Overview
We would like your feedback on the draft Technical Guidelines on the Archaeological Assessment of First Nations Underwater Cultural Heritage in Commonwealth Waters.
The draft guidelines address the demand for Commonwealth standards for the archaeological assessment and management of First Nations underwater cultural heritage in the near and offshore development industry in Commonwealth waters. They guide near and offshore developers (proponents) and underwater archaeologists (consultants) on how to meet the requirements of the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 (UCH Act), for protecting and managing First Nations (archaeological) underwater cultural heritage.
First Nations people have occupied the lands and waters of Australia for millennia. During that occupation period sea levels have fluctuated but were approximately 40 meters lower or more than present sea levels for most of that time. During the last Ice Age, the continent was much larger because sea levels were significantly lower, down to approximately 125 meters below present sea levels.
The physical evidence that people lived on parts of the continent that are now underwater could be impacted by near and offshore development. The draft guidelines communicate ways to locate and assess potential archaeological sites and artefacts which form part of this underwater cultural heritage. It also highlights stakeholder communication expectations.
The draft guidelines include:
discussion of legal requirements, protections and definitions under the UCH Act
discussion of international best practice and its application in Commonwealth waters
a national standard framework (archaeological methods and techniques) for the archaeological assessment of First Nations UCH (how to locate, investigate and report underwater archaeological sites)
standards for assessment, mitigation and management of potential impacts to First Nations underwater archaeological sites
protocols for appropriate stakeholder engagement and consultation.
To have your say
Read the draft Technical Guidelines on the Archaeological Assessment of First Nations Underwater Cultural Heritage in Commonwealth Waters
Take our survey
Upload your submission or feedback by 5.00pm ADST on Friday, 29 November 2024.
