Large developments such as Peninsula Link can impact on sites that have cultural heritage significance.  Whenever possible, these impacts are identified and protected, preserving the links with the past history and culture of the local area.

Abigroup has prepared a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the Peninsula Link Project, which has been approved by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.  Archaeological digs were undertaken as part of the Plan to investigate sites of Aboriginal cultural heritage sensitivity. A Historical Heritage Assessment was completed to identify any sites of non-Aboriginal historical significance.

During the archaeological digs, numerous Aboriginal cultural heritage places were identified within and adjacent to Peninsula Link’s route.  One site of non-Aboriginal historical significance was discovered. 
To protect these places, Southern Way will:

• undertake a detailed salvage program for cultural heritage artifacts prior to start of construction
• establish fenced ‘no-go zones’ to protect areas of cultural heritage significance where construction and clearing will be prohibited
• use construction methods that will have minimal impacts on known cultural heritage sites.

Protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage

As part of the project team's work to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage, a number of sites will be dedicated as ‘no-go zones’.  This will involve fencing sites to ensure they will not be disturbed during clearing and construction.  A salvage program at some of these sites may also be carried out to collect any heritage items from the ground.

If Aboriginal places or objects other than those already identified are discovered during construction, work will be suspended, the site will be fenced off and a Cultural Heritage Advisor will attend the site to assess its cultural significance.

Indigenous persons are the authority on indigenous cultural heritage.  Two Land Councils, the Boon Wurrung Foundation Inc and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation were consulted during the Cultural Heritage Management Plan and will continue to play an important role in the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage sites. 

Protecting non-Aboriginal cultural heritage

The Westerfield property has been identified as containing items of heritage significance and as result is now listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.  Significant heritage items on the site include:

• dam wall timber and steel reinforcing wall
• a wooden depth gauge
• remnants of a jetty
• irrigation piping.

To prevent any impacts on this site ‘no go zones’ will be created where construction will be prohibited, allowing the retention of as many items of heritage significance as possible.  When this is not possible, heritage items will be relocated under supervision of a qualified archaeologist or a Cultural Heritage Advisor.

Information

Cultural Heritage information sheet