Manningham council conceded that there may be flaws in their policy. It s possible that the amendment covers these mines. Peter Hanson believes Manningham council does not have sufficient knowledge of Warrandyte s mines. All significant archaeological sites, including mine shafts, are protected under Victoria s Heritage Act. Jeremy Smith, an archaeologist with Heritage Victoria, described Warrandyte s gold mines as very significant.
Every goldfield is different.
The scheme does not aim to prohibit development, Mr Collins said. It will provide a framework for balanced decisions. It s about weighing up the issues. Heritage Victoria archaeologist, Jeremy Smith, said his organisation does have the legal power to protect significant sites. Under the terms of the Heritage Act it s an offence to damage a heritage site.