Hornsby Shire Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment

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Hornsby Shire Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment

When applying for a Development Application (DA) in the Hornsby Shire Council area you may be requested to provide an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment if the site is in, or near, an area of Aboriginal Heritage Sensitivity. This assessment may become part of the ‘conditions of consent for approval.

Need an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment?

1300 931 796

An Aboriginal Heritage Assessment may be required for applications that will disturb:

Culturally modified trees
Land that contains recorded Aboriginal objects (AHIMS database)
Undisturbed land that contains certain landscape features, being land:
o within 200 metres of waterways;
o located within a sand dune system;
o located on a ridge top, ridge line or headland;
o located within 200 metres below or above a cliff face; or
o within 20 metres of or in a cave, rock shelter or cave mouth.

Landscapes That Typically Require An Aboriginal Heritage Assessment

The following landscapes may require an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment when applying for a DA the the Hornsby Shire Council area. Please note, that any area could require an assessment and it will be determined by the Council. This is just a general guide.

Sandstone

If the proposed area contains sandstone formations, including rock platforms, overhangs, caves, and boulders, there is potential the area could contain Aboriginal sites and objects. These could be carvings, art, middens (deposits of shells and other items), water holes and burials. Sandstone platforms, overhangs and caves were used by Aboriginal people as camps and for ceremonial purposes.

Valleys And Gullies

Valleys and gullies typically contain an abundance of sandstone features (listed above) that were used by Aboriginal people for camps and ceremonial purposes.

Waterfronts

Land fronting, overlooking, or near the Hawkesbury River and its various bays and tributaries could potentially possess evidence of Aboriginal occupation. Aboriginal people in the catchment zones of these waterbodies relied heavily on them as a source of food such as fish, shellfish, crustaceans and aquatic vegetables. As well as materials such as shells for fishing hooks, and reeds for weaving. As a result, it was common for camps to be set amongst the sandstone and on open areas, within 200 meters of the hightide mark.

Creeks And Streams

Many properties in Hornsby Shire have creeks and streams running through them. These beautiful water features were important places for Aboriginal people as a source of fresh water and to collect resources. These creeks and streams typically meander over and around sandstone formations that were used as camps, for grinding axes, creating art, and carving out holes that could hold water in times of low rainfall. Deep pools were also used for swimming and bathing.

Hilltops And Ridge Lines

Certain hilltops and ridge lines were ideally positioned as lookouts, camps and ceremonial sites. These sites can possess isolated Aboriginal objects, stone arrangements, carvings and scarred trees amongst other items.

Contact us to discuss your Project

1300 931 796

What does Aboriginal Heritage Due diligence involve?

Research and Contextual Analysis: The review of existing data. This includes consulting relevant registers that document known Aboriginal heritage sites and understanding the historical and cultural context of the area.
Site Inspection: If a closer examination of the property is deemed necessary, then a site inspection is arranged. This physical examination helps identify any previously undocumented sites and assesses the potential impact of the proposed activity on known sites.

if the Council does not require an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence or Impact Assessment does this protect you Legally?

No. Please note that if the Council does not require an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence or Impact Assessment for a particular development proposal, this does not remove the legal protections provided by the NPW Act for ‘unknowing’ harm to Aboriginal objects. Causing unknowing harm to an Aboriginal heritage object, without first completing a Due Diligence Assessment, can attract a fine of up to $220,000.

Why choose Talking Walls for your Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessments

For the Hornsby Shire, heritage consultants need to have experience working with Aboriginal archaeology typically associated with sandstone valleys. Without this experience, you risk facing significant delays to your DA, or worse, heavy fines if the assessment has not been conducted properly.

Talking Walls specialises in the archaeology of the Sydney ‘sandstone belt’.

Our goal is to ensure all parties involved achieve a suitable outcome from the assessment process. Our purpose is to help you get your DA approved by making sure all the Council’s requirements are met, the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council are confident their heritage is being respected and protected and we can offer practical solutions when they are required.