Ethnographic and Archaeological Heritage Assessment Report

ETHNOGRAPHIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE ASSESSMENT FINAL REPORT

Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

EXPOSURE DRAFT

Prepared for:

Shire of Dardanup

Survey Dates: 30th November – 1st December 2014

Ownership of Information This report has been prepared for the Shire of Dardanup for use in its planning processes. Any cultural information contained within the report is the property of the people who provided the information. The report and the information it contains should not be copied in whole or part without written consent of Shire of Dardanup and Big Island Research Pty Ltd. However, copying associated with the reports central purpose, which is to assist the Shire of Dardanup with its planning processes in respect of the land parcels described in the report, is permitted.

Geographic Co-ordinates Geographic co-ordinates in this report are based on the GDA 94 coordinate system. All locations are in Zone 50H and are accurate to within +/- 15 m.

Maps Maps in this report use data provided by the Western Australian Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the Shire of Dardanup.

Report Authors

Guy Wright PhD, Bojana de Garis BA (Hons), and Wendy Reynen BA (Hons).

Edited by Kate Morse PhD and Guy Wright PhD.

Disclaimer Big Island Research Pty Ltd is not responsible for omissions and inconsistencies that may result from information not available at the time this report was prepared.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Contents Contents ...... ii Introduction ...... 1 Background ...... 3 Scope of Work ...... 3 Location, Environment and Disturbance ...... 3 Heritage Framework ...... 5 Archaeological Context ...... 5 Desktop Assessment ...... 8 Overview ...... 8 Survey Reports ...... 10 Mapping Error - DAA Site ID 4865 Bunbury 09 ...... 12 DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal ...... 14 DAA Site ID 5168 NATGAS 262 ...... 18 DAA Site ID 18889 Bunbury Bypass Individual Find 1...... 20 DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site 3 ...... 22 Summary ...... 24 Participants ...... 25 Ethnographic Assessment ...... 27 The Collie River ...... 29 Bunbury representatives – Collie River...... 30 Wilman group – Collie River ...... 32 Summary of Collie River issue ...... 34 Other parts of the UEA and IEA ...... 35 Waterloo ...... 35 Spring...... 36 Industrial Expansion Area ...... 37 Discussion ...... 38 Archaeological Assessment ...... 39 Methodology ...... 39 Results ...... 39 General Conclusions ...... 43 References ...... 44 Appendix 1. DAA Site Search ...... 47

List of Figures

Figure 1. Extract from Greater Bunbury Strategy document showing location of ...... 2 Figure 2. Swan Coastal Plain: showing the UEA and IEA and relevant archaeological sites...... 7

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

List of Maps

Map 1. Urban and industrial expansion areas with DAA listed sites (GDA 94, Zone 50)...... 9 Map 2. DAA heritage survey search of urban expansion area...... 11 Map 3. DAA heritage survey search of Industrial expansion area...... 12 Map 4. Mapping Error - DAA Site ID 4865 Bunbury 09 (as per DAA AHIS) ...... 13 Map 5. DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal...... 17 Map 6. DAA Site ID 5168 NATGAS 262...... 19 Map 7. DAA Site ID 18889 Bunbury Bypass Individual Find 1...... 21 Map 8. DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site 3...... 23 Map 9. UEA and IEA showing transects surveyed by the archaeological team...... 42

List of Tables

Table 1. DAA AHIS information that intersects or is located within the UEA and IEA...... 8 Table 2. Heritage surveys undertaken within the UEA and IEA...... 10 Table 3. DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal (GDA 94, Zone 50)...... 14 Table 4. DAA Site ID 5168 NATGAS 262 (GDA 94, Zone 50) ...... 18 Table 5. DAA Site ID 18889 Bunbury Bypass Individual Find 1 (GDA 94, Zone 50)...... 20 Table 6. DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site 3 (GDA 94, Zone 50) ...... 22

List of Plates

Plate 1.View northeast across cleared farming area in UEA...... 4 Plate 2.View east across St Helena road in the IEA showing area of remnant vegetation...... 4 Plate 3. Bunbury representatives (30th November 2014) ...... 26 Plate 4. Wilman Group (1st December 2014) (Ted Hart not pictured) ...... 26 Plate 5. Taken from northern bank of Collie River ...... 30 Plate 6. Collie River: Reduced speed limits will reduce damage to river banks...... 34 Plate 7. View east across remnant bush surveyed on either side of Clifton Road in UEA...... 40 Plate 8. View west towards the intersection of Martin Pelusey Road and Harris Road...... 41

iii

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Introduction

This report presents the results of a desktop review and an ethnographic and archaeological field assessment of the Shire of Dardanup’s urban and industrial expansion areas (Figure 1). These areas are located east of the town of Eaton and the city of Bunbury, in the southwest of Western Australia.

The expansion areas are part of the Greater Bunbury Strategy and Structure Plan (the Strategy). This long-term vision anticipates accommodation for up to 70,000 people beyond 2050 in the Urban Expansion Area (UEA), which is due to start construction in 2019-2020. The Industrial Expansion Area (IEA) to the south of the UEA, will support local industry and provide places of employment for many who will reside in the UEA.

According to a presentation by Steve Potter, strategic planner with the Shire of Dardanup, given to one of the groups of Traditional Owners who visited the UEA and IEA sites, the Strategy promotes compact living spaces, with access to schools, shopping areas, hospitals, recreation centres and public transport. This should have the effect of limiting the current sprawl of urban and industrial development in this sensitive and valuable region.

The objectives of the Aboriginal heritage assessment were as follows:  Establish the known heritage values of the area through a desktop review of available records.  Investigate the UEA and IEA areas to locate Aboriginal sites, which may be protected by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) (AHA), or which are areas that Bunbury Representatives/Wilman Group representatives consider to have cultural values.  Record Aboriginal sites identified to Site Avoidance level.  Inspect the nature and extent of previously recorded Aboriginal sites.  Provide advice on management of Aboriginal sites in the two areas.

The fieldwork reported here was undertaken between 30th November and the 1st December 2014. Traditional Owners who are members of the Bunbury Representatives and the Wilman Group participated in the fieldwork. Nominations for the participants from each of these groups were received from the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC). 1

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Figure 1. Extract from Greater Bunbury Strategy document showing location of the urban and industrial expansion areas.

The structure and content of this report is consistent with that currently outlined on the Western Australian Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA) website:

(http://www.daa.wa.gov.au/Documents/HeritageCulture/Aboriginal%20heritage/A boriginal%20Heritage%20Surveys%20-%20Guidelines.pdf).

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Background

Scope of Work

Big Island Research Pty Ltd (Big Island) was commissioned by the Shire of Dardanup to undertake a comprehensive desktop review and an Aboriginal ethnographic and archaeological heritage assessment for the following areas located in the greater Bunbury sub-region:  Urban expansion area (UEA) (12.03 sq. km)  Industrial expansion area (IEA) (15.32 sq. km)

Survey area coordinates have been provided to the Shire of Dardanup in the form of Esri shapefiles.

Location, Environment and Disturbance

The Shire of Dardanup’s proposed urban and industrial expansion areas are bound by the Australind Bypass, Hynes Road, and Martin Pelusey Road on the western edge and Waterloo Road to the southeast. The South Western Hwy runs between the two expansion areas. A wedge-shaped area immediately south of the South Western Highway on the eastern edge of the expansion areas is a registered Aboriginal site known as “Waterloo.” The proposed expansion areas are mapped to avoid this site.

The expansion areas are located in a generally flat landscape with occasional dune formations and low lying swamp and wetland areas. The Collie River forms a natural northern boundary to the UEA. Several smaller ephemeral watercourses and several springs occur through the area. With the exception of farmed land (Plate 1), the ground surface across the area comprises yellow and grey sandy sediment, with no identifiable stone outcrops suitable for stone tool manufacture.

The majority of the survey area (c >80%) has been extensively disturbed by farming and light industry. Remnant vegetation occurs along watercourses and adjacent to roads. This comprises paper barks (Melaleuca sp.), Acacias, Jarrah and Marri, mixed scrub and seasonal grass. Archaeological inspection of areas of remnant bush and watercourses was hampered by generally low (<40%) surface visibility due to the dense vegetation cover (Plate 2). Other areas that are not part of farmland include major and minor road construction, pipelines and drainage lines, a railway line, and power lines. Several large 3

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

industrial and residential areas are located immediately to the west and north of the expansion areas, and within the southwestern section of the industrial expansion area.

Plate 1.View northeast across cleared farming area in UEA.

Plate 2.View east across St Helena road in the IEA showing area of remnant vegetation.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Heritage Framework

Archaeological Context

The Shire of Dardanup’s proposed expansion areas are located in the southern reaches of the Swan Coastal Plain (IBRA region; Figure 2) a low lying biogeographic region extending from Perth to Cape Naturaliste. Available archaeological evidence confirms that Aboriginal people have inhabited the Swan Coastal Plain and the adjoining Darling Scarp for more than 40,000 years. The oldest known Aboriginal sites in the Perth metropolitan area are located on the Swan and Helena river systems, with the earliest evidence for occupation radiocarbon dated to 39,500BP +/- 2300 years BP at Upper Swan Bridge (Pearce and Barbetti 1981). Recent recalibration of dates has extended the age for occupation of this site to some 43,600 years before present (O’Connell and Allen 2012).

Numerous other sites in the Perth metropolitan area have provided radiocarbon dates, ranging from 10,000 years ago at Minim Cove in Mosman Park (Clarke and Dortch 1977), to 2,500 years ago at Brigadoon in Millendon (Schwede 1990). Most recently, radiocarbon dates of 8,500 and 13,700 years have been recovered from charcoal collected in the vicinity of a stone artefact at the construction site for the Fiona Stanley Health Precinct. This has been cautiously interpreted as representing use of this area certainly before 8,500 years ago and probably many thousands of years before (Dortch and Dortch 2012). A similar range of dates and evidence for Aboriginal occupation is found south of the Swan Coastal Plain in sites on the Leeuwin –Naturaliste ridge. Here, the well-known cave sites of Devil’s Lair and Tunnel Cave provide the oldest and longest sequences of Aboriginal occupation in southwestern Australia (Balme 2014). Other recently excavated sites in the southwest include DPF1 in Dunsborough, with a date of 10,601-10,441 cal. BP (Guilfoyle et al. 2011) and Wonitji Janga rockshelter, located on the crest of the Leeuwin Ridge, with a date for earliest occupation at ca. 1300 cal BP (Dortch et al 2014).

There has however been little targeted archaeological research in the mid-section of the Swan Coastal Plain near Bunbury itself. The majority of heritage work here has been associated with mining and forestry developments further to the east and a number of mid- late Holocene dates (5800 – 1,280 years ago) have been recovered from archaeological sites at Boddington, Collie and North Dandalup (Anderson 1984).

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Archaeological sites recorded around Bunbury itself, as detailed below, include historical sites, man-made structures, skeletal material/burials and stone artefact scatters. Stone artefact scatters are the dominant site type recorded in the Bunbury area and comprise the remains of old camps where Aboriginal people lived and carried out the activities of their daily lives before the region was settled by Europeans in 1830s.

Ethnographic and historical documents highlight the importance of water sources such as rivers, lakes, estuaries and wetlands to Nyoongar land use patterns, ceremonial cycles and mythological tracks (Hallam 1975; Hammond 1933). Archaeological research has demonstrated that the creeks, lakes and wetlands of the coastal and riverine zones were more intensively used than the hills and forested areas such as the Darling Scarp or the seaward margin of the coastal zone (Hallam 1987:23). The majority of archaeological sites on the Swan Coastal Plain are found in close proximity to water sources, with the largest sites located on elevated dunes and sand ridges near rivers and their tributaries, as well as lakes and wetlands (Anderson 1984; Hallam 1975, 1987; Bowdler et al 1991; Strawbridge 1988). Lake, wetland and riverine areas typically contain a high number of large artefact scatters with diverse assemblages of stone artefacts. Available evidence suggests a seasonal model of occupation in which Nyoongar groups focused on the resource riverine and wetland rich areas during the summer months (November to March) and dispersed into smaller groups through the wider hinterland during the winter and spring (April to October) (Anderson 1984).

The implications are clear then, that in this central section of the Swan Coastal Plain archaeological sites are likely to be found in areas associated with wetlands and river systems – notably in this instance the Collie River and the adjacent Leschenault Inlet. The record of stone artefact scatters in the Bunbury area, despite its use and development over many years since European settlement, provides clear evidence for Aboriginal occupation of this region and suggests that archaeological sites may still be found in least disturbed sections of the Shire of Dardanup’s urban and industrial expansion areas.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Figure 2. Swan Coastal Plain: showing the UEA and IEA and relevant archaeological sites.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Desktop Assessment

Overview

A comprehensive desktop review has been undertaken to confirm the nature and extent of all Aboriginal sites and other heritage places located within the Shire of Dardanup’s urban and industrial expansion areas.

A search of the DAA Aboriginal Heritage Inquiry System (AHIS) revealed one ‘registered site’ and four ‘other heritage places’ that intersect, or are located within, these areas (Map 1, Appendix 1). These sites are listed below in Table 1. A total of ten heritage surveys have been undertaken within the two survey areas (see below, Table 2).

It should be noted that the quality of information in the DAA site files and reports varies greatly. DAA sites 4865 and 5168 were recorded in the 1970s and 1980s, before the common use of GPS and location details were approximated sometimes to within the nearest kilometre. Recorded grid references for these sites have subsequently been converted to the current system, but in many cases the inaccuracy of the initial recording may in fact introduce new positional inaccuracies into the record. While every endeavour has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented here, it is difficult in some instances to determine the exact location of sites and whether or not they are still extant.

Table 1. DAA AHIS information that intersects or is located within the UEA and IEA. Site ID Site Name Status Site Type 4865 Bunbury 09 Registered site Artefacts/scatter Stored Data/Not 16713 Collie River Waugal Mythological a Site Stored Data/Not 5168 NATGAS 262 Artefacts/scatter a Site 18889 Bunbury Bypass Lodged Artefacts/scatter Individual Find 1 Bunbury Bypass 18886 Lodged Artefacts/scatter Archaeological Site 3

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Map 1. Urban and industrial expansion areas with DAA listed sites (GDA 94, Zone 50).

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Survey Reports

Two archaeological heritage surveys, five ethnographic heritage surveys, and three archaeological and ethnographic surveys/desktop reviews have been undertaken within the survey areas over the last thirty years (Table 2).

Five heritage surveys were undertaken for the construction/maintenance of roads and highways including the South Western Hwy, Bunbury Bypass Road and the Bunbury Port Access Road. These surveys involved assessment of narrow tracts of land running mainly through farmland along the western section of the urban expansion area and the western and center section of the industrial expansion area (Map 2 and Map 3). For example, an ethnographic assessment for the South Western Hwy involved survey of a 200 m wide corridor (Goode 2000) that runs partly through the northern section of the industrial expansion area and the southern section of the urban expansion area. Few isolated artefacts (primarily quartz flake fragments) were recorded during the archaeological surveys.

The low number of Aboriginal archaeological sites documented in this area is considered most likely to reflect the extent of long term and early European settlement, subsequent land development (urban and agricultural) and inadvertent disturbance and destruction of the archeological signature of this area, rather than real absence of Aboriginal archaeological sites.

Table 2. Heritage surveys undertaken within the UEA and IEA. Survey Report Title Author Survey Type ID Ethnographic survey of South Western 18577 Highway, Waroona to Bunbury, Western Brad Goode Ethnographic Australia. Report of an Aboriginal Heritage Survey Meath Hammond Archaeological 19390 Bunbury Bypass Road Bunbury Western (McDonald, Hales and and Australia Associates Pty Ltd) Ethnographic An addendum to a desktop preliminary Aboriginal heritage Survey for Water Archaeological 20283 Corporations proposed development of the Brad Goode and Yarragadee Aquifer extending to the Ethnographic Blackwood Groundwater area. A report of an ethnographic survey for a Section 18 application for Water Corporations 22192 Brad Goode Ethnographic proposed impact upon site 16713 Collie River Waugal at Wellington Weir. 102000 A Survey for Aboriginal Sites along the S. Brown Archaeological 10

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Survey Report Title Author Survey Type ID Proposed Australind Bypass Road. and Ethnographic Archaeological Inspection for Aboriginal Sites 103318 along the Proposed Route Muja to Bunbury S. Brown (Kinhill Stearns) Archaeological Saline Water Disposal Pipeline. Bunbury-Wellington Regional Planning Study: Dept of Planning and Urban Working Paper no.6, Aboriginal Heritage and 104079 Development (McDonald, Ethnographic Planning Survey. [Open] Released for Public Hales and Associates Pty Ltd) Comment July 1992. Bunbury-Wellington Regional Planning Study: 104608 Aboriginal Heritage & Planning Survey : E. McDonald Ethnographic working paper no. 6 Report of an archaeological survey on South J. Harris (Quartermaine 105496 Archaeological Western Highway Waroona to Bunbury Consultants) Ethnographic survey of the proposed Bunbury 106098 Outer Ring Road and the Bunbury Port Access Brad Goode Ethnographic Road, Bunbury, Western Australia

Map 2. DAA heritage survey search of urban expansion area.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Map 3. DAA heritage survey search of Industrial expansion area.

Descriptions and a list of coordinates for all heritage sites that intersect or are located within the urban and industrial expansion areas are provided below. The standard of site recording and the reliability of the data provided in site files/associated reports is assessed and recommendations and advice with regard to site management and/or the need for further investigations are provided.

Mapping Error - DAA Site ID 4865 Bunbury 09

At the time of the assessment, DAA Site ID 4865 Bunbury 09 was shown on the DAA AHIS as being within the study area (Map 4). The site was recorded by the Western Australian Museum during a survey in Bunbury in 1978 (DAA Site File 4865).

A hand drawn map in the original site file indicates that DAA Site ID 4865 is not located within the study area, or the Shire of Dardanup. It is more likely to be located, if it still exists, in the City of Bunbury on Robertson Drive. Therefore there is no reason to further consider the site in the context of this report.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Map 4. Mapping Error - DAA Site ID 4865 Bunbury 09 (as per DAA AHIS)

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal

Table 3. (Data from DAA) Centre Coordinate (reliable) – DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal (GDA 94, Zone 50). mE mN

409120 6308049

Location, Environment and Site Disturbance

DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal follows the entire Collie River and a series of smaller rivers and watercourses. The site forms the northern boundary of the urban expansion area and intersects the southwestern boundary (Map 5, Table 3).

Site Description

DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal comprises the entire Collie River from its source at the Leschenault Inlet and includes the Preston River, the Ferguson River, the Brunswick River, the Harris River and all other secondary watercourses that flow into these watercourses. Traditional Owners consulted during multiple heritage surveys (e.g. Goode 2000; Hammond 1995; McDonald Hales and Associates 1999) state that the rivers are culturally significant to Aboriginal people, and that the Collie River and its tributaries together comprise a mythological site complex. Aboriginal consultants have provided detail of mythological stories about the Waugal in the Collie River and the propitiatory rituals that must be performed prior to bathing, swimming, or fishing in the water.

Site Recording

DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal was originally reported by M. Hammond of McDonald, Hales and Associates during a survey of the Bunbury Bypass Road for Main Roads (Hammond 1995). Further information about the site was provided in subsequent ethnographic Site Avoidance and Site Identification level heritage surveys in the Bunbury area (e.g. Goode 2000; Goode 2002; Goode 2009; McDonald Hales and Associates 1999) and site boundaries have been revised. Seventy heritage survey reports are associated with DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal. The large number of reports mainly reflects the fact that any heritage assessments that deal with properties that affect the Collie River need to account for the site in their reporting. Little new information is generally

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

provided. Among the more fulsome accounts of the spiritual significance of the Collie River is that taken by Brad Goode from Joe Northover in 2009 (N.B. “Walgu” is Joe’s pronunciation for the more usual “Waugal.”)

The ‘Ngarngungudditj Walgu’ came from the north east of Collie where he travelled forming the rivers and creeks resting along the way making waterholes… … He came through what we know today as Collie forming the Collie River and as he moved he created hills visiting places in and around Collie he moved towards the coast and came out where Eaton is today as he came to the end he turned his body creating what is the estuary today, as he turned he pushes the land out and then he travelled back up the Collie River he travelled about the Collie area finally he rests at Mininup a well known swimming place on the Collie River… … the old people used to say you can see his spirit in the water late at night during the full moon and his long silvery beard… … It is also said that if a stranger to the area comes and wishes to swim in the Collie river or fish he must wipe his armpit and then pick up some sand in the same hand and then throw the sand in the water for the spirit to smell this and he would not be harmed in any way or if he is not welcomed the water will become rough and the weather might change… (sic.) ‘Ngarngungudditj Walgu’ in my language means ‘Hairy Faced Serpent’

- Joe Northover – Keeper of the dreaming quoted from Brad Goode 2009, “An Aboriginal heritage survey of the proposed new old export facility and pipeline, Lot 8 and 9 Estuary Drive to Berth 8 at Bunbury Port, Western Australia”.

ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal has recently been demoted from “Registered Site” which attracts the protection of the AHA to an “Other Heritage Place – Stored Data/Not a Site. This means that the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee (ACMC), which has the function of evaluating “… on behalf of the community the importance of places and objects alleged to be associated with Aboriginal persons” (AHA s39 (1)a) has overturned a previous decision of the ACMC that found that the Collie River is an Aboriginal Site.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

The recent decision of the ACMC, to determine that the Collie River does not deserve protection as a registered site is controversial. Some Aboriginal people, including Joe Northover, are actively lobbying the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs to overturn the ACMC decision and reinstate its “registered” status. During the consultations associated with the UEA and IEA Joe said that he and some others had an appointment with the Minister to argue their case.

The AHA itself is currently before the State Parliament, which is expected to debate the Aboriginal Heritage Amendment Bill 2014 (Amendment Bill) early in 2015. If the Act is amended it will be the culmination of a controversial administrative process that has extended over about three years. During this time the thresholds that the ACMC uses to assess Aboriginal sites for inclusion in the register of places protected by the AHA have been dramatically raised. Although it seems unlikely that Joe Northover and his colleagues will be successful in having the Minister overturn the decision to de-register the Collie River site (ID 16713) it remains a possibility, especially if the Amendment Bill does not make it through the Parliament, or is substantially altered in its passage.

Big Island recommends:

 Site inspection of DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal with Gnaala Karla Booja (GKB) groups.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Map 5. DAA Site ID 16713 Collie River Waugal.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

DAA Site ID 5168 NATGAS 262

Table 4. Centre Coordinate (unreliable) – DAA Site ID 5168 NATGAS 262 (GDA 94, Zone 50) mE mN

382639 6312648

Location, Environment and Site Disturbance

The information relating to this site in the DAA site file is minimal. The site appears to be located immediately east of Martin Pelusey Road, intersecting the southwestern section of the industrial expansion area (Map 6, Table 4).

Site Description

DAA Site ID 5168 NATGAS 262 is described as two chert flakes and a single quartzite flake located in a sand pit, just past a Fresian stud. The site extends across an area of 50 m x 50 m. The site file states that DAA Site ID 4865 Bunbury 09 is of ‘mediocre’ site significance and is in an unstable condition.

Site Recording

The site was reported by G. Houghton for the State Electricity Commission in 1982 (Houghton 1982).

ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

DAA Site ID 5168 NATGAS 262 has not been adequately recorded. Location details are unreliable and inadequate. It is unclear if Traditional Owners accompanied G. Houghton when this site was noted, or if the archaeological material was collected.

The prescribed location of the site was inspected during a 2010 archaeological survey (Harris and Johnston 2010: p. 52). It was noted that the sand pit area no longer exists and a dam is located where the site was originally recorded.

The site appears to no longer exist.

Big Island recommends:

 No further action is required.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Map 6. DAA Site ID 5168 NATGAS 262.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

DAA Site ID 18889 Bunbury Bypass Individual Find 1

Table 5. Centre Coordinate (reliable) – DAA Site ID 18889 Bunbury Bypass Individual Find 1 (GDA 94, Zone 50). mE mN

381914 6307973

Location, Environment and Site Disturbance

The site file for DAA Site ID 18889 Bunbury Bypass Individual Find states it is located on yellow sand in an area signposted as ‘high pressure gas pipeline easement’, approximately 100 m north of a farmhouse and east of Martin Pelusey Road. The site is situated within the southwestern section of the industrial expansion area (Table 5, Map 7).

Site Description

DAA Site ID 18889 Bunbury Bypass Individual Find 1 is a single isolated quartz flake fragment, measuring 17 mm (L) x 12 mm (W) x 6 mm (T) with 40% cortex.

Site Recording

The site was recorded in 1995 by M. Hammond and S. O’Reilly of McDonald Hales and Associates for Halpern Glick Maunsell during a heritage survey of the Bunbury bypass road (Hammond and O’Reilly 1995).

ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A single quartz flake fragment was recorded at the site. DAA Site ID 18889 Bunbury Bypass Individual Find 1 was clearly reported as an “Individual Find” and it is unclear why it was listed as a site by the DAA. While context dependent, stone artefact scatter sites are typically considered to require five stone artefacts to be recorded within a 5 x 5 m area.

Big Island recommends:  No further action is required

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Map 7. DAA Site ID 18889 Bunbury Bypass Individual Find 1.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site 3

Table 6. Centre Coordinate (reliable) – DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site 3 (GDA 94, Zone 50) mE mN

381936 6308398

Location, Environment and Site Disturbance

DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site is located in yellow sand along ploughed up sections of farm paddocks just south of the intersection of Martin Pelusey Road and Harris Road. The artefacts are located within 20 m of the fence line on both sides of the road. The site intersects the southwestern section of the industrial expansion area (Map 8, Table 6).

Site Description

The site is described as a low density artefact scatter (0.012 artefacts per sq. m) comprising nine quartz artefacts and a single complete flake of chalcedony. Artefacts extend across an area of 20 m x 40 m. The report states that DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site has low scientific significance.

Site Recording

The site was recorded to Site Identification (s18) level in 1995 by M. Hammond and S. O’Reilly of McDonald Hales and Associates for Halpern Glick Maunsell during a heritage survey of the Bunbury bypass road (Hammond and O’Reilly 1995).

ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Archaeological material identified at the site has been recorded in detail. The associated report (Hammond and O’Reilly 1995) recommended that permission to disturb DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site under s18 of the AHA 1972 be granted.

No advice on the outcome of this recommendation is provided in the DAA file. The site is presumed to have been destroyed.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Big Island recommends:

 Inspection of location of DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site to confirm site no longer exists.

Map 8. DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site 3.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Summary

While it is certain that Aboriginal people have long inhabited this area, as noted above the extent and nature of long term and early European settlement and subsequent land development (urban and agricultural) is likely to have had a catastrophic impact on archaeological sites in the area – particularly surface scatters of stone artefacts.

The patterning of Aboriginal sites within the survey areas primarily reflects environmental context. In this well watered area, archaeological sites are typically expected in good camping areas, near freshwater, near rivers, rock pools, lakes and wetlands where seeds can be gathered, fish can be caught, and kangaroos and other animals are attracted. Sites might also be anticipated in places with views or that provide shelter from the prevailing winds, or near rocky outcrops where stone for the manufacture of tools can be quarried or in groves of trees especially suited for the manufacture of wooden implements. These places tend also to coincide with places that Wadjallas (Europeans) have long favoured for their houses and developments. Today, sites such as artefact scatters, which are most likely to be small low-density sites representing ephemeral camps or task-specific sites, are most likely to be found in the least disturbed areas of remnant bush and in proximity to watercourses. In this context then, it is important to note that while any surface archeological material is very likely to be disturbed there is nevertheless potential for sub surface archaeological material to be uncovered during ground disturbing work.

During the heritage assessment (reported below), a purposive sample of accessible remnant bushland was examined for archaeological material. No new archaeological sites were identified. Examination of DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site confirmed that surface archaeological material has been moved or destroyed.

All the GKB representatives requested that, for development purposes, the Collie River should be treated as an Aboriginal site, as if it continued to be protected by its prior registration as a DAA registered site. They understood that, in previous circumstances, the Aboriginal site formed by the river would include the area within 30 metres of the ordinary high water mark.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

The GKB representatives saw the planning process as offering opportunities to improve the natural amenity of the UEA and IEA, especially of the river courses and water sources. The best way to achieve this will be to restore waterways, as far as practicable to their original condition.

Participants

The following people participated in the heritage assessment of the urban and industrial expansion areas of the greater Bunbury region on November 30 and/or December 1, 2014.

Big Island Research Guy Wright Principal Anthropologist Bojana de Garis Anthropologist Wendy Reynen Senior Archaeologist

The following people participated in the heritage assessment on November 30. 2014. Bunbury representatives Annette Garlett Peter Michael Denis Hill Les Wallam Lera Bennell Joyce Dimer

The following people participated in the heritage assessment on December 1, 2014 Wilman group Joe Northover Lynette Winmar James Khan Gail Wynne-Fitzgerald Shirley Hayward Norm Hayward Phillip Ugle Ted Hart

Shire of Dardanup Steve Potter Strategic Planner

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Plate 3. Bunbury representatives (30th November 2014)

Plate 4. Wilman Group (1st December 2014) (Ted Hart not pictured)

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Ethnographic Assessment

Ethnographic assessment of the Shire of Dardanup’s proposed urban and industrial expansion areas was conducted over two days (30 November – 1 December 2014) with Nyoongar representatives recognised as having a right to speak for these areas. The two Nyoongar groups consulted were the Bunbury representatives and the Wilman group. The Bunbury representatives are generally based in Bunbury and the Wilman group are, generally speaking, based in the Collie region, though some members also live elsewhere.

The South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) nominated the participants from each of the two groups. The SWALSC is the native title representative body, which provides native title representational services to the Noongar region in the southwest of Western Australia. The UEA and IEA are both within the GKB native title claim area.

The SWALSC currently provides a pay-for-service nomination arrangement for Aboriginal heritage assessment in the area it represents. Using its understandings of native title connection research and its own local knowledge, the SWALSC is able to provide a list of people that it considers suitable to participate in heritage assessments in a given southwest location. In this case, the SWALSC suggested that the two sets of Nyoongar people would be more comfortable participating in the heritage assessment in separate groupings. The result was that the assessment could be accomplished in two consecutive days, and a reasonably substantial number of senior local people could be given the opportunity to be briefed on, and contribute to, the proposed planning arrangements.

The Bunbury representatives assessed the areas on Sunday 30th November; the Wilman representatives assessed the area on Monday 1st December.1 Big Island anthropologists Guy Wright and Bojana de Garis, together with archaeologist Wendy Reynen, provided professional support. The proposed development of the urban and industrial expansion areas was assessed to the satisfaction of the two groups of Nyoongar representatives. On the Sunday morning Guy Wright briefed the Bunbury representatives on the Shire of Dardanup’s strategic planning processes affecting the UEA and IEA, based on his knowledge from the planning documents that had been supplied. On the Monday

1 Big Island had an additional meeting with Ted Hart at the SWALSC office on Tuesday, 2nd December.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

morning, Stephen (Steve) Potter, Strategic Planner with the Shire of Dardanup, spoke to the Wilman group about the planning processes for the UEA and IEA. Steve stressed the information he was able to provide to the representatives was preliminary and in the early stages of the district level structure plan. Steve introduced the overall urban and industrial expansion strategy, part of a partnership between Shire of Dardanup and the Western Australian Planning Commission. He said the strategy is a long-term commitment to stem urban and industrial sprawl in the region by providing a relatively dense urban environment in the UEA, with a corresponding industrial area provided nearby, the IEA. He said the vision was for a substantial city, ultimately with up to 70,000 residents. The concept was a reflection of contemporary lifestyle that focuses on centralised infrastructure demands and high quality services. Steve reassured participants that all steps would be taken to ensure Aboriginal heritage is respected. Concerns about the environmental impact to the Collie River were raised. Steve said the preliminary concept plan will be open for public comment within the next 12 months, and the Shire welcomes and encourages Nyoongar people to comment on the concept plan. Guy had provided the gist of Steve’s presentation to the Bunbury representatives the previous day but was unable to give the level of detail that Steve could. Although the Monday briefing session had the benefit of Steve’s expertise, the presentation provided to the Bunbury representatives covered the main points.

Both GKB groups were appreciative of their early engagement in the planning process. They were generally supportive of the plan to limit residential and industrial sprawl in the region, and understood that a relatively dense urban environment in the UAE and IEA could help limit negative impacts in surrounding areas. Prior to visiting the areas to be assessed, both groups said they were concerned about wetlands that could be affected. During Steve Potter’s presentation he noted that at least 10% of the areas to be developed would be required to be set-aside as public open space. Steve discussed the Shire’s commitment to urban water management, which included the syphoning and recycling of drainage water to prevent run off into the river. Both GKB groups said that they felt that areas of cultural concern to them, such as any remaining wetlands, and the Collie River, should be dealt with in a sensitive way, and the use of public open space could be useful for this.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

The Collie River

The northern boundary of the UEA is the southern bank of the Collie River. Until recently, as discussed above, Collie River was a registered site with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The former registered site (Site ID 16713) is considered to have mythological significance for the Wilman language group and is a life source, or ‘life giver’, for the Bunbury representatives. The Wilman group is in the process of meeting with the Minister to attempt to convince him to reverse the ACMC de-registration of the site.

All the GKB representatives requested that, for development purposes, the Collie River should be treated as an Aboriginal site, as if it continued to be protected by its prior registration as a registered site. They understood that, in previous circumstances, the Aboriginal site formed by the river would include the area within 30 metres of the ordinary high water mark.

Although the 30 metres concept was often a matter of policy, until recently it was generally understood that the ACMC, which has responsibility under the AHA for evaluating Aboriginal sites on behalf of the community (AHA s39), would accept that the land within 30 metres of a major river with mythological significance was a part of that riverine site. This would mean that ground-disturbing development within 30 metres of the Collie River required ministerial consent via s18 of the AHA. As noted above, the deregistration of Collie River (Site ID 16713) is controversial and subject to complaint by GKB people.

An advantage of early discussions with the GKB representatives (of both groups) is that planning can occur which satisfies their need for cultural recognition of the Collie River, and its appropriate treatment, regardless of its registered status as an Aboriginal site. Essentially, all the people who were consulted had similar views about how the UEA should deal with the banks of the Collie River. The sections below, describe the responses of the two groups. Each group was taken to a place on the northern bank of the river adjacent the UEA (Plate 5). They could see the existing farmland on the southern bank, within the UEA, and discussed the opportunities for improving the treatment of the river bank, at some length.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Plate 5. Taken from northern bank of Collie River

Bunbury representatives – Collie River

The Bunbury representatives said they are culturally and historically connected to the Collie River. They described the river as a “life-source”, since it is a rich source of food. They spoke about the traditional and historical uses of the river, noting that their ancestors used the river and its shoreline for travel, camping, trade, and the procurement of food.

Annette Garlett described the river as a “life giver for the Nyoongar”. Before the opening up of the bay in Bunbury, the Collie was a fresh water river, providing the local Nyoongar population with clean drinking water. It was, and still is, a rich source of food. The Bunbury representatives regularly fish for yellow tail, black bream, silver bream, cobbler, and marron in the river.

The Bunbury representatives acknowledged that over time their access to the River has been significantly limited by the “new generation of farmers” whose properties extend to the river and limit access. Native title is extinguished by the presence of the farms. Peter Michael noted that the GKB people are reasonable and understand that they have lost their legal claim to the river. Yet they continue to value the river for its cultural meaning to them. They spoke of the respect they normally show the river by throwing a stone, or

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

sand, into the river to “break its surface” before entering. Lera Bennell made the point that this cultural respect paid represents a fundamentally different approach to the river from non-Aboriginal people.

From the Bunbury representatives’ point of view, their relationship with the Collie River is not altered by the various restrictions to its use by them placed upon it. They continue to feel that the river has a very important place in their cultural lives. They spoke about their desire to be able to access the river along the entire stretch of the shoreline.

The Bunbury representatives saw that the planning process for the UEA could provide opportunities for improvement of the riverbank. They said they would welcome the re- structuring of the existing farmland so that the riverbank was re-planted with native vegetation. Within, at least, the 30 metres area that would ordinarily be considered part of the Aboriginal site, the group felt that the river should be free of development. They would like to see the banks is rehabilitated to their natural state, using endemic species to assist with the stripping of nutrients and waste, such a lawn fertilisers seeping into the river to assist with the prevention of algal blooms and river contamination. The Bunbury representatives would actively oppose the building of canals or private jetties into the Collie River. They said that speed limitations for powered watercraft on the river should be strictly enforced.

Relevant GKB people should provide cultural monitoring of any rehabilitation of the Collie River shoreline and GKB people should be engaged in ongoing discussion during the planning process.

The Bunbury representatives felt that the rehabilitated Collie River shoreline should be open to the public as a nature-themed recreational space. The representatives said that they would like to see boardwalks along the banks to encourage public use and appreciation of the river. Along the boardwalks there ought to be interpretive material that acknowledges and displays positive messages about Nyoongar occupation and use of the river prior to, and during, the period of European settlement, including traditional naming of places along the river. This could form a useful educative tool that would support and promote better reconciliation between Nyoongar people and others.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Wilman group – Collie River

The Wilman group define themselves as “river people.” They have a strong connection to the Collie River and most have lived in the areas near the UEA. The Wilman group members spoke of their connection to Roeland Mission located on the Collie River, some 15 – 20 kilometres from the UEA.

Wilman group described the river as a connector of all Nyoongar people living along side it. Gail Wynne-Fitzgerald said that people from “Bunbury to Darkan and right up to the other side of Narrogin” are “all connected” because of the waterway. Gail said that she would want to see the Nyoongar story of the waterway incorporated into planning discussions so it could be used to better engage with non-Aboriginal residents and visitors.

Joe Northover spoke of Wilman’s mythological connection to Collie River. He spoke about the hairy face serpent, Ngangungudditj Walgu (Northover, 2008), and of the river as a place where the mythological serpent, Walgu2 lives and rests in deep pools. The pools where the Walgu rests in are dangerous. As a child he was warned against swimming near them. For spiritual reasons, Joe said, Nyoongar people had to announce their arrival to the river by reverentially throwing some sand or earth into it. This way the Walgu would be able to sense the person on approach. Joe recommended that when in the company of a local Nyoongar person, non-Aboriginal people should also throw sand into the river to introduce themselves to the Walgu.

Wilman group views and recommendations about the UEA planning strategy were very similar to those of the Bunbury representatives. The Wilman group requested that an area of at least 30 metres next to the river be free of any residential development. The shoreline should be rehabilitated with endemic species to bring it back to its natural state and to help prevent nutrient seepage from housing development. The Wilman group want to be involved with the rehabilitation process. They view the development and the rehabilitation of the Collie River as an opportunity to be a part of the planning process that would work toward a reconciliatory relationship between local government and residents, and the Nyoongar people.

2 Joe Northover prefers the pronunciation/spelling “Walgu” for the common mythological serpent that others, in different parts of Nyoongar country know as “Waugal” or Waurgal. ” 32

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Similar to the views of the Bunbury representatives, the Wilman group suggested the shoreline should be used as rehabilitated open space that could be used as a place for contemplation and reflection rather than for more active recreational pursuits. It should be accessible by all people. The walkways and parks should display interpretive material relevant to Nyoongar stories and history that would acknowledge Nyoongar life prior to and following European colonisation. They requested involvement of relevant GKB people from the Collie River region to be involved in developing these stories, and naming the places near the river.

The Wilman group said they would oppose developers using revetments or walls along the banks because this would damage the integrity of the river. The group agreed that it was fundamentally important to preserve the cultural and mythological integrity of the river, but at the same time it should be opened up for everyone’s enjoyment.

Phillip Ugle stated that Nyoongar people “want progress, but it needs to be done with respect to nature”. The others agreed with this. The Wilman group suggested that local government and developers should involve them more in the long-term planning and development of the greater Bunbury region. This would include better acknowledgement of Nyoongar people, and stronger involvement and consultation throughout planning processes. The Wilman group said they will want local Nyoongar cultural monitors to be present during any ground-disturbance activities, especially along the river.

Ted Hart was unable to take part in the physical inspection of the UEA and IEA, due to a scheduling misunderstanding with Guy Wright. However, he was able to be briefed on the project at the SWALSC Perth the day following the inspection by the Wilman group, to which he would ordinarily belong.

Ted Hart agreed with most of the recommendations and comments from the other members of the Wilman group. However, he was of a view that the area adjacent the Collie River that should be set aside from development and rehabilitated to a near natural state should be a minimum of 50 metres and up to 100 metres from the bank.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Summary of Collie River issue

The Collie River remains an integral and central part of the culture of local GKB people. Its cultural values are undiminished by its recent “de-registration” by the ACMC and DAA. These values may be reasonably consistent with proposed future public access arrangements. It seems likely that future planning would seek to build on and enhance the natural features and amenity of the river. Public access and use for recreational purposes in a manner that in environmentally sensitive should be expected.

From a cultural perspective, Nyoongar people will want to see the river returned as much as possible to its natural state. Hard edged revetments and large jetties, promotion of power-boating and the like would be opposed. Softer, natural treatments, with appropriate interpretive material and possibly boardwalks to help preserve natural flora are likely to be supported.

If limited jetties are proposed in future planning arrangements then planners should appreciate that in Nyoongar belief the Walgu may be angered by intrusions into the riverbed. As a result, careful consideration should be given to keeping the number of pilings to a minimum. The relevant GKB groups should be engaged and their advice sought about how best to limit intrusions that affect their cultural values.

Plate 6. Collie River: Reduced speed limits will reduce damage to river banks.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Other parts of the UEA and IEA

Both the Bunbury representatives and the Wilman group felt that the treatment of the Collie River was the most important issue to be considered in respect of the proposed planning arrangements. The remaining land is primarily farmland that has been used intensively for many years. Native title will have been extinguished long ago by the valid grant of incompatible freehold title. Heritage values continue to exist in respect of some archaeological sites within the areas, but it was acknowledged that these had been substantially degraded over time. Big Island archaeologist Wendy Reynen made attempts to locate the previously discovered archaeological material but was unable to do so. Roads, increased traffic, and other incompatible land uses have made it very difficult to relocate the relatively small number of artefacts that have been found over time in the past.

The pattern of inspection of the remaining areas of the UAE and IEA were very similar for both the Bunbury representatives and the Wilman group. Once all representatives were satisfied with the assessment of Collie River the teams travelled south on Forrest Highway to Hynes Road. The teams drove east on Hynes Road until they were within the mapped boundary of DAA Registered archaeological Site ID 4864. Following a brief account of this site and a talk to familiarise the groups, they drove north on Clifton Road, eventually looping east, then south until reaching the intersection of South Western Highway in close proximity to DAA registered site ID 17775 /Waterloo.

Waterloo

Both groups were appreciative of the fact that the Waterloo site, a well-known former camping/community/residential site had not been included in the planning for the UAE and IEA. Members of the Bunbury representatives, especially Annette Garlett, had lived significant portions of their lives at Waterloo and felt quite strongly that it should remain a special place that is protected from unsympathetic development. As a registered Aboriginal site any land disturbance within the site boundary would require ministerial consent via s18 of the AHA. The Bunbury representatives stopped at the site and Annette told how she had lived there before its closure of the small community and demolition of the houses. Members of the groups said the houses had to be condemned because the groundwater was too close to the surface and it was not possible to have suitable drainage. 35

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

If, as a result of the planning processes in the UEA and IEA, there becomes a need to include the Waterloo site, the Bunbury representatives should be engaged in the discussion. Annette Garlett should be consulted.

Spring

Both the Bunbury representatives and the Wilman group noted that in the farmland that covers almost all the UEA and IEA, there are wetlands. They noted that their ancestors actively used these wetlands for living in a sustainable manner throughout many millennia. In their views, the wetlands areas are places that should be accorded a special and significant place in the planning arrangements that will be developed in the coming months and years. Although the farmland obscures these wetlands at present, they will become apparent in the planning processes. Some will likely be protected and used as public open space. The groups would like these spaces to be rehabilitated in a way that at least imitates what they may have looked like in their natural state. This should include re-planting with endemic species, preservation of natural edges, and so forth. Recognition of these wetlands ought to include interpretive material relating something of the use of these resources by Nyoongar people in the past.

On Monday, the Wilman group stopped at what appeared to be a wetland created by a spring on Clifton Road in the UEA, at GDA94 0384213mE / 6314059mN. According to Joe Northover, this is a place where the Walgu would “come up from the ground.” In his view, this particular spring, and all the other springs within the expansion have mythological significance. The Wilman group requested that the area surrounding this water source should be kept as passive public open space and the size of the passive public open spaces should be determined through consultation with relevant Nyoongar representatives.

Appropriate Nyoongar representatives should determine the naming of waterholes, springs and other heritage places. The suggested name for the spring at GDA94 0384213mE / 6314059mN is “Ngamma Kiap” which is GKB for “waterhole”.

The teams travelled through and around the urban expansion area. Once all Nyoongar representatives were satisfied that they had seen enough of the development area and had

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

made appropriate recommendations in response to the planned development the teams travelled south to assess the IEA.

Industrial Expansion Area

The teams travelled south on Waterloo Road giving the Nyoongar representatives an opportunity to view the industrial expansion area to the west. The team then travelled west on Harris Road through the southern portion of the IEA. The teams reached the intersection of Harris and Martin Pelusey Roads. The flat, thoroughly farmed, landscape in these areas made it easy for both GKB teams to view the country from the vehicles. UHF radios were used to keep in touch between the vehicles. Although there were opportunities to stop and discuss, there appeared to be no real need to. The team members know the country very well, and were clear about where they were. Neither the Bunbury representatives nor the Wilman group raised any specific relevant cultural concerns. They did, however, reiterate their desire to see the wetlands, and the existing archaeological resource, where feasible, dealt with in a sensitive manner.

In the southwest corner of the IEA are three DAA registered sites: ID 5158, ID 18886, and ID 18889. Both the Bunbury representatives and the Wilman group said that these areas should remain protected as registered sites. Wendy Reynen explained that it was virtually impossible, in the current disturbed conditions, to relocate artefacts that had been previously found, sometimes decades previously, as a result of intensive investigations associated with specific developments.

The GKB groups both said that relevant Nyoongar cultural monitors should be present during all levels of ground-disturbing activity in the vicinity of the DAA registered sites. They also requested the Shire of Dardanup to involve them in the naming of streets and places in the development, particularly in areas in and around any DAA registered sites.

Once the Bunbury representatives and the Wilman group were satisfied that both the urban and industrial expansion areas were satisfactorily assessed the teams regrouped and discussed the assessment further. Guy Wright summed up the discussion and asked whether people were satisfied that they had seen sufficient of the areas being considered in the planning process. The members of both groups said that they were satisfied they had seen sufficient to appropriately consider their responses to the planning arrangements for the UEA and IEA. 37

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Discussion

The assessment process was generally well received by the Nyoongar participants. The Wilman group appreciated the presentation by Steve Potter form the Shire of Dardanup regarding the planning strategy. Both groups were appreciative of the Shire of Dardanup engaging with them at a reasonably early juncture. All the GKB representatives requested ongoing consultations between themselves, the Shire of Dardanup, and future developers.

The key issues relate to the need for sympathetic treatment of the Collie River and other sources of water that may be affected by the eventual development within the UEA and IEA. There was a strong view that both the river and the water sources that would become evident as the farmland is turned to other purposes, should be returned, as much as possible, to their original condition. This means re-planting with endemic species, maintaining soft “natural” edges to waterways, and doing other things that are consistent with returning the natural feel to the waterways/sources. There was explicit rejection of hard-edged revetment type treatment of waterways, and of private development extending into jetties and other intrusions.

The GKB people feel strongly that the Collie River and the other water sources are places that are spiritually important to them. Both Nyoongar groups expressed their disapproval of the decision to de-register the Collie River as an Aboriginal site.

All the GKB people consulted were opposed to development within 30 metres of the banks of Collie River. Some, including former SWALSC chairman Ted Hart thought this too narrow a strip and that it should be extended to 50 or 100 metres. However, everyone is very keen to use this space to promote the contemplative use of the river by others. They suggested that the river should be opened up for public use and enjoyment. Natural parks and walkways along the shoreline could encourage people to visit the area.

The Nyoongar groups are committed to their aspiration to rehabilitate the shoreline of the river. They have requested consultation and involvement in the selection of endemic plants and strongly encourage the Shire of Dardanup to act on this recommendation. As part of the rehabilitation process the GKB people have suggested that the river water

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

quality should be monitored to ensure lawn fertiliser and similar runoff is not polluting the river.

Acknowledgement of traditional and historical Nyoongar settlement and life on the banks of the Collie River should be presented in interpretive materials. This should also extend to water sources and passive reserves, where appropriate. Nyoongar names and words should be used in the naming of places.

Those archaeological sites that continue to exist are important to both groups of GKB people who were consulted. They appreciated that ongoing general disturbance had made it unlikely the artefacts could be re-found. They were of the view that cultural monitoring by two local Nyoongar people, of ground disturbing activities associated with the eventual development in these places, would be appropriate.

Archaeological Assessment

Methodology

Given the extent of cleared and farmed land within the survey areas and limitations to accessing private property, a sampling strategy was undertaken by the archaeological survey team to investigate parts of the Shire of Dardanup’s proposed urban and industrial expansion areas. This strategy targeted areas of accessible remnant bush and creek crossings, most typically located adjacent to roads. A series of parallel transects some 10 m apart was walked by the archaeological survey team through all accessible areas.

The survey also verified the location of previously reported DAA sites located within the survey areas. This was achieved by the archaeologist and Traditional Owners inspecting the reported location of each site on foot.

Results

Archaeological assessment of two previously identified DAA sites located within the urban and industrial expansion areas has been completed (see below).

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

A total of 11 km of accessible remnant bush adjacent to roads was surveyed (Plate 7, Map 9). No new archaeological sites were identified. Remnant bush adjacent to the a water course in the area which cuts east – west through farmed land and the southern bank of the Collie River was not able to be accessed. It should be noted however that bush along the river margins typically consists of intermittent clusters of trees with cut grass. The area is evidently well managed and is considered highly unlikely to be undisturbed.

Access to farmed land was not able to be arranged and sampling of this disturbed land was not able to be completed. The potential for identifying undisturbed surface archaeological sites on farmed land is however considered to be very low (Brooks et al 2009).

The potential for sub-surface archaeological material throughout the survey areas was discussed with Traditional Owners. It was agreed, that prior to European settlement numerous Aboriginal camps are likely to have been present, particularly in areas adjacent to freshwater sources. In this context, the potential for sub surface archaeological material to be uncovered during any ground disturbing work was considered to be moderate - high. Following consultation with Bunbury representatives and the Wilman group, Big Island strongly recommends that cultural monitors are present during all ground disturbing works undertaken within the Shire of Dardanup’s proposed urban and industrial expansion areas.

Plate 7. View east across remnant bush surveyed on either side of Clifton Road in UEA.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site 3

The area surrounding the intersection of Martin Pelusey Road and Harris Road was closely inspected. The area has been extensively disturbed (Plate 9) by the bitumen road intersection and associated road cuttings and drainage lines. Fence lines and paddocks line this area. Ground surface visibility was very low (<20%) around fence lines due to low vegetation. No surface archaeological material was found.

Recommendation

 Monitor during ground disturbing work at DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site 3

Plate 8. View west towards the intersection of Martin Pelusey Road and Harris Road.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Map 9. UEA and IEA showing transects surveyed by the archaeological team.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

General Conclusions

Ethnographic and archaeological assessment of the Shire of Dardanup’s urban and industrial expansion areas has been completed.

Eleven km of remnant bush adjacent to roads was surveyed by the archaeology team. No new archaeological sites were identified. Field inspections of DAA Site ID 4865 Bunbury 09 and DAA Site ID 18886 Bunbury Bypass Archaeological Site confirmed that surface archaeological material at these sites has been moved or may have been destroyed.

The ethnographic team travelled by car through the expansion areas to the satisfaction of the Nyoongar representatives. Throughout the assessment there was ample opportunity for discussion of heritage matters. Formal meetings concluded the day’s assessment with the Bunbury representatives and Wilman group. Their suggestions are detailed above in the ethnographic assessment.

Both groups saw the planning process as offering opportunities to improve the natural amenity of the UEA and IEA, especially of the river courses and water sources. The best way to achieve this will be to restore waterways, as far as practicable to their original condition. These areas should be protected by prohibiting development activity within at least 30 metres of the water’s edge, but permitting and encouraging public access.

Following consultation with Bunbury representatives and the Wilman group, Big Island strongly recommends that cultural monitors are present during all ground disturbing works undertaken within the Shire of Dardanup’s proposed urban and industrial expansion areas. In addition, the Nyoongar representatives request ongoing consultation with the Shire of Dardanup.

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

References

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Balme, J. 2014. ‘Devils Lair: Occupation intensity and land-use’. Australian Archaeology 73:179-186.

Bowdler, S., Strawbridge, L. and M. Schwede. 1991. Archaeological mitigation in the Perth Metropolitan Region. Australian Archaeology 32:21-25.

Brooks, A., Bader, H.D., Lawrence, S. and Lennon, J. 209. ‘Ploughzone archaeology on an Australian historic site: a case study from South Gippsland, Victoria’. Australian Archaeology 68:37-44.

Brown, S. 1984 ‘A Survey for Aboriginal Sites along the Proposed Australind Bypass Road’. Unpublished report prepared for Main Roads Western Australia.

Brown, S. 1984 ‘Archaeological Inspection for Aboriginal Sites along the Proposed Route Muja to Bunbury Saline Water Disposal Pipeline’. Unpublished report prepared for Main Roads Western Australia.

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Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

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Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

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Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia

Appendix 1. DAA Site Search

Final Report: Site Avoidance Assessment, Industrial and Urban Expansion areas, Shire of Dardanup, Western Australia