A state trust fund set up to compensate Hunter Indigenous communities for the loss of culturally-significant sites due to coal mining, has been accused of returning little to the region.
The Herald reports cash handouts have been distributed to compensate
for only two Upper Hunter mining programs in a twelve year period, leaving
Aboriginal Elders demanding an explanation for the lack of funds.
The trust allows Indigenous communities to apply for funding to run employment and cultural heritage programs, with mining companies
contributing $50,000 for each consent granted.
It's believed the trust's original advisory group hasn't met in up to a decade, angering Indigenous communities, who are demanding to know where the money's been spent.
