Gerroa’s Emery Park playground upgrade is unlikely to be finished until well into 2023.

Work on the project began early May and was expected to take about four weeks. But when play equipment was removed, an Aboriginal midden and other artifacts (believed to include a grindstone) were found.

Work then halted to allow Kiama Council to conduct an Aboriginal Heritage investigation of the site. This process can take up to 40 weeks.

Kiama Council’s Director Engineering & Works, Mike Dowd, says that the Jerrinja Local Aboriginal Land Council has conducted an initial inspection which confirmed the material.

“As a result, Council has now engaged Biosis Pty Ltd to undertake the formal heritage assessment. This is a mandatory process, which is prescribed by National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.”

The site will now be listed on the Aboriginal Heritage Management System (AHIMS), Mr Dowd says.

Roy Schmidt, President of the Gerroa Community Association, has given feedback to Council from Gerroa residents and visitors on the importance of the playground facility to the community.

“It’s disappointing that the process has taken so long,” he says, “But we do look forward to getting a new upgraded playground and in conjunction with increased recognition of the history of this area.”

The proposed upgrade

Mr Dowd says, “While there’s unfortunately going to be an extended delay to the playground upgrade, this is also an exciting opportunity to capture and share the history of First Nations people in this area.

“We’re also considering how we can use the information we learn about the site to inform the broader community about its history through signage or interpretative panels.

“We’ll retain the safety fencing around the work site during this process to protect any heritage items and for public safety.”

Biosis is currently undertaking consultation with Aboriginal community and organisations, such as the Jerrinja Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Mr Dowd says this will help determine the cultural significance of Aboriginal objects and places in the Gerroa area.