Introduction: A clash of development and sacred land
The South Australian government is weighing a plan to upgrade the North Adelaide golf course to host the Saudi-backed LIV tournament from 2028. The upgrade would require tearing into parts of the course, despite warnings that there is a high probability of burial sites lying beneath the surface for more than a metre. Indigenous elders and native title holders say the proposal rawly infringes on Pirltawardli, a substantial ceremonial precinct central to Kaurna history and identity.
What is Pirltawardli and why it matters?
Pirltawardli has long been recognised as a focal point in Kaurna culture, serving as a gathering place, a site of language learning, a colonial store, and even the state’s first Christian mission. Government documents describe it as playing a central role in the history of race relations in South Australia. Its southern section contains a rich archaeological record that extends beyond a single era, reflecting centuries of ceremony, learning, and community life.
The legal framework and the risk to human remains
The Heritage Act requires ministerial permission to disturb sites of cultural significance. In this case, officials have acknowledged that bones could be disturbed during upgrades and that any remains would be removed by an archaeologist. The state’s Attorney-General’s Department notes that disturbance cannot be avoided in places with a substantial burial heritage, a reality that has alarmed Kaurna custodians who see Pirltawardli as more than a patch of ground to be redesigned for sport.
Is there time for dialogue?
A government spokesperson says there has been consultation with tradition owners and the Indigenous community, including a public meeting, and that the submission window has been extended to gather more feedback. Yet community leaders question whether the engagement has translated into meaningful consideration of cultural values and spiritual responsibilities tied to the land.
Accounts from Kaurna elders and custodians
Mitzi Nam, chair of the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation, says the idea of disturbing Pirltawardli makes the community feel “sick” and “distressed.” She warns that there has been no formal consultation on the design and urges more compassion in how the land is treated. Lynette Crocker, chair of the Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage Association, recalls the painful history of burial-site removals along the River Torrens and says the current proposal would dishonour a living cultural footprint. “We wouldn’t knock down Adelaide’s cathedral,” she added, urging the government to honor the parkland’s significance. Susan Dixon, a Kaurna custodian and member of the state’s First Nations voice to parliament, emphasized the spiritual and historical ties to Pirltawardli and urged broader listening to Indigenous perspectives. Dr Jenni Caruso, an Eastern Arrente scholar at the University of Adelaide, warned that disturbing this site would “dispossess” a foundational layer of South Australia’s history.
Economic arguments vs cultural heritage
Proponents highlight Vision Insights’ analysis that the LIV event delivered about 81 million dollars to the state in 2025 and drew tens of thousands of visitor nights. The City of Adelaide’s reconciliation council has urged that preservation be a cornerstone of any redevelopment, arguing that heritage should be safeguarded, interpreted, and integrated into a broader public understanding. Critics, however, see this as a test of how far a modern sport’s economic impact can justify compromise of a sacred site.
What happens next?
The government says it is reviewing a ministerial decision in light of community feedback and heritage considerations. The path forward will hinge on balancing development needs with the spiritual duties of Kaurna custodians and the broader public interest in protecting Pirltawardli as a living part of South Australia’s story.
Looking ahead: Reconciliation in practice
As discussions continue, the case highlights a broader question for Australia: can development move forward while respecting Indigenous sovereignty and cultural memory? Advocates insist that true reconciliation means more than token consultation and would see land treated with dignity, ensuring that sites like Pirltawardli remain a visible link to the Kaurna people’s enduring connection to their country.
