Cultural Heritage
The Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance took its obligations to protect cultural heritage very seriously. The Alliance worked closely with local Aboriginal communities, historical society groups, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Heritage Victoria and local councils when selecting the route for the Sugarloaf Pipeline. Based on these consultations, the final route for the Sugarloaf Pipeline was altered several times to avoid sensitive cultural heritage sites.
During construction of the Sugarloaf Pipeline, the Alliance identified 46 new Aboriginal cultural heritage places and 27 new non-Indigenous heritage sites. Alliance archaeologists salvaged artefacts from more than 15 Aboriginal places and four non-Indigenous historical sites.
Indigenous cultural heritage
To help preserve artefacts and sensitive sites, a cultural heritage management plan was developed in close consultation with elders from the Taungurung, Wurundjeri and Wandoon Aboriginal communities, and approved by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.
In addition to ensuring protection of cultural heritage sites, investigations for the Sugarloaf Pipeline also provided a comprehensive assessment of the nature of Aboriginal occupation of the region prior to European settlement. Prior to the Alliance investigations, only three surveys had been undertaken in the region – a negligible amount considering the vast area covered by the 70km Sugarloaf Pipeline.
Any impacts on Indigenous cultural heritage complied with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Victoria).
Non-Indigenous cultural heritage
A number of non-Indigenous heritage sites listed with Heritage Victoria were also located near the Sugarloaf Pipeline route, including ruins in Killingworth, the James Drysdale Homestead in Yea, the former Dixons Creek school and the Maroondah Aqueduct.
In Yarra Glen, a previously unknown water well, which was part of the former Junction Hotel, was rediscovered. The Junction Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1935 and little remained at the site, other than a nondescript blackberry-covered brick well at the bottom of a paddock. Located on the corner of Steels Creek Road and Eltham–Yarra Glen Road, the Sugarloaf Pipeline ran close by this remnant of a bygone era. The Yarra Glen & District Historical Society contacted the Alliance and shared its knowledge of the site. Historical Society members wanted any possible artefacts excavated and preserved. Given its interest in the site, the Alliance invited several local historical society members to watch the excavation. Artefacts revealed included old alcohol bottles containing used tobacco stems, various iron objects, and horse gear such as horseshoes and bits (the ‘bit’ forms part of a bridle and sits in the horse’s mouth). A collection of the artefacts will be donated to the local historical society and Heritage Victoria following a formal analysis.
Any impact to historical cultural heritage will comply with the Heritage Act 1995 (Victoria).
