RELICS ROCK BYPASS
Indigenous artefact find sparks fears of delays and cost blowout for $117m Bellarine project
THE discovery of a 5000-year-old hammer stone and other Aboriginal artefacts in the path of the Drysdale Bypass could see the project headed for delays and cost blowouts.
Roads Minister Luke Donnellan yesterday refused to reveal the cost of the hunt for indigenous artefacts or whether the excavation could delay the $117 million road project.
But nearby residents such as Princess St homeowners Gayle and Ted Harrold have said they are worried the artefact search will cause project delays and see its price tag skyrocket.
“Our concern is the massive blowout of costs that will be presented at the end of this project,” the pair told the Geelong Advertiser. “There is work under way to excavate an area near our house looking for Aboriginal artefacts.”
THE discovery of a 5000year-old hammer stone and other Aboriginal artefacts in the path of the Drysdale Bypass could see the project headed for delays and cost blowouts.
Roads Minister Luke Donnellan yesterday refused to reveal the cost of the hunt for indigenous artefacts or whether the excavation could delay the $117 million road project.
But nearby neighbours such as Princess St homeowners Gayle and Ted Harrold have said they are worried the artefact search will cause project delays and see its price tag skyrocket.
“Our concern is the massive blowout of costs that will be presented at the end of this project,” they told the Geelong Advertiser.
“There is work under way to excavate an area near our house looking for Aboriginal artefacts.”
“This work so far has been carried out on weekend at 1½, double-time pay. This is not an urgent procedure.
Ms Harrold said the completion of the project could be delayed by “willynilly” spending on the hunt for artefacts.
Mr Donnellan did not directly respond to questions about specific costs of the works, whether he could guarantee its on-time delivery, or if a significant find would put the project on hold.
It is not known how long the artefact hunt will continue for.
“Crews are working alongside the local Aboriginal community to uncover and document any significant items to ensure major construction gets under way later this year,” Mr Donnellan
said. Mr Harrold said taxpayers had the “right to know what this is costing us”.
A large mechanical sieve and excavator were at the site yesterday, where initial works started last week.
The works are being undertaken by a contractor under supervision by the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation and the Major Road Projects Authority.
Discovered artefacts will remain in the custody of the Heritage Advisor until Traditional Owners determine if the artefact stays in their possession, is displayed at a museum or is repatriated to country upon completion of the project.
It is hoped any artefacts uncovered will help provide a better understanding of the area’s history.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville visited the site last month to announce the Government had secured an early works agreement to get started on the $117 million Drysdale Bypass project — first funded in 2014.
The 6km bypass from Jetty Rd to north of Whitcombes Rd will help reduce traffic congestion through town by about 40 per cent and improve safety, Ms Neville said last month.
Construction is on track to start in September.