBRIDGE

A Port Headland Traditional Owner has vented her frustration about the potential impact construction work may have at Pretty Pool regarding a sacred heritage site.

Footprints that could date back to 25,000 years old are currently at an undisclosed location protected by the knowledge holder, Pat Mason.

Mrs Mason says drilling holes for the under-construction Port Hedland Pretty Pool Footbridge and Boardwalk are just 4 metres from the footprints and claims she was given the runaround by the State Government, Town of Port Hedland, Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation and Marapikurrinya Aboriginal Corporation.

“…. this is what I've got of it from the Shire because I approached the Shire ahead of meeting

with the Town of Portland and the town of Port Hedland said they directed to Department of Land and Heritage and find out about it and Department said all you got to go back to Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation. Mrs Mason said on Ngaarda Breakfast.

“Kariyarra Corporation actually directed “ no can’t comment you have to go to Marapikurrinya. So my Marapikurrinya and the Shire met in regards to the basis of this heritage site, then knew all well there was a

heritage site but no one actually requested confirmation in regards to the knowledge elder of the site, which was me. No one contacted me.”