To the Premier of NSW ​

We, the undersigned, respectfully request a moratorium be placed on the development works currently taking place on the North Lismore Plateau (Banyam Baigham) until Widjabul/Wiyabul Elders are included in all future decisions regarding the North Lismore Plateau development. This would include a representative of the Bundjalung Elders Council to be given written permission to inspect any work sites during business hours in order to monitor and potentially halt any damage being caused to sacred sites. ​

The North Lismore Plateau (Banyam Biagham) is the most significant place on the NSW North Coast for the Widjabul/Wyabul people of the Bundjalung Nation. Lismore City Council has approved several Development Applications covering both the Floodplain and hill sections of the Plateau, despite hundreds of objections from locals. Known as ‘The Sleeping Lizard’, the 334 hectares on the plateau have been the subject of both Archaeological and Environmental surveys in the lead up to the proposed development applications.​

 "If you take away our history, we have no future", says Uncle Mickey Ryan (Bundjalung Elders Council). The Social and Emotional impact on the Widjabul people as their Sacred sites, burial places, Scar trees and Cultural artefacts are impacted by development is incalculable. ​

Additionally, as identified by Ecologist David Milledge in his Report to Lismore City Council, the endangered Flora and Fauna upon the Plateau include: Hairy Joint Grass, Koala, Bent Wing Bat, White Monarch bird and the Endangered Ecological Community of Dry Subtropical Rainforest locally known at the “Big Scrub”. ​

The development of North Lismore Plateau is not supported by a substantial section of the Lismore community and, we, the undersigned, believe the Council does not have a "social licence" to proceed further with using its finite resources on this unpopular project.

Sincerely,

Dot Moller, for the North Lismore Plateau Protection Association