Overview
The Australian Heritage Council (AHC) is currently assessing Ghow Swamp (also known as Kow Swamp) for possible inclusion in the National Heritage List.
The National Heritage List is Australia’s list of natural, Indigenous and historic places of outstanding national significance. Nominated places must meet one or more of 9 National Heritage List criteria.
The AHC’s initial assessment indicates Ghow Swamp might have National Heritage values under the following criteria:
Criterion (a): For the ancient and unbroken link of Yorta Yorta People with their Ancestors, their burials and their sites. Ghow Swamp is home to significant burial sites dating back tens of thousands of years. It is an important place in the campaign for the repatriation of Ancestors.
Criterion (b): For its important bioregions which include vulnerable and endangered species.
Criterion (i): For its significance as a cultural landscape which is an integral part of the living culture of Yorta Yorta People.
