Archaeology
Archaeology is the term given to the material evidence of past human activities. Archaeologists study this evidence to understand how people lived in the past.
The archaeological material in Newcastle provides evidence of past land use and activities and can be particularly helpful where there are no written sources of the time. As more archaeological work is carried out in the local area it enables a clearer picture of Newcastle's early European and indigenous history to be gleaned.
The archaeological potential of inner Newcastle - where the city has its origins and where there is more chance of disturbance to below ground remains - the Council has prepared an Archaeological Management Plan. The Plan was adopted by Council in 1997 and covers Newcastle, Newcastle East, Newcastle West, parts of Cooks Hill and parts of The Hill.
If you considering undertaking a development in these areas and the development is likely to involve bulk excavation of land then you need to determine the archaeological potential of the property. The Archaeological Management Plan can be of assistance especially if it is consulted early on in the design development process.
Where development is proposed on land identified in the Plan as having a potential for archaeolgical material to be present, Council will require you to discuss the proposal and and the approvals process with the NSW Department of Planning - Heritage Branch.
Newcastle Archaeological Management Plan 1997 - full report
Newcastle Archaeological Management Plan 1997 - map of precincts
Newcastle Archaeological Management Plan 1997 - map of land with archaeological potential
