An Aboriginal Midden on the South Coast of NSW

Biosis was commissioned by Endeavour Energy to undertake an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) including Aboriginal community consultation and an archaeological survey on the south coast of NSW.

The ACHA was required to assess the potential impact on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage values as a result of emergency restoration work to the existing transmission line, which was eroding out of the sand bank.

Biosis archaeologists are experts in cultural heritage management for large-scale multi-partner developments and known for their strong record in positive community facilitation

Biosis led the preparation of the ACHA, working in close partnership with the Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPS) to ensure the respectful treatment of cultural values across the main areas of development. Biosis was subsequently engaged to undertake archaeological excavations for the project, for which an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) was required.

Shell Midden and Lithic Artefacts

The AHIP application required a highly tailored excavation methodology and research questions that considered the significance of the site to the local Aboriginal community, potential site contents, site formation processes and coastal geomorphology.

The excavations , conducted by Biosis archaeologists in collaboration with members of the RAPs, revealed two intact, stratified Aboriginal midden deposits containing substantial quantities of shell material and lithic artefacts. These deposits represent two distinct periods of site use or occupation by past Aboriginal people.

Biosis is currently working with the RAPs and Heritage NSW, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to establish a Care and Control Agreement for the cultural material.

• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment
• Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit
• Aboriginal community consultation
• Archaeological test excavations
• Archaeological survey
• Artefact analysis
• Care and control agreement for cultural material

Project Outcomes

Through this project, Biosis has strengthened relationships with the RAPs throughout the ACHA to develop and implement mitigation measures designed to protect and salvage the heritage values of the site while allowing the emergency works to proceed. This project is still ongoing. Biosis and the RAPs are looking forward to completing the next phases of the project.