In speaking at the launch, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Dr Andrew Refshauge said, “Parramatta is home to some of our earliest and most significant heritage sites, as well as being one of the busiest commercial centres in Australia. The launch of this new system will help the Government to balance these two priorities, so we can protect our past as we plan for future progress”.

“The Parramatta Historical Archaeological Landscape Management System (PHALMS) is a practical tool to help make decisions about how our fragile archaeological resource should be managed. It is the first time in NSW that the archaeology of an entire area has been surveyed.”

Plans, maps, records and previous studies were studied extensively to map areas of potential archaeological significance in Parramatta.

Councillor Lorraine Wearne, Lord Mayor of Parramatta, said that the new system would be of enormous benefit to the city.

“It will tell everyone from the beginning where the areas of significance are located,” she said.

Heritage professionals will be able to identify those sites with the greatest archaeological value, while the new system means that developers will be equipped with far greater certainty in identifying the sites where archaeological investigations will be required.

Ms Louise Joslin, President of the Property Council of Australia (NSW) welcomed the new initiative from the State Government.

“Providing the right information means that property owners will be able to make informed decisions that will ensure significant remains are protected... They will be in a better position to forecast costs and risks, and to design buildings for sites that have remains,” said Ms Joslin.

Anyone can access PHALMS to see at a glance how a particular site has been developed since the earliest days of colonisation. It is easy to search by street address to find out if a potential development site is likely to contain important archaeological remains. The system also displays any archaeological requirements for the site and states whether permits are required.

Photograph by Lindy Kerr

“PHALMS is an example of the good work that can be done through government partnerships,” said Dr Refshauge.

“It has been achieved through the cooperation of the Property Council, the Parramatta City Council, the Heritage Office and the Department of Public Works and Services.”

“This is a new user-friendly way of managing Parramatta’s significant archaeological issues as Parramatta continues to grow and develop into the twenty-first century.”

Those interested in a particular site can contact Michael Wells at Parramatta Council on (02) 9806 5113 for further information. PHALMS will also soon be available over the Internet via the Heritage Office homepage.