Section 9 Application Denied for Mount Panorama Wahluu

On 5 August 2025 an emergency application under Section 9 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act (ATSIHP Act) was submitted to seek protection for an area on Mt Panorama/Wahluu in McPhillamy Park. Council received correspondence today from the office of the Minister for the Environment and Water stating this application has not been granted. 

Bathurst Regional Council General Manager David Sherley remarked this is a welcome result. 

“Council submitted a response to the application in the third week of August, upon seeking an extension from the Federal Government department to appropriately provide an answer to the claim. Council was not in support of the application. 

“Senator Watts, Minister for the Environment and Water, noted that the specified area is not a significant Aboriginal area to satisfy the purposes of Section 9 of the ATSIHP Act. This is a pleasing result and supports Council’s position in regard to Mount Panorama/Wahluu,” said Mr Sherley. 

Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer  

P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: genevieve.green@bathurst.nsw.gov.au