For more information please call the Community Relations Coordinator on Freecall 1800 283 550

ACCIONA Energy PO Box 2582 South Melbourne Victoria 3205 March 2009

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Cultural Heritage at

Waubra

The Process

Over twenty Aboriginal and two historical

archaeological sites were recorded during the

original cultural heritage survey of the proposed

Waubra wind farm site. The majority of these

Aboriginal sites were isolated artefact sites

however, there were also a number of artefact

scatter sites. Turbine F127 was to be located

within a portion of one of the more significant

artefact scatter sites.

It was not feasible to relocate that turbine, so in

consultation with representatives of the Ballarat

and District Aboriginal Co-operative and Heritage

Service Branch of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and

Heritage Victoria, a permit was issued to disturb

the artefact scatter site at the turbine on Briody’s

land and the site was then salvaged.

Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by

Acciona Energy to excavate Aboriginal site

AAV7623/0071. Originally the entire turbine

hardstand area (14 x 14 metres) was to be

excavated, however it quickly became apparent

that time constraints would prevent the

excavation team from completing the entire area.

Therefore, a sampling strategy was adopted,

during which alternate rows were excavated by

hand to 10 centimetres depth. Following this, 16

squares were selected to be excavated further.

Excavation resulted in the recording of over 2000

stone artefacts that represent a range of activities

that were carried out on Tolbar Hill. The artefact

Excavation resulted in the recording of over 2000

stone artefacts that represent a range of activities

that were carried out on Tolbar Hill. The artefact

assemblage was dominated by unretouched

flakes, although numerous cores and debitage

were also noted. In addition, retouched artefacts

including backed blades and geometric microliths

were found, several pieces of grinding stone and

an abrader were noted. This indicates that a

range of activities was being undertaken, but

stone tool making appears to have been the most

prolific, at least within the excavated part of the

east end of the site.

Following the excavation, and after consultation

with representatives from the Ballarat & District

Aboriginal Co-operative it was recommended that

the artefacts be returned and placed in situ within

the concrete of the turbine foundation, which is

where they remain today.

Waubra Wind Farm Fact Sheet

For more information please call the Community Relations Coordinator on Freecall 1800 283 550

ACCIONA Energy PO Box 2582 South Melbourne Victoria 3205 March 2009

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Who was involved?

The Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative

had the legislative responsibility for Aboriginal

cultural heritage matters in the Waubra region at

the time. Karen Heap, CEO for the Ballarat and

District Aboriginal Co-operative, was originally

contacted to notify her of the project and to

request the presence of representatives during

the excavation. Frank Laxton, Peter-Shane

Rotumah, Tim Kennedy, Adam Lovett, Karyn

Barker, Aaron Grambeau and Eddie Marks all

participated in the excavation. Jenny Fiddian,

Anne Ford and Heather Bice (Biosis Research Pty.

Ltd.) carried out the excavation with the B&DAC

representatives named above.

Aboriginal History at the site and surrounds

The Great Dividing Range forms the tribal

boundary between the Djadja wurrung and Wada

wurrung traditional lands. The wind farm site

crosses both, with traditional Djadja wurrung

lands north of the range and traditional Wada

wurrung lands south of the range.

Tolbar Hill, where the artefact scatter was

identified, is located within traditional Wada

wurrung lands. The Burrumbeet balug, whose

headquarters were at Lake Burrumbeet, were

most likely the clan utilising resources at Tolbar

Hill.

Abundant resources were available to people

living in the Tolbar Hill area, the plains providing

ample hunting opportunities as well as plant

foods, waterways providing water, fish, birds and

plant food. Stone for toolmaking was plentiful,

with quartz available in the creeks and reefs

throughout the area, silcrete available in

association with basalt, hornfels occurring in

association with granite and basalt outcropping

locally.

We welcome your contact for information or

feedback about any of our activities.

Please call the freecall number 1800 283 550 or

fax 9686 6120

Visit the Waubra Wind Farm Website

www.waubrawindfarm.com.au

or email to info@waubrawindfarm.com.au