(last modified 7/10/2008 3:40 PM)
Melbourne CBD
About 800 historical archaeology sites are located in the Melbourne CBD.
Some of these sites relate to the earliest stages of Melbourne’s settlement; others are relics of the gold rush; or the flourishing years of Marvellous Melbourne in the 1880s. The history of Melbourne, and the great events that shaped Melbourne’s development are reflected in the archaeological relics that are buried beneath the modern streetscape.
The Heritage Act protects all historical archaeology sites in Victoria. Heritage Victoria has created a plan of the Central Business District that identifies all sites that have the potential to contain archaeological remains.
The plan identifies areas that have a high level of archaeological potential (purple) and areas that have more moderate potential (green). The plan also shows sites where archaeological excavation work has taken place (red). In recent years, excavation work in the city has become increasingly common, resulting in a better understanding of Melbourne’s early history and material culture.
If there is a proposal to disturb or develop a site that may contain archaeological material, Heritage Victoria requires that a project of historical and archaeological investigation take place. In some cases it is necessary to conduct an excavation to uncover and record any significant archaeological relics.
The archaeological record of early Melbourne is an important, irreplaceable and delicate resource. Heritage Victoria is committed to ensuring that archaeological sites in Melbourne are appropriately recognised, managed and interpreted.