3. Aboriginal Site Prediction Model & Implications

1. Previously Recorded Aboriginal Sites and Places
2. Previous Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Studies
3. Aboriginal Site Prediction Model and Implications for this Investigation
4. Relocation of Previously Recorded Sites
5. Areas of Archaeologically Potential/Sensitivity
6. Discussion - Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
7. Aboriginal Cultural Significance

Based on the archaeological, ethnographic and historical background the implications for this investigation are:

• Only a small proportion (less than 5%) of the City of Monash has been previously surveyed for Aboriginal archaeological sites.
• Scarred trees are the most likely site types to be located in the City of Monash.
• Scarred tree sites within the study area will be limited to areas that contain mature gum trees.
• Less likely site types are isolated artefact occurrences, surface and sub-surface stone artefact scatter sites.
• The dominant raw material types used for the manufacture of stone tools within any lithic site is expected to be quartz and silcrete.
• The Dandenong Creek and its immediate floodplain area have been identified as being of low archaeological sensitivity for Aboriginal lithic sites.
• Due to the land use history of the Dandenong Creek, any Aboriginal lithic material found on the banks of Dandenong Creek within the study area will not be in situ.
• Providing only low-level development has occurred, lithic sites may potentially be located on alluvial terraces and adjacent hills to Dandenong Creek Valley.
• The potential for areas of sensitivity in areas away from the Dandenong Creek, such as at Valley Reserve and along some less disturbed sections of Scotchmans, Gardiners and Damper creeks has not been tested due to lack of survey coverage in these areas. But a very low potential for surface or sub-surface lithic sites may still exist in relatively undisturbed areas or below the surface within 100m of these creeks.
• Due to catchment land use history, archaeological material can potentially be buried up to several metres within stream alluvium.
• Any site located within Monash will most likely date to the last 5,000 years but more probably the past 1,000 years.