7. Aboriginal Cultural Significance

  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

Prehistoric and historic Aboriginal sites and places will generally have specific significance to the Aboriginal community that possess custodianship, and more broadly to Australian-Aboriginal people.

Any archaeological sites that may potentially be located in the study area are to be considered as culturally significant to the WTLC&CHC, the VBELC and the BLCAC. Such sites are the main source of information about the area's Aboriginal past as they provide evidence for occupation and land use.

Furthermore, due to past European land use practices and development, Aboriginal archaeological sites are uncommon features in the region. So, sites that still exist, and those yet to be found, are important glimpses of past Aboriginal occupation of the area and of Aboriginal cultural significance.

It is important also to note that archaeological and Aboriginal cultural significance does not necessarily follow the same assessment criteria. Archaeological sites or places that are not of high scientific significance can be of high cultural significance to the local Aboriginal community. It is, of course, up to the local Aboriginal communities to assess the Aboriginal cultural significance of any sites within their area of custodianship.

Copies of this report were forward to WTLC&CHC, BLCAC and VBELC (see Glossary for details) for review and comment. The BLCAC and VBELC have provided short statements regarding cultural significance and endorsed the findings and recommendations made in this report, while the WTLC&CHC have provided verbal endorsement (Harry Terrick).

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