I write in response to the letter from Kate Jackson, representative of Boral on 22/12/23. 

Ms Jackson correctly points out that Boral’s sand mining activities on the current site in Minnamurra (known as 5B) are legal and were authorised by the NSW Independent Planning Commission. 

So yes -Boral is within their legal rights to mine this area of enormous ecological, historical and cultural Aboriginal significance. However, Boral can be well-reminded that the actions of companies in 2024 will be judged not solely on whether you can do something but whether you should. 

Rio Tinto was within their legal rights too when they detonated the 46,000 year old Aboriginal culturally significant Juukan Gorge caves in 2020. The international community and shareholders judged these ‘legal actions’ as falling short of societal expectations with untold reputational damage to Rio Tinto. 

So Boral, should a historical heritage site, the probable site of the Minnamurra Massacre be destroyed when there are alternatives? Should you ignore the wishes of the local Aboriginal people after you consulted them? History is likely to say no. Come on Boral, do the right thing here and by stepping away the goodwill you engender could return you far more profit. 

Dr Fiona Mackie

Kiama Resident