Statement from Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:
After a recommendation from the NSW Heritage Council, I have decided to list Ravensworth Homestead Complex and Setting on the State Heritage Register. The item is located on Glencore land in the Hunter region.
I acknowledge that I have taken a long time to make this decision, much longer than the statutory deadline. However, sometimes decisions are complex and it is appropriate that Ministers take time to consider the many facets of an issue and talk to those involved.
I have directed this listing on the strong recommendation of the NSW Heritage Council.
The Council recommended I direct the listing due to the significance of the convict-built structures, archaeology and related landscape setting. This well-preserved remnant of an early pastoral estate provides a window into how government policy drove rapid European settlement beyond the Cumberland Plain and into the Hunter region in the 1820s.
The heritage assessment notes:
Due to the relatively modest history of development throughout the 19th and 20th century, the landscape has the potential to provide information, by way of further study and archaeological investigation, into pre-and post-contact Aboriginal lives, colonial building techniques, 19th century lifestyles, agricultural and horticultural practices and the working lives of convicts in a non-institutional setting, which is considered rare.
The site is an important representation of our pastoral heritage.
It is important to note that although the site has long been associated with historic frontier conflict, the nature of the site's Aboriginal cultural heritage is contested amongst the local Aboriginal community. I respect both perspectives.
As part of my deliberations, I visited Ravensworth Homestead Complex and Setting, met with the owners of the site and met with several local Aboriginal groups. I also considered the view of the local council. The opinions of, and information from, all these groups have informed my decision.
The Ravensworth homestead buildings are on land owned by Glencore plc. I note that they do not support the listing and they expressed this to me in person.
As Minister for Heritage, my strong preference is to direct listings that are supported by the owner of the site or building. In this case, I have weighed heavily Glencore's view. However, it is my view that on balance, their view does not outweigh the heritage significance of the site.
During the consultation period, submissions overwhelmingly favoured listing this important site. During my discussions and deliberation, Glencore raised with me that in the future they may apply to expand their neighbouring mine. Currently, there are no approvals nor applications for them to do so.
At any point, if the owners wish to consider options for the future management of Ravensworth Homestead Complex and Setting, I am willing to discuss and refer them to the NSW Heritage Council, including site-specific exemptions that could be appropriate.
