Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01339:front:0:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01339
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 30477–33381

Australian Museum Business Services to carry out an Archaeological Survey of the Macquarie Lightstation. This was undertaken in conjunction with the La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council.

The survey found no Aboriginal sites or objects on the surface and that the previous disturbance to the site made it highly unlikely that any Aboriginal material was present. The report does note that the shell material found in the mortar of the remaining Greenway wall is likely to have come from an Aboriginal midden and appears to contain at least one possible artefact within it. It recommends that no further survey work is necessary or warranted. However, due to the shell midden material it recommends recording the wall as an Aboriginal site. It also recommends that any work to the east of the Greenway wall that will result in the exposure of the sandstone platforms will require monitoring and detailed recording conducted by a qualified archaeologist.

In 2018, as part of the CMP, LSJ engaged Dr Dominic Steele, archaeologist to prepare an Aboriginal Archaeological & Historical Assessment: Macquarie Lightstation, June 2018. This assessment was prepared in consultation with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council in accordance with the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW).

This assessment includes a detailed examination of the Aboriginal history of the place and the locality, and examined early records dating from pre-1788.

Dr Steele's assessment noted that no Aboriginal archaeological sites have previously been recorded within the lands that are managed by the Harbour Trust at the Macquarie Lightstation, or have been recorded in locations nearby. However, a large number of sites, and in particular rock engravings, have been recorded on South Head as a whole and the place has recognised Aboriginal heritage sensitivity.

The assessment states it is unclear whether the shells making up the mortar in the sandstone retaining wall are reused Aboriginal shell midden materials or derive from a natural stand. Because the evidence is unequivocal and mindful that conservation works on the wall are needed, it is reasonable to conclude that there are no obvious Aboriginal archaeological heritage constraints to the stonework repairs and replacements proceeding as planned.

However, while is unlikely that the continued use and management of the place (Lightstation building and grounds) that would proceed in a similar low-key fashion (with minimal change) will expose as yet undetected Aboriginal objects or deposits, there exists the potential for intact buried soil profiles containing archaeology to survive below present grassed levels and for sandstone bedrock that was exposed and engraved in the past to be now buried below ground. Caution is therefore recommended in all future works where 'new ground' is to be disturbed by a proposed activity.

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