Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343:front:0:p3
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off from Hobart to lead the 1911–1914 Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) in exploring a section of the practically unknown Antarctic coast.  This was Australia's first large-scale scientific program after Federation.

The AAE was groundbreaking in every respect, innovating and introducing such 'new' technology as radio communications and utilising a wingless plane as an air tractor for hauling sledges. Despite the bitter cold and isolation, the AAE expeditioners gathered a wealth of scientific and geographical information and established a proud legacy which stands to this day. This expedition and two subsequent expeditions between 1929 and 1931 laid the foundations for the Australian Antarctic Territory which covers 42% of the continent.

For one hundred years, the AAE huts at Cape Denison have been emblematic of Australia's Antarctic history as the birthplace and forerunner of the work now supported or undertaken by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). Their significance has been nationally recognised through the listing of the site as a National Heritage place and a Commonwealth Heritage place.

The isolation and extreme conditions of the Mawson's Huts site make the work of conserving them extremely challenging. Despite this, significant progress in the conservation of the huts has been made under the previous management plan, including stabilisation works to the Transit Hut, ice excavation from the Main Hut and the on-site conservation of many artefacts. Much of this work has been achieved through the combined efforts of the Australian Government and dedicated and hardworking private groups such as the Mawson's Huts Foundation.

One hundred years after the commencement of Mawson's inspirational expedition, this management plan will guide Australian efforts to preserve that moment in time when the AAE abandoned the site to the elements in December 1913.  It also allows for an appreciation of what one hundred years of exposure to extreme cold and regular blizzards can do to the fabric of the huts.

The Australian Government remains committed to the careful and strategic management of the Mawson's Huts site and will continue to work closely with interested organisations to protect and manage this most precious and unique example of Australia's Antarctic history.  One hundred years on from Douglas Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition, it is my pleasure to reflect on the significance of Mawson's legacy and to recommend this plan and its contents to all Australians.

Tony Burke
Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water Population and Communities

Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Executive Summary
PART 1 – INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Objective of the Plan
1.1.3 Overarching Conservation Philosophy
1.1.4 Objectives
1.1.5 Conservation Principles
1.2 Management Framework
1.2.1 International Treaties, Australian Statutory Requirements and Conservation Charters
1.2.2 Agency Mechanisms
1.2.3 Decision Making Process for Management of the Site
1.2.4 Collaborative Partnerships
PART 2 –