Protecting the State's Natural Heritage The Heritage Council of NSW has developed principles to assist in determining its role in the conservation of the state's natural heritage. Typical sandstone flora, Sydney region. Photograph by Reece McDougall "Over the past 40,000 years of human occupation, and in particular the last 200 years of European settlement, the natural environment of NSW has been modified dramatically and in many areas the rate of extinction and modifications is accelerating," said the Chair of the Heritage Council, Mrs Hazel Hawke. "The recognition of the value in conserving our remaining natural heritage estate is vital." The Heritage Act is one of a broad range of legislative and informal measures for the conservation and management of natural areas in NSW. "The Heritage Council has been developing policies in Aboriginal and movable heritage for the past three years," Mrs Hawke said. "It is now time for us to turn our attention to the equally important area of natural heritage." Some of the major items of natural heritage on the State Heritage Register are Lord Howe Island, the north-east rainforests, Willandra Lakes and Wingecarribee Swamp. "The Heritage Council will work to make this a comprehensive list of the most important natural areas in the state." The principles clarify and strengthen partnerships between the Heritage Council of New South Wales and the community and key natural resource agencies in NSW. In particular, the Heritage Council will work with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, State Forests and the Department of Land and Water Conservation and their associated scientific and advisory committees. "We are also keen to promote closer liaison between the Heritage Council and Commonwealth agencies with an interest in natural heritage," said Mrs Hawke. Go to Publications on the Heritage Office homepage to download a free copy. www.heritage.nsw.gov.au.

Parramatta plans on archaeology

Beneath the surface of Parramatta lies evidence of some of the earliest sites of European occupation in Australia. An innovative new study is in progress that will ensure these significant remains survive into the future.

Parramatta's archaeological heritage is varied and unique. At Civic Place there are examples of early drainage and urban infrastructure. This was also an important meeting place for Aboriginal people and the first European settlers. Today's Marsden Rehabilitation Centre is located on the site of the King's School and contains valuable evidence about its operation. The remains of the first hospital in Parramatta and four convict huts have been assessed as having international significance.

As Parramatta continues to grow and develop into the 21st century, these fragile remnants will inevitably come under threat. The new study will provide a practical tool to help make decisions on how to best manage them.

The Parramatta Historical Archaeological Landscape Management Study has been commissioned through the NSW Government Parramatta Property Strategy, with funding support from Parramatta City Council, the Property Council and the Parramatta Rail Link and is managed by the NSW Heritage Office. The project consultants, Godden Mackay Logan, are developing a research framework which will be used to prepare planning and management recommendations to provide greater clarity in how the archaeology should be managed and interpreted.

Archaeologist at the Heritage Office, Caitlin Allen, said: "This is the first time in NSW that we have looked at the archaeology of an entire area in this way. It means that property owners, developers and council will be armed with greater knowledge about the location and possible significance of archaeological remains. With this kind of information we can direct resources to those special sites that are of great value to the community."

Once the study is completed in October, members of the public will be able to access the information online via the Heritage Office homepage at: www.heritage.nsw.gov.au.