However a group of local Kabi Kabi people say that Djaki Kundu is a sacred site, which had been used for their gatherings and ceremonies for a long time, and had connections to the songlines of the seven sisters, the water spirit and four fish dreamings. Work was suspended in November 2020 after the matter was sent to an independent assessor, a specialist in First Nations matters, but the area was deemed not of sufficient significance to be protected. After work was resumed following "a final decision from the Federal Environment Minister", protesters tried to block the site, but were removed by police and five people were arrested for trespassing.
