Previous Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Investigations

As with most parts of Australia, the study area would have been well known, if not utilised, by Aboriginal people for at least the past 30,000 years. The Port Phillip Bay region has evidence for this period of occupation at Keilor (Bowler 1976:63-65), and burial sites in the Maribyrnong and Werribee River Valley dating back 7,000 years (Mulvaney 1970; Coutts 1977, 1980). While slightly more favourable climatic conditions during the early Holocene period may have seen increased use of the region during this time, greatest use is most likely to have occurred during the past 5,000 years.

Like many parts of Victoria, the study area may have experienced population increases and reorganisations of social groupings due to a series of complex internal changes in society (Lourandos 1993).

1. Previously Recorded Aboriginal Sites & Places

There have been two Aboriginal archaeological sites previously recorded within the study area - both are scarred trees (AAV 7922/353 and 7922/614).

2. Previous Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Studies

There have been eight Aboriginal cultural heritage investigations within or near the study area.

3. Aboriginal Site Prediction Model & Implications

Based on the archaeological, ethnographic and historical background the implications for this investigation are detailed here.

4. Relocation of Previously Recorded Sites

The two sites recorded in the study area were subject to a field inspection on 14 June 2002 after a meeting at the City of Monash.

5. Areas of Archaeological Potential & Sensitivity

Areas designated as archaeologically sensitive are those evaluated as containing potential for archaeological sites.

6. Discussion - Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

The results of the background research and site survey indicate that past land-use practice and high levels of ground disturbance have had a severe impact on surface archaeological sites.

7. Aboriginal Cultural Significance

Both 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.

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