Wollongong City Council has halted works on the $2.4 million extension of the Sandon Point Surf Life Saving Club after the discovery of an Aboriginal midden near the building.

Council has been in consultation with the local Aboriginal Land Council, a local Aboriginal Archaeological consultant, and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage to ensure all appropriate steps are taken.

Prior to works on the site beginning Council had commissioned an Aboriginal Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Assessment in 2007 by Comber Consultants. The 10 recommendations in this report were conditions of consent for the works.

Director Infrastructure and Works Peter Kofod said: “Council values its indigenous heritage and we have been working with the Aboriginal communities to ensure we retain this valuable heritage,” Mr Kofod said.

Council has changed its plans for the refurbishment to ensure that the works fell outside the Sandon Point Aboriginal Place. The discovery of the midden was outside this designated place.

Council will now work with all groups involved to redesign the works to limit any further disturbance of this site. Council is now liaising with the Office of Environment and Heritage.

Council has asked the contractor to halt further works and will now work with the Office of Environment and Heritage to ensure we comply with all legislative requirements.

Work on the site began in April and was expected to be completed by November 2011.