Golf course redevelopment has ‘no respect’ for history

A golf course in South Australia has been accused of having no respect for history after a $50m redevelopment plan was confirmed last week.

The State government has confirmed the decision to begin the work at the North Adelaide golf course, but under “strict” Aboriginal heritage conditions.

Members of the Kaurna community though have voiced their anger at the decision.

“The Kaurna people that I speak to are very upset about it,” Elder Ian Carter told the ABC in Adelaide.

“They’re upset that the government knows of the Kaurna history there and yet they’re just going to keep on going.”

Aboriginal remains of at least 29 people were discovered at a nearby site two years ago.

Those remains are still in storage and Mr Carter has accused the State government of having no respect … “paying us lip service while they rubber stamp development.”

Deputy premier Kyam Maher said it was not known whether remains would be discovered at the golf site and defended the 31 conditions put in place to be in line with the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

If remains or objects are discovered, the government said the preferred course of action was to design around them. If that was proved to be impossible the government would negotiate with native title holders about reburial.

The design for the 18-hole course by legendary golfer Greg Norman’s company are still being drawn up.