The Role of Heritage Consultants in Western Australia
At the heart of these surveys and assessments lie Heritage Consultants, who play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between proponents and Aboriginal communities. Their expertise ensures that the cultural heritage of Aboriginal groups is acknowledged, respected, and preserved during development endeavours. By understanding the intricacies of archaeological surveys, ethnographic studies, and the legal frameworks like Sections 5 and Section 18 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act (1972), these consultants provide a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to heritage management and conservation.
Types of Heritage Assessments
Work Program Clearance Survey
For targeted, discrete areas such as access tracks, drill holes, or small camp locations, a Work Program Clearance survey is often the most suitable method. This survey type focuses on assessing specific areas to identify cultural heritage values and ensure their protection. The process involves collaboration between Traditional Custodians and proponents to modify work programs if necessary, ensuring the avoidance of cultural sites.
During these assessments, cultural information is typically recorded to a Site Avoidance level. This allows developers to identify and steer clear of culturally significant areas, thereby protecting the heritage identified. Importantly, the presence of company representatives during these assessments facilitates real-time decision-making regarding alternative routes or work areas.
Work Area Clearance Survey
When broader areas need assessment, particularly when the exact location of works is still undetermined, a Work Area Clearance survey strategy is employed. While this method provides flexibility in determining the final work locations, it can be time-consuming and will require more time leading to increase in costs compared to a Work Program Clearance. Despite these increased resource requirements, this approach helps proponents avoid the need to seek Ministerial consent under Section 18 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act (1972).
Site Avoidance Survey
During a Site Avoidance survey, if tangible and intangible heritage is located, the location and extent of a site and a description, will be recorded to enable the proponent to avoid the location and protect any Aboriginal heritage identified. This will also include an initial consultation with the Traditional Custodians to discuss management and recommendations for the site.
Site Avoidance recording will not provide a detailed description of the cultural values, importance and significance of places and is therefore not sufficient for the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Committee (ACHC) to make a decision on whether a place meets the criteria for an Aboriginal site under section 5 of the AHA (1972). It does, however, provide the proponent with enough information to be able to protect Aboriginal heritage while working in areas away from the site.
Site Identification Survey
For any application that seeks to disturb an Aboriginal site to be considered by the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Committee (ACHC), it is imperative that the places affected by the proposed development are thoroughly documented to a Site Identification level. This is crucial to ensure that the ACHC can make an informed determination in accordance with section 5 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act (1972).
Ethnographic site recording at this level necessitates meaningful engagement with Aboriginal communities, encompassing their stories and values associated with the site and landscape. Such sites may hold profound significance for spiritual, social, aesthetic, or historical reasons, as outlined in the Burra Charter of 1992. A vital component of Site Identification recording is the assessment of a site's importance and significance, which can be guided by other frameworks like the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter (1992), the Practice Note on Indigenous Cultural Heritage Management (2013), and the 2001 Australia ICOMOS Statement on Indigenous Cultural Heritage.
It is important to note that there is no single method for evaluating the significance of Aboriginal heritage sites in Western Australia or across the nation. Furthermore, not all criteria apply to every heritage place. Respect for the wishes of Traditional Custodians is paramount, as there are instances where they may choose not to disclose certain sensitive cultural information. In such situations, and where agreeable to the participants, a separate confidential section of a report can be created to preserve privacy and respect cultural sensitivities.
In relation to the archaeological material of a site, the site’s physical properties are recorded in detail. Typically, density squares are placed throughout the site to gauge density and determine distribution patterns. In addition, all key archaeological features are recorded in detailed and heavily photographed.
A site id survey is a significant commitment by all parties as the time taken to document each heritage place is considerable and then the writing of a comprehensive report also takes more time than that of the other previous survey methods.
The Importance of Collaboration and Respect
Throughout these surveys, collaboration between proponents, Heritage Consultants, and Aboriginal communities is paramount. The process ensures that Traditional Custodians can express their views freely and participate fully in the decision-making. This collaboration is not only essential for respect but also for capturing diverse perspectives and ensuring culturally appropriate assessments.
Respecting the wishes of Traditional Custodians is fundamental, particularly when sensitive cultural information is involved. In such cases, separate, confidential sections of reports can be created to preserve privacy and uphold cultural sensitivities. Alternatively, specific information shared will not be divulged in the report.
Conclusion
Conducting comprehensive surveys and assessments in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage is a crucial practice for preserving the rich cultural landscape of Western Australia. Through the guidance of Heritage Consultants and Traditional Custodians, with the cooperation of all other stakeholders, these surveys safeguard Aboriginal heritage while facilitating responsible development. By understanding and respecting the cultural significance of heritage sites, we pave the way for a harmonious coexistence between modern development and traditional values. We have deliberately not included Social Surrounds Consultation. A later blog post will be release outlining that process.
For those seeking expert guidance in navigating the complexities of heritage assessments and fostering respectful partnerships with Aboriginal communities, engaging with experienced Heritage Consultants and Advisors is a vital step towards achieving meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
