Australian Capital Territory

Australian Capital Territory

Australian Capital Territory

Compiled by Ricahard Morrison

Regional and site publications

Access, A. (1990). Conservation plan for the Brayshaw and Westerman Huts. [Canberra] Access Archaeology.

Altenburg, K. (1990). Strathallan, near Braidwood, New South Wales : an historical investigation University of Sydney. Thesis (M.A.)–University of Sydney: Two folded maps in cover pocket. Bibliography: leaves 193-208.

Andrews, W. C. e. a. Canberra’s engineering heritage Canberra, Institution of Engineers, Australia. Canberra Division.

Archaeological Consultancy, S. (1993). Sherwood historic homestead site: conservation and management plan.
The remains of Sherwood, some elements of the garden, chimney stones, debris, paths and a grave, are of low significance, but have potential as a teaching site. Its conservation as a cultural landscape, teaching site and recreational area is recommended. Management recommendations include fencing out livestock, weed control, replacing some of the exotic trees, pedestrian access only and the provision of an interpretive leaflet. (JD)

Archaeology, A. (1991). A cistern at Duntroon House : report to Department of Defence. [Canberra], Access Archaeology.

Australia. National Capital Development, C. and S. Engineering Computer (1975). Murrumbidgee West, Barnes areas 1-2 soil foundation and excavation map. [Canberra] :, National Capital Development Commission: 1 map ;.

Avery, S. (1994). Aboriginal and European encounter in the Canberra region: a question of change and the archaeological record.

Barber, M. (1991). Report on fieldwork at Honeysuckle Homestead, April 27 to 11 May, 1991.

The Honeysuckle Homestead site, originally settled by the McInness family, has been surveyed. Mapping of the site proved difficult due to the complex nature of the occupation and the overbuilding that has occurred over 120 years of European occupation. It was found that little survives of the original slab huts, the only remnants being a few possible post holes and a possible hearth stone. The outline of the 1924 soldier settlement house was discernible and most of the features were able to be recorded. This period of occupation saw many changes to the fences and buildings which have often overlapped or even destroyed what remained of the original settlement. The majority of remnant features are fencelines probably belonging to the period since 1924. An Aboriginal artefact scatter was also recorded near the homestead site with eight artefacts being found. (Au, LT)

Barber, M. and S. Canberra Archaeological (1991). Fieldwork report no. 7 : Namadgi National Park, Booth and Mount Clear Sites, 6 April 1991. Chapman, A.C.T.

Barber, M. and S. Canberra Archaeological (1991). Report no. 8 : Gungahlin artefact scatter and Evatt Cemetery and Church, June 1991. [Canberra] :, The Author.

Barz, R. K., C. Australia. National Capital Development, et al. (1987). Salvage excavation of MRC38, Point Hut Crossing. [Canberra] :, Canberra Archaeological Services.

Bindon, P. G. P. (1978). Survey of prehistoric and some historic sites of the Gungahlin District, A.C.T. Canberra, Dept. of the Capital Territory Conservation and Agriculture Section.

Boot, P. (1990). ACT sites inventory project: report on stages one and two.
Sites manifesting human occupation in the ACT prior to 1927 were mapped and assessed in this project. A total of 458 Aboriginal and 564 European sites were surveyed, revealing a range of human activities. The most common types were open artefact scatters and house sites. Neglect and road construction are the most common forms of site damage, although many remain in good condition. Further research priorities were set and a timetable for fieldwork presented. Fieldwork, computerisation of the site inventory, publication, site registration and public education are recommended. (JD)

Boot, P. G. and S. Canberra Archaeological (1990). Fieldwork report no. 3 : Gungahlin, Freshford and Jerrabomberra sites, 26 August 1990. Belconnen, A.C.T. :, The Author: 23 leaves, [7] leaves of plates; ill., maps, facsim.
Team from Canberra Archaeological Society check accuracy of grid reference locations for three sites, a large artefact scatter at Gungahlin, historic hut site on Freshford Creek at Paddys River and an historic stone house at Jerrabombera.

Boot, P. J. K. a. P. (1992). A preliminary cultural resource survey of the proposed residential development areas WB-B-C1 and WB-C-C1, West Belconnen, ACT, Fisher, A.C.T. : South East Archaeology, 1992.

Bulbeck, D. (1990). Kowen District cultural resource survey and conservation plan: final report, 4 June 1990.
The Kowen District occupies the north eastern corner of the Australian Capital Territory. This purpose of this report was to present an inventory of Aboriginal and European cultural sites within the Kowen District, which relate to its former uses and to develop a strategy for the conservation and protection of these resources. Different procedures were used to examine the prehistoric and cultural sites. None of the individual prehistoric sites warranted a specific conservation program, however appropriate conservation measures are suggested for the historical sites which are discrete in number and readily identifiable. (Au, AM) by Heritage Archaeology; prepared for Archaeo Analysis Moruya, N. (2007). An historical assessment of George Sparrow’s ‘Hibernian Hotel’ Bungendore Road, NSW. Kingston, ACT, Heritage Archaeology.

Winston-Gregson, J. H. (1992). Gungahlin arterial roads (Clarrie Hermes Drive) archaeological survey, Yass : Access Archaeology, 1992.

Canberra Archaeological, S. (1991). Tea Gardens, Malton and Crinigan’s Hut, Gungahlin ACT: fieldwork report.
Three sites in Gungahlin are reported in this survey. Tea Gardens is a 1950s house built around an internal core dating from 1857. All that survives of Malton are scattered fragments, and Crinigan’s Hut is a ruined three roomed dwelling. Tea Gardens is of medium territorial significance and could be preserved or reused. Malton does not warrant preservation. Crinigan’s Hut site has aesthetic appeal and supports three pear trees, old cultivars which should be preserved for their biodiversity value. Some Aboriginal sites are also noted in the report. (JD)

Cooke, H. C. A. S. (1991). Return to ‘The Valley’ : report on field work at Thomas Gribble’s house, Gungahlin, South East Archaeology

Cooke, M. F. a. H. (2008). Crinigan’s Stone Cottage : Wanderer Court Amaroo, ACT. Canberra Archaeological Society for the National Trust of Australia (ACT) 6 pages. Photographs.

Cosgrove, C. (2000). Palmerville: Ginninderra estate: 15-16.
Palmerville is an area of parkland adjoining Ginninderra Creek on the northern side of Canberra. There is little above ground evidence giving any indication that Palmerville is the site of one of the very early European settlements in the Canberra district and prior to that, Aboriginal occupation. This article outlines the history of George Palmer and the archaeological remains of his settlement. [Au, AS]

Crosby, E. B. V., A. C. T. H. Committee, et al. (1981). Tuggeranong archaeological and historical report. [Canberra] :, Canberra Archaeological Services.

Crosby., E. (1981). Archaeological work at the Duntroon Dairy, A.C.T. 1977-1981. Canberra, Canberra Archaeological Services.

Gregson, J. W., Ed. (1989). Conservation plan for the Brayshaw and Westerman Huts ‘Draft 5/6/89 not for citation or quotation’ ‘Report to ACT Administration’ Canberra, Access Archaeology.

Heffernan, K. (1996). Archaeological excavations on the site of a former coach house and stablemen’s wing, Gungahlin CSIRO, ACT.
Following the demolition of a building at Gungahlin, consultants were engaged to monitor the site for any archaeological evidence relating to two former conjoined buildings which previously occupied the area, a wooden slab coach house and a stableman’s wing. The investigation revealed tangible evidence of the former location of the structures and some of the constructional elements such as window glass and nails. It is recommended that a small site museum display be considered as an appropriate way to present and interpret specimens found on the site. (Au, AM)

Kirkendoll, C. D. (2004). The slab houses of Canberra: A comparative analysis of design, form, and meaning, University of Canberra.
This thesis represents the first effort to catalogue extant timber slab houses of 19th century Canberra and its outlying regions. From an archaeological viewpoint, it looks at slab houses as above-ground artefacts that possess ingrained information about the culture that built them and analyses them as material culture through an investigation of their: history, material, construction, function and design. It is inspired by the work of folk historian, Henry Glassie, and focuses on form and pattern, through a comparison of floor plans, in order to understand the needs, minds and behaviours of early Canberrans. The thesis also draws on the historic documentary record of a similar local group of houses, those resumed by the Commonwealth in 1912-13.

Klaver, K. H. a. J. (1994). An archaeological study of the ‘Gungahlin’ homestead precinct, block 348, Gungahlin, A.C.T. , Philip Cox, Richardson, Taylor & Partners.

Kuskie, P. J. (1992). A preliminary cultural resource survey of the proposed residential development areas C1, C2, C3 and C4, at Gungahlin, A.C.T. . Fisher, A.C.T., South East Archaeology

Kuskie., P. J. (1993). A cultural resource survey of the proposed urban development areas B3, C4 and C9, Conder, ACT. Deakin, A.C.T., South East Archaeology.

Saunders, A. C. P. (1993). Archaeological investigation of Sherwood homestead site, Uriarra Forest, ACT.

An archaeological investigation of the Sherwood homestead site is reported. The house was built by Henry Phillips in 1864 of slabs, with a bark roof, and was probably occupied until the 1940s when it was allowed to fall apart and the materials were reused. The cultural material found during excavation consisted chiefly of bottle glass, metal and ceramic shards. While almost nothing remains of the homestead, the site has recreational and teaching value and the cultural landscape merits conservation. Its continued protection is recommended. (JD)

Saunders, P. (1992). Archaeological investigation of Old Land’s End homestead site, West Belconnen, A.C.T., Archaeological Consultancy Services.

Saunders, P. and S. Canberra Archaeological (1992). Fieldwork report for 23 November 1991 : sites at Mulligans’ Flat, Gungahlin, A.C.T. Chapman, A.C.T. :, The Author.

Saunders, P., S. Canberra Archaeological, et al. (1991). Fieldwork report for 27 October 1991 : ‘Tea Gardens’, ‘Malton’ and Crinigan’s Hut, Gungahlin, A.C.T. Chapman, A.C.T. :, The Author.

Washington, D. (1992). ACT archaeological sites `under threat’. 23: 1-2.

ANU archaeologist, Ian Farrington, has an ACT Heritage Grant to produce an archaeological survey of old ACT field systems and fears that lack of heritage status of these sites could lead to some being damaged by human traffic. Only old farming sites in the margins or in abandoned agricultural areas remain. They contain ridges and furrows produced by primitive ploughs, livestock tracks and remains of buildings. Aerial mapping will be an important part of the survey. Mr Farrington claims that the ACT also contains thousands of Aboriginal sites as evidence of the substantial former Aboriginal population of the area. (BW)

Winston-Gregson, J. H. (1978). Gudgenby : a register of archaeological sites in the proposed Gudgenby National Park: 2 v. :.
Survey of surface sites; quarry; art sites; pattern of possible Aboriginal land use of area.

Winston-Gregson, J. H. (1985). Lanyon historic area : archaeological field survey, June 1985. Canberra :, Access Archaeology.

Winston-Gregson, J. H. (1991). Gungahlin distributor roads I. Yass Access Archaeology

Winston-Gregson, J. H. (1991). Jubilee Avenue salvage excavation: Royal Military College, Duntroon  Access Archaeology 

Winston-Gregson, J. H. and A. Access (1985). Australian Federal Police site at Majura block 42 : archaeological report. Canberra :, Access Archaeology.

Winston-Gregson, J. H. and A. Access (1987). Riverview campsite : archaeological survey. Canberra :, Access Archaeology.

Winston-Gregson, J. H. and A. Access (1989). Tompsitt’s Tannery at Hazelbrook (salvage excavation). [Canberra] :, Access Archaeology.

Legislation

There is no specific archaeological legislation for the ACT but the two primary pieces of heritage legislation that control activity at heritage places are both statutes that envisage holistic approaches to heritage and its identification, protection, conservation and management – the national legislation additionally being integrated with environmental legislation:

National, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999)

http://www.comlaw.gov.au/comlaw/Legislation/ActCompilation1.nsf/0/84EAF5AEAAD155F2CA2575160016ECF3?OpenDocument .

The EPBC Act is the Australian Government’s central piece of environmental legislation. It provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places — defined in the Act as matters of national environmental significance. The heritage component of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, that manages the Act, can be found at:

http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/index.html

Heritage place management information is located at:

http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/management/index.html

Territory, Heritage Act (2004)

http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2004-57/default.asp
Its object is to establish a comprehensive system to conserve significant heritage places and objects in the ACT through a system for the recognition, registration and conservation of natural and cultural heritage places and objects, including Aboriginal places and objects. The general ACT Government heritage site is at: http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/heritage .

The Draft ACT Heritage Guidelines (2007) can be found at: http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/heritage/act_heritage_guidelines_-_seeking_public_comment

Get Involved

2009 ACT Historical Archaeology Workshop, 23 May 2009.
A report on the results of the May 2009 workshop can be found at http://www.cas.asn.au/events/ACT-Historic-Archaeology-Workshop-23-May-2009.pdf

A list of future Canberra Archaeological Society events can be found at:
http://www.cas.asn.au/ .