Rottnest Island Bus Stop Redevelopment Halted Permanently After Aboriginal Remains Found
A project to redevelop the main bus stop at Rottnest Island has been permanently ceased after the discovery of Aboriginal human remains. The Rottnest Island Authority has collaborated with the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation to ensure a culturally appropriate burial and plans for future memorialisation.
A project to redevelop the main bus stop at Rottnest Island, a popular tourist destination in Western Australia, has been permanently ceased after the discovery of Aboriginal human remains.
The Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) announced the decision to halt the project following advice from the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation (WAC), the Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group (WARG), and the Wadjemup Whadjuk Cultural Authority (WWCA).
The ancestral remains, referred to as Baalang, were discovered in early April on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Church during construction works. The bones were brought to the mainland for testing, and a culturally appropriate burial was conducted in May.