Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343:front:0:p9
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 22047–25025

next reviewed.

At Cape Denison, this involves managing access to and activities at the site, and ensuring that there is an appropriate program of works to conserve, protect and present the heritage values of the historic buildings, associated cultural heritage objects and natural features.

Off-site, this involves documenting and interpreting the site in a manner that encourages Australians to appreciate the experiences and achievements of the members of the AAE, particularly during the years of occupation.

1.1.5 Conservation Principles

The heritage values of Mawson's Huts Historic Site should be identified, protected, conserved, presented and transmitted to all generations.

Values Identified: The Mawson's Huts Historic Site has been identified as a National and Commonwealth Heritage place under the EPBC Act.

Heritage values of the site meet key criteria associated with entry onto the National and Commonwealth Heritage list. These values represent both tangible and intangible aspects and are discussed in detail in section 2.5.2.

Over time minor changes to the values have occurred and as a result further refining and researching of these values need to take place.

Protected and Conserved: Significant fabric should be conserved in its original context.

The primary historical reference point is December 1913, when the Australasian Antarctic Expedition abandoned the base.

The 1913 internal configuration of the intact buildings (the Main Hut and Magnetograph House) should be cautiously revealed (by removing ice, subject to conditions) to show the passage of time and a moment in time, and where necessary repaired (by reconstructing fixtures broken by ice).

A secondary reference point is January 1931, for those parts modified by the British, Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition (BANZARE).

The Transit Hut and Absolute Magnetic Hut should be preserved as standing ruins evoking a moment in time and the passage of time. The effects of a century of exposure should not be obscured, unless to prevent structural failure.

Interventions at Cape Denison should do as much as is necessary to conserve the site's integrity, but otherwise change as little as possible so that the site's cultural significance is retained.

Objects should be kept in or returned to their documented or likely original context, not arranged for display. Significant objects may be treated to stall deterioration, where possible on site.

Objects in the external scatters should only be removed (either from the site or into a hut) if they are exceptional to interpretation, and removal is the sole practical means of ensuring their survival. No replica objects should be introduced. Objects that are moved should be returned to the site following any conservation works. Where this is not possible or practical, objects should ultimately be placed with a suitable collection agency.

Presented and Transmitted: Research and conservation partnerships