Queensland Pacific Metals Ltd (ASX:QPM) (FRA:4EA) has entered into a Cultural Heritage Management Agreement (CHMA) with the Bindal People for its TECH Project at Townsville in North Queensland.
According to the agreement, the company acknowledges that the Bindal People are the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Lansdown site where the TECH Project will be constructed.
The CHMA between QPM and the Bindal People is being implemented to ensure Aboriginal Cultural Heritage is identified and managed as part of the TECH Project.
"Committed to preserve cultural heritage"
QPM managing director Stephen Grocott said: “As Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, we are honoured that the Bindal People have welcomed us to the Lansdown TECH Project site.
“We are committed to ensuring that Cultural Heritage is respected and preserved by QPM and its contractors.
“We are also committed to maximising TECH Project employment opportunities for the Bindal People and the greater Aboriginal community.”
Cultural Heritage Management Agreement
The Bindal People lodged a Native Title Determination Application, which was registered under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
Under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld), the Bindal People are the appropriate Aboriginal party to be involved with the assessment and management of cultural heritage.
The CHMA governs Cultural Heritage Investigations that must take place on the TECH Project’s Lansdown site before starting construction activities.
It also governs ongoing Cultural Heritage management throughout the operation of the project.
A milestone
QPM says the execution of the CHMA is an important milestone for the TECH Project as part of its pre-development activities.
After the wet season, there has been significant grass and weed regrowth on the project site.
QPM will clear the regrowth and then work with the Bindal People to undertake the Cultural Heritage Investigation activities and this work is expected to be completed during September and December quarters.
As part of the CHMA, QPM will commit to entering a Heads of Agreement with the Bindal People regarding indigenous employment policy, training, apprenticeships and other opportunities.
QPM will also encourage its contractors to also make commitments in providing Aboriginal employment opportunities.