Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00053:body:0:p56
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00053
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 158885–161979

evidence of convict hard labour.
The majority of the convict-built structures are located within the Plateau precinct and in the Workshop complex within the Eastern Apron. These have been surveyed in detail for a stonework conservation program. Despite being exposed to the marine environment, the stonework is in relatively good condition. Human intervention has had a much greater impact on the intactness of the remaining fabric with removal of stone, replacement of roofs, and installation of services. Varying degrees of intervention has resulted in changes to the external appearance and internal configuration of buildings. As a result, many of the convict buildings or their original uses are not easily identifiable as being from that period.
The Residential precinct on the Plateau has functioned as the main domestic residential area of the island since it was first permanently occupied. Consequently, the general layout and appearance has remained largely intact and identifiable as residential, with the older building subject to numerous additions to accommodate changes in domestic life. These buildings have housed important figures in the Island's history, including Gother Kerr Mann who was responsible for the construction of the Fitzroy Dock. This precinct also contains the remaining underground convict built wheat silos and the main area of trees and garden plantings on the Island.
The domestic landscape had deteriorated since the island was vacated in 1992. The gardens had become overgrown and tree roots were beginning to undermine building foundations, underground services and stone walls which previously delineated the residential subdivision pattern of the precinct. Modest landscaping works since then have restored the grounds.
Historical research has identified the pattern of development of the Plateau from the convict period through to the final phases of the maritime industrial use. This has guided archaeological investigations now and will continue to do so into the future. They have already uncovered valuable information about convict remains including the unearthing of the solitary cells and storage areas under the Cookhouse, and have the potential to uncover yet more exceptionally significant convict remains.
The central industrial workshop buildings on the Plateau provide rare surviving evidence of industrial processes, including the changing technology of shipbuilding and repair. The main issue with these buildings have been the deterioration of fabric; roofs, gutters, joinery and wall cladding, and associated water damage. Major repairs and restoration works have been undertaken to the convict guardhouse, mess hall, courtyard and barracks in the Convict Precinct.
Extensive conservation and repair works to the former Convict Superintendent's House (Biloela House) were completed in 2013. Works involved the removal of unsympathetic alterations and additions, and the repair of original fabric rather than replacement. Minimal alterations improved the accessibility of the building.
Following initial archaeological investigations