Cultural Site Monitoring

Cultural Site Monitoring involves Traditional Owners and can be used when Projects involving excavations and construction works proceed which carefully considers potential impacts on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. This can mitigate the risk of impact on Aboriginal Heritage during these project works and can ensure as little disruption as possible when preventing harm to any archaeological finds which may be discovered during the course of works. When projects are planned to take place in areas where known Aboriginal heritage exists, there is a risk project activities may damage, disturb or interfere with the known Aboriginal sites, objects or remains. In project areas where heritage is unknown or may be subsurface, there is also a risk of damage to Aboriginal heritage uncovered or discovered during project works.

A Cultural Sites Officer ensures monitoring for any change, damage or potential risk to a site.

Reporting Objects

If you find or believe you have found an Aboriginal object:

  1. Leave it where it is
  2. Note any details about the object and its location
  3. Report the object and its location by calling the Environment Line on 131 555 or emailing info@environment.nsw.gov.au
  4. Even if you believe the object is in danger of being damaged or harmed, it is very important to leave it alone and report it immediately. You may be committing an offence if you handle or move the object. The NPW Act 1974 calls for the location of Aboriginal objects to be reported regardless of whether they are on public or private land.
  5. If you’re unsure what information or relevant details should be included when reporting an Aboriginal object, please contact 131 555.