By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
WORK on a road extension and bridge that was hoped to provide a direct link between Burnside and Taylors Hill has been suspended, leaving Melton City Council disappointed and residents scratching their heads.
In late December last year the State Government department of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria served a stop-work notice on Melton City Council for the construction of the Westwood Drive extension and bridge in Burnside.
The State Government declared that the council was “carrying out an activity which is harming, or is likely to harm, Aboriginal cultural heritage” – citing the presence of small stone artefacts that potentially may have been used by Aboriginals as cutting instruments for the decision.
The council chose to terminate the contract to avoid ongoing extensive delay cost entitlements.
Melton City Council chief executive Kelvin Tori said the council is “very disappointed” with the Government’s decision.
Mr Tori said the council officers believed they “observed all regulations and requirements in relation to checking the site for Aboriginal cultural heritage significance”.
Melton City mayor Bob Turner said the council was “stunned” by the decision.
“We have been stunned by this decision by AAV, because we do respect and value indigenous heritage,” Cr Turner said.
“We work with and appreciate the input of the Wurundjeri people on a whole range of council issues.
“I am most sorry for members of our community, who were hoping for, and relying on the construction of this crucial piece of connecting infrastructure,” Cr Turner said.
“We’re still doing our best to get this over the line, but we’re incredibly disappointed and frustrated by this situation.”
A Burnside resident, who did not want to be named, has been following the issue closely and said he was concerned with how Melton City Council dealt with the issue and questioned their diligence when preparing the report.
“The groundwork should have been done before even beginning construction,” he said.
“Maybe they can spend money elsewhere instead.”
