Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343:reg:16:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 16 (pt 4/51)
Character Range: 206673–209637

moisture within walls and ceiling will also be undertaken. This information will assist in understanding the climatic impact of the over-cladding of the roof and the potential need for better ventilation.

Fauna impacts

Although Cape Denison contains Adélie penguin colonies, none are located near the buildings. However, the historic fabric has the potential to injure fauna. There is no evidence of fauna damaging huts or artefacts (such as seals rubbing against structures or objects). Adélie penguins have been observed to move small artefacts.

Fire

One of the greatest risks to timber buildings in polar or alpine areas is fire as a result of accidental or deliberate human action. There are no known instances of fire caused as a result of atmospheric disturbance in Antarctica.

To reduce the risk of fire, the environmental monitoring system installed inside the Main Hut, contains no exposed wires. These stand-alone loggers monitor temperature, relative humidity and vibration levels. Data from loggers are downloaded seasonally (where possible). Smoking or having naked flames in or near the huts is prohibited.

2.9.2 Logistical Constraints

Remoteness

The remoteness of the site from Australia and from Australian Antarctic stations is a major logistical constraint on conservation works. So too is the extreme and variable ice and weather conditions which govern access to the site. Cape Denison is not within the direct shipping routes to Australian stations and therefore requires a dedicated voyage or diversion or opportunistic 'piggy-back' on other vessels that operate in the area from time to time.

Ship-to-shore operations can be difficult, with no known reliably safe anchorage in Commonwealth Bay. Small boat operations are very constrained by the strong offshore winds. Helicopter access from vessels may be an option. The use of twin-engine helicopters within the area should be avoided given the proximity of wildlife.

Resources

The AAD accords the conservation of the heritage values of Mawson's Huts Historic Site a high priority.

The AAD is not specifically resourced to undertake on-site conservation work; to date, the Australian Government has provided funds to the Mawson's Huts Foundation to prepare and mount conservation expeditions on behalf of the AAD. The Mawson's Huts Foundation also raises funding to assist with the conservation of the huts.

2.9.3 Risks to Structural Integrity

Inappropriate conservation works

Works required to address structural deficiencies, and conservation works to reconstruct fittings broken by ice loads, reveal spaces or objects, or otherwise preserve key elements of the site, may pose risks to other fabric or the integrity of the site. Such works programs need to be cautiously designed and assessed prior to their implementation in order to minimise these risks. This does not, however, preclude emergency intervention in the event of unanticipated threats to the structures.