Baiame Cave near Milbrodale is one of community's most precious sites but plans for its future management appear stalled and in the meantime vandals have recently damaged the site by carving initials into the cave wall.
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Regular visitor Wonnarua elder, Warren Taggart, wants the cave closed to the public until it can be properly protected and managed to ensure future generations can view and learn from this ancient site.
Warren loves the place, especially when he is there talking to school children about its Aboriginal heritage and its special place in their lives.
"I just want to see the cave protected that's my personal opinion and at the moment it is at great risk with people able to come and go anytime, we need to control access to the site," he said.
Located on private land the cave overlooks the Milbrodale/Bulga Valley and contains a series of rock art motifs including white stencils hands and most importantly the depiction of Baiame -with arms outstretched.
Baiame is understood by some Aboriginal people across NSW to be the creator, the 'Father of All' the most important ancestor and law-maker.
The site is described as a rare indigenous rock art painting site and one of a series of sites associated with Baiame including one at nearby Mount Yengo.
National Parks and Wildlife Service provided better access to the site by installing stairs and a viewing platform a few years ago along with signage and promoting the site on its website. Visitor numbers to the cave have increased
In 2016 the cave received dual heritage listing being registered as an Aboriginal Place and also being listed as a State significant heritage item.
It was around this time that work began on a Conservation Management Plan for the site with the then NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) approving a $70,000 (ex GST) grant to Wonnarua National Aboriginal Corporation for the project entitled 'Conservation Management Plan, Baiame Cave, Milbrodale'.
Sydney based heritage consultants GML Heritage were engaged to prepared the plan and a final draft was delivered by them to the OEH in August 2018.
Since that time communications between the various stakeholders including the owners of the land where the cave is located, the Smith family, and OEH have been limited as the family seeks to know what was happening with the draft plan. Also from July this year the work of the OEH was assumed by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment which seems to make communications harder.
Speaking to the Argus while sitting under the rock cave awaiting a visit from local school children Noeline Smith says like Warren her family simply wants to see the cave properly protected and the Conservation Management Plan finalised.
"Our family have been here for generations and we just want to ensure the best outcome for the site. There needs to be changes to the access including roads and the steps up to he cave and viewing platform need moving but we don't really know what's happening with the plan at this stage," she said.
The Argus sought comment from the state government on the grant funding and the conservation management plan with the Department Premier and Cabinet spokesperson saying "The Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation received a State government heritage grant to support the preparation of a conservation management plan to guide management of Baiame Cave."
"The NSW Government continues to work with the land owner and key stakeholders to discuss ways to conserve and protect the site in the future. The Management Plan will be a key document in shaping the best approach."
Mrs Smith said one idea put forward was opening the cave for set days each week and then outside those times by appointment only.
"It could become a place of learning and healing it is such a beautiful setting overlooking the valley. But we need to work on access and ensuring the cave is fully protected.
"Hopefully we get word soon on the progress of the plan and in the meantime we might have to consider closing access to the cave as its protection is our main priority."
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
