Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343:reg:16:p8
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 16 (pt 8/51)
Character Range: 217134–220032

for research.

Management and documentation of cultural heritage objects and artefact scatters

Mawson's Huts appear to have been subject to the least intervention of all the surviving Heroic Era sites. At other sites, particularly those that have been regularly visited, there was until recently a tendency for historic artefact scatters to have either been collected and displayed out of context for the convenience of visitors, or removed and disposed of without a heritage assessment because the items were regarded as rubbish. In the case of the four Ross Sea sites from the era, there has been a concerted effort to reverse much of this intervention which is now viewed as inappropriate.

The original locations and patterns of deposition of cultural heritage objects may contain information on human behaviour beyond that in documentary sources. While it is likely that the location of artefact scatters on the site is influenced by wind and melt water, and possibly visitor activity, the patterns of placement of these objects could yield information that will contribute to a wider understanding of history.

On occasions, visitors to the site have accidentally or deliberately moved artefacts. Guides provide information to visitors on not moving or touching artefacts. As artefacts become exposed through ice ablation, it may be necessary to remove objects for conservation purposes. Returning the objects to their place of origin may not always be practical or possible, although it is preferred.

The AAD maintains an Antarctic Heritage Register available through the AAD website. Over 1700 artefacts from Cape Denison are recorded in the register. This number will grow as more artefacts are located and assessed.

Management and documentation of objects elsewhere

There are a number of sites associated with the 1911-13 AAE's expedition not within the Historic Site boundary that hold heritage values associated with the site. In the region surrounding the identified site, there are remnants of depots and artefact scatters near to the site and along traverse lines.

The wireless repeater station established on Macquarie Island in 1911 played a critical role in linking wireless communications between Antarctic and Australia. This site is managed by the Tasmanian Government. Pieces of the wireless mast at Macquarie Island were removed in 2011 in a joint operation by the Mawson's Huts Foundation and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. The mast pieces have been given to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery for conservation.

The Australian-based wireless station at the Queen's Domain in Tasmania also has potential historic significance associated with the listed site. Being physically separate to the listed place, these associated sites cannot be considered part of the historic values listed under the EPBC Act for the Mawson's Huts site. The station now known as