Shoalwater Bay Training Area. Indigenous Heritage Management

Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) is located on the central Queensland coast, approximately 50 kilometres north of Rockhampton. The SWBTA is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List, and its marine portion lies within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Triangular Island, which is part of SWBTA, is the only permanent Government gazetted underwater demolition range in Australia and is a unique capability training facility.

Defence had proposed a range of development needs for Triangular Island, which required careful management owing to the site’s significant heritage values. The project’s focus was to consult with the Aboriginal Party, assess the Indigenous heritage significance of the site, determine potential impacts to identified heritage places and items, and to provide practical management advice for Defence in terms of its heritage obligations under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.  

‍

Redevelopment of facilities on Triangular Island necessitated consultation with the Aboriginal Party and a cultural heritage assessment of the area. Consultation was carried out using an approach that recognised the internal protocols and procedures that the Aboriginal Party have developed, commencing with the development of a scope of works for the assessment through consultation and mutual agreement. The assessment was undertaken in accordance with this scope of works, involving Aboriginal field representatives and their nominated technical adviser, as well as Converge and Defence personnel. Reporting followed, and a final meeting to sign off on the contents of the report.