Protecting archaeological sites

What do I do if I find an historical archaeological site?

If a site is uncovered during the course of any building/demolition projects, work must cease immediately and we need to be informed. An historical archaeologist may be required to visit the site and make recommendations on an appropriate management strategy, including archaeological investigation, excavation and future monitoring of any sub-surface disturbance at the site.

Protecting archaeological sites brochure (2.86Mb PDF)

Application for consent (Word 678 Kb)

Consent application fees (87Kb PDF)

Reporting sites to Heritage Victoria

All non-Indigenous archaeological sites in Victoria older than 50 years are protected under the Heritage Act, whether or not they are recorded by us. For example, if a site is uncovered in the course of a building project, it is an offence to knowingly damage, disturb or excavate without obtaining the appropriate consent from the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria.

The Heritage Inventory Site Card is used to record the details of sites for inclusion in the Inventory. A search of the Heritage Inventory through the Victorian Heritage Database may be necessary to determine whether a site has previously been recorded. We issue Heritage Inventory site numbers on receipt of site cards.

Heritage Inventory Site Card (764Kb Word)

Conducting archaeological work and surveys

We need to be notified prior to any archaeological survey work. It is required that a Notification of intention to carry out an archaeological survey form  be submitted.

Further details on surveys can be found at Guidelines for Conducting Historical Archaeological Surveys.

Anyone who excavates or damages an archaeological site without permission faces penalties under the Heritage Act.