Download 3.2.2 Heritage Precincts at RAAF Base Amberley

GML Heritage
with the Vietnam War era.
The history of settlement and the origins of the name Amberley are expressed in the two buildings comprising the former
Amberley State School, [now in the School Precinct] once a focus for the rural community, on Old Toowoomba Road.
Attributes: The whole of the base including both planning and structures that illustrate phases of construction, strategic
alliances, theatres of war and military technologies. Specific structures include the Bellman Hangars, the semi-subterranean
operations building, the Riley-Newsum cottages, the Air Safety building, 'Silver City' and the former Amberley State School.
Criterion b) (Rarity) its possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Australia’s cultural history
Amberley RAAF Base is one of the few surviving examples of pre-World War Two Air Force planning and construction under
British influence. A key planning feature is the diamond-shaped command and administration area [sub-precinct], which
is linked to the Guardhouse (21) by the original access road, which separated the hangars and airstrip from the other areas of
the base. The diamond-shaped precinct includes the 301 Air Base HQ (65), the Base Medical Flight building (61 & 243), the
Air Base support building (246) and the parade ground (242) and associated landscaping, including mature Norfolk
Island Pines and Fig trees. Hangar 76, the largest hangar of the period, is closely linked to the Air Base HQ. Other
structures important in illustrating the wartime functional layout of the Base include the Emergency Power Generator building
(20), the Cinema (60), Airmen's Mess (42) and Sergeants Mess (41). The Guardhouse (21), identifying the original base
entrance, illustrates the operational context of the base during World War Two and is linked both visually and by road with the
command precinct.
Building 467, the Air Safety Building is a rare example of its type.
The former Army Helicopter and Fixed Wing training area known as 'Silver City' [Lysaght Huts] was erected specifically for the
Vietnam War and is regarded as rare.
Attributes: The diamond-shaped command and administration area detailed above, the Air Safety building and 'Silver City'.
Criterion e) (Aesthetic) its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or
cultural group
Hangar 76, the Base Medical Flight Building (61, 243) and the Guardhouse (21) characteristically display the use of fairface
brick and the use of the Art Deco style employed for permanent structures in the lead up to the Second World War and the use
of standard design solutions.
Attributes: The use of fairfaced brick and the use of the Art Deco styling evident in Hangar 76, the Base Medical Flight building
and the Guardhouse.
3.2.2 Heritage Precincts at RAAF Base Amberley
The CHL citation mentions that the ‘historical processes and events are associated with individual
structures, alignments and precincts from the pre-war, World War II and postwar periods.’43
The HMP for RAAF Base Amberley defines three heritage precincts—the Hangar Precinct, the
World War II Precinct and the School Precinct (the latter is not directly affected by the proposed
action). Within the World War II Precinct is the Command and Administration sub-precinct, which is
individually referenced in the CHL citation and a major early planning feature of the base, with its
distinct diamond shape, associated key buildings and landscape elements including road
alignments.
The precincts (shown in Figure 3.1) contain physical evidence from the early establishment of the
base, including original pre-war and World War II buildings and early plantings, and landscape
elements.
The HMP includes a heritage values assessment of the precincts:
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Hangar Precinct
The Hangar Precinct, (of High heritage value) is largely a cohesive group that demonstrates formal design
principles radiating from the ‘Diamond’ Parade Ground core (which is included in WWII Precinct). The Hangar
Precinct represents the form of the base and runway from its construction, through World War II and to the 1950s.
The hangars demonstrate the pre-World War II design intent of substantial construction and the more expedient
construction that was required once the war began. Historically, the hangars are significant as examples of the
technology used in the airfield from its origin to the present. The Bellman Hangars are interesting as a clearly
integrated group of examples in their original location. The frameless galvanised steel buildings manufactured by
Lysaght are interesting examples of later Vietnam War era use.44
World War II Precinct (including Command and Administration Sub-Precinct)
The World War II Building Precinct is of High heritage value as it contains buildings of the pre-war and World War
II period, as well as a small amount of the original layout remaining legible in the landscape, reflecting the command
and base amenities. The precinct includes the diamond-shaped command and administration sub-precinct, which is
a key planning feature of the Base. The guardhouse at the original front gate identifies the original extent of the
base. Groups of buildings demonstrate aesthetic values in their placement, design and built form. 45
The diamond shaped Command and Administration sub-precinct, although modified, is important aesthetically for its
layout, the positioning of the Norfolk Island Pines and Fig trees as key markers, and the balanced arrangement of
the former School of Instruction (65) and the former Hospital (61) at opposite ends of the central Parade Ground
(242).46
Within the heritage precincts there are individually significant assets, as well as assets which
contribute to the overall values of the base. Note that a significant number of heritage assets on the
base are located within these defined precincts.
Table 3.2 below identifies the 38 Commonwealth Heritage assets mentioned in the CHL citation
planned for removal and details in which heritage precinct they are located.
Table 3.2 List of CHL Assets Identified in FLMP and the EPBC Act Referral for Removal, within Heritage Precincts.
Asset No.
Name
Date Constructed
255–258, 260–
263, 277–280,
340
Bellman Hangars
1942–1943
95–104
Lysaght Huts
1967–1968
76
Hangar 76
1939
Hangar Precinct
Command and Administration Sub-Precinct (Diamond Shaped)
61
Former Hospital
1943
62
Former Hospital Carport (Note: included in CHL citation under ‘description’)
1968
243
Former Hospital Ward
1940–1941
240
Former Air Base Support
1940–1941
242
Parade Ground
1940
246
Former Commanding Officer’s Support Building
1940
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GML Heritage
Asset No.
Name
Date Constructed
65
301 Air Base HQ/Former School of Instruction
1939–1940
World War II Precinct
41
Former Sergeant’s Mess
1940
42
Gymnasium/Former Airmen’s Mess
1940
60
Astra Cinema
1940
Outside the Heritage Precincts
745
Bellman Hangar
1966 (moved to site)
467
Former Air Safety Building
1954–1955
763–764
Starter Cartridge Stores/Explosive Lockers
1950s–1960s
Additional assets on the base planned for removal which have identified heritage values in the HMP
include Assets 129, 220, 108, 184, 251–254, 259, 267, 268, 269, 273, 274 (P1-type timber huts,
c1940s), Asset 71 (Former Workshop and Store, 1940–1941) and Asset 293 (Air Traffic Control
Tower c1960s). These assets are mostly located in the Hangar Precinct, with some of the huts in
the World War II Precinct.
The heritage assets are described in further detail in Tables 3.3 and 3.4 below.
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GML Heritage
Figure 3.1 Overview of three heritage precincts and one sub-precinct at RAAF Base Amberley. (Source: 2013 HMP p 59)
3.2.3 Individual Historic Heritage Assets at RAAF Base Amberley
The RAAF Base Amberley HMP (June 2013) provides a detailed heritage assessment of the base
and identified the need to update the official CHL citation to reflect the current heritage values.
More specifically, the HMP assessment of RAAF Base Amberley’s historic built assets confirms that
the heritage values for most of the built assets of the base are already identified in the current CHL
citation, with the exception of the large collection of timber huts. 47 The ranking of elements is a
management tool for the HMP—all heritage values are significant under the CHL.
The recently prepared RAAF Bases Thematic Study (GML Draft, April 2014) was undertaken to
provide Defence with a comprehensive understanding of the characteristic elements of RAAF
bases. This was done by undertaking typological comparisons of their distribution across the whole
RAAF estate. Appendix B provides a summary of the findings of the comparative analysis of the
heritage assets, relevant to the FLMP.
Structures and other elements affected by the proposed action that make a contribution to the
heritage values of the site as a whole and are either identified individually in the CHL citation or in
RAAF Base Amberley—Heritage Impact Assessment, August 2014
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GML Heritage
the HMP are listed in Table 3.3, and shown in Figures 3.2–3.3 below. A summary discussion of the
heritage values of each element is provided.
Table 3.3 Heritage Assets and Landscape Elements affected by the proposed action. (The photographs are taken by GML,
2013, unless otherwise stated.)
Asset Name, Number/s and Date
Brief Discussion of Heritage Values
Bellman Hangars (1942–1943 (745 in 1966))
Assets 255–258, 260–263, 277–280, 340 and
745
Assets 262, 257 above and 263, 258 below.
The Bellman Hangars are of High heritage value and demonstrate the impact of
World War II on the base and the urgency of which hangar facilities were
required. The positioning of the hangars (the majority in pairs) in an arc shape
around the central diamond precinct plays an important role in the interface with
the runway apron and taxiways. Each pair is linked by a small gabled timber
building (some timber huts). As a group, the hangars are important in illustrating
the primary function of the base for maintenance and repair during World War II
and the operational layout of the base. They are an excellent surviving example
of a grouping of World War II Bellman Hangars arranged in an arc addressing the
tarmac, and an important feature in the overall design of the base layout.
Individually, they are representative examples of the building type and are
essentially intact. Some have varying levels of integrity with minor modifications.
Hangar 745 is located to the north away from the main group of hangars, and
was relocated to the site in the 1960s.
Lysaght Huts (1967–1968)
Assets 95–104
As a group, the 10 Lysaght Huts are of High heritage value because of their
direct association with development and activities during the Vietnam War period
of the base’s history. They are the largest collection of this type of building within
the RAAF estate. Individually the prefabricated huts (first used for the Vietnam
War in the 1960s) have high heritage value as representative examples
demonstrating their particular design, construction materials and relationship to
each other.
The use of Lysaght-Behlen heavy gauge, deeply corrugated, channel ridged
galvanized steel panels for the huts in itself is significant as a rare example of a
material that serves the purpose of a structural member as well as a covering
sheet, and therefore could be used to form completely frameless structures.
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Asset Name, Number/s and Date
Brief Discussion of Heritage Values
Other Buildings
Former Sergeant’s Mess (1940)
Asset 41
Gymnasium/Former Airmen’s Mess (1940)
Asset 42
Astra Cinema (1940)
Asset 60
Former Hospital (1943)
Asset 61
The former Sergeant’s Mess has High heritage value, and is part of the original
suite of World War II structures on the site. It contributes to an understanding of
the wartime functional layout of the base. It displays the quality and materials of
building construction at the time as well as the social hierarchy of the RAAF. It
also forms a key social focus with associated accommodation, airmen’s mess
and cinema.
The former Airmen’s Mess has High heritage value as part of a rare surviving
group of World War II period airmen’s amenities. Like the Sergeant’s Mess (41),
the building is part of the original suite of World War II period structures on the
site and displays the quality and materials used in building construction during
the war period, and the social hierarchy of the RAAF. It contributes to an
understanding of the wartime functional layout of the base and was a key part of
its social focus, with the nearby sergeant’s mess and cinema.
The Cinema building has High heritage value as part of a rare surviving group
of World War II period airmen’s amenities. It contributes to an understanding of
the wartime functional layout of the base and is built in the same style as the
other amenity buildings (messes) on the same side of the road from the
entrance, reinforcing the sense of these as a uniformly designed group. It is
representative of a typical RAAF cinema design built at several RAAF bases
during World War II. It features Art Deco detailing to the exterior with the front
entrance emphasized by pilasters. The cinema is also important in
demonstrating the social aspect of the base as a place where many servicemen
and women lived and socialised. The cinema was used until the 1980s by the
local community, as well as RAAF personnel.
The former Hospital building is of High heritage value as one of the key
buildings at the base. Its position completes the symmetry of the parade ground
as a key element in the diamond-shaped command and administration subprecinct, located opposite the HQ. The building is a pre-war design and displays
the Art Deco brick detailing typical to the use of the style employed for permanent
structures in the lead up to World War II, contributing to the aesthetic values of
the base. The World War II hospital building at RAAF Base Amberley is unique
as the only remaining brick built hospital in the RAAF estate constructed to a
standard World War II RAAF design (two similar buildings were constructed at
Rathmines and Fairbairn; however, they are no longer within the RAAF estate).
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GML Heritage
Asset Name, Number/s and Date
Brief Discussion of Heritage Values
Former Hospital Carport (1968)
The carport is not individually assessed for its heritage value in the HMP. It is
closely associated with the hospital (61). The asset is mentioned in the
description in the CHL citation for its association with the hospital.
Asset 62
(Source: MacLeod Consulting, 2014)
Former Hospital Ward (1940–1941)
Asset 243
301 Air Base HQ/Former School of Instruction
(1939–1940)
Asset 65
Hangar 76 (1939)
Asset 76
24
Adjacent to the hospital, the ward is of Moderate heritage value for displaying
prefabricated building techniques and detailing reflective of the World War II
period. It is important for its association with the adjacent masonry hospital. It is
a good example of a typical RAAF World War II hospital ward and the only one
remaining in the RAAF estate.
The former School of Instruction building is of High heritage value because of
its intactness and survival which reflects the original design of the site and the
placement of the building. The location and axial symmetry of the building reflect
the hierarchical, formal planning of the pre-World War II base with its prominent
position at one apex of the diamond-shaped command administration subprecinct, overlooking the parade ground. It is one of the few buildings that
display a British influence in its design, including a hierarchical, formal floor plan
indicative of the phase. It is an excellent example of a RAAF Base HQ in a
School of Instruction–type building.
Hangar 76, the largest hangar of the period, is of High heritage value as one of
the earliest designed structures on the base, displaying the pre-war design ethic
of creating substantial, well-designed buildings using quality materials. The
design reflected prevailing building styles being generated by the Commonwealth
architectural office at the time, characteristically displaying the use of fairfaced
brick and the Art Deco style employed for permanent structures in the lead up to
the World War II, contributing to the aesthetic values of the base. The building is
closely linked to the Air Base HQ. It is also important for its association with F111 activities at the base.
RAAF Base Amberley—Heritage Impact Assessment, August 2014
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Asset Name, Number/s and Date
Brief Discussion of Heritage Values
Former Air Base Support (1940–1941)
The former Air Base Support building is of High heritage value and is an
atypical example of a P1 type hut, one of seven similar buildings originally in the
area near the headquarters that is still in its original location and in continuous
use.
Asset 240
Parade Ground (1940)
Asset 242
Former Commanding Officer’s Support
Building (1940)
Asset 246
The former Parade Ground is of High heritage value for being a central part of
the pre-World War II original layout of the base. It was the ceremonial heart of
the base, and although the integrity of this function has been degraded through
its change of use to a car park, its ability to be read as a central open space
remains. It is centrally located within the diamond-shaped command and
administration sub-precinct, and is a key element of the planning of the base. It
contributes landscape heritage values to the base by providing points for the
balanced positioning of key buildings (HQ and hospital), and contributes to the
base’s aesthetic value. It contains mature plantings (including Figs and Norfolk
Island Pines) and remnants of a saluting station.
This support building is of Moderate heritage value; it is amongst the first
buildings to be constructed on the base, and displays the principal characteristics
of pre and early World War II facilities. The building is of simple design with no
outstanding features, and has been reclad externally. It is part of the diamondshaped command and administration area, located nearby the HQ.
(Source: MacLeod Consulting, 2014)
Former Air Safety Building (1954–1955)
Asset 467
The former Air Safety Building is of High heritage value for its association with
activities during the Korean War period of the site’s history. The building is rare
on the site and was designed for a specific use—to dry, pack and store
parachutes, and to service and repair life rafts. The main part of the building is of
interest as an example of a late model P1 type hut. Relocated in 1970 to its
present site, and recently adapted internally to suit office purposes.
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GML Heritage
Asset Name, Number/s and Date
Brief Discussion of Heritage Values
Starter Cartridge Stores/Explosive Lockers
(1950–1960s)
The two starter cartridge store structures are of Moderate heritage value for
their association with the Canberra bombers involved in atomic bomb testing
activities that were being undertaken by the British government at Maralinga and
other related locations. These structures are also associated with remnants of
the Vietnam War era.
Asset 763–764
(Source: MacLeod Consulting, 2014)
Landscape Elements
Norfolk Island Pines
(x 2 in front of Asset 65)
Fig Tree
(south of Asset 63)
Hoop Pine and Fig Tree
(near parade ground saluting station)
Fig Tree
(southwest corner of parade ground)
Camphor Laurel
(northeast corner of parade ground)
Fig Trees
(x 2 north of Asset 63)
26
The pines first appear in a 1953 aerial photo and are of High heritage value as
the oldest deliberately planted ornamental trees in the original diamond-shaped
precinct; these trees have the most cultural significance on the base. They are
associated with the diamond-shaped precinct landscaping.
The Fig Tree south of Asset 63 appears to be present by 1960, and is of
Moderate heritage value as a fine, mature specimen. They are associated with
the diamond-shaped precinct landscaping.
These trees appear to be present in the 1953 aerial photo. Although these are
old, mature plantings, their placement has no evident design intent. They are of
Moderate heritage value.
This tree may have been present in the 1953 aerial photo and was evidently wellestablished by 1970. This planting has no evident design intent other than to
provide a substantial green vertical element in an otherwise rather bare space. It
is of Low heritage value.
This tree appears in the 1960 aerial photo, to the north of a building that has
been demolished. This planting has no evident design intent other than to
provide a substantial green vertical element in an otherwise rather bare space. It
is of Low heritage value.
Trees appear in this location in the 1970 aerial, and it appears likely that at least
one of the current Fig trees was present at that time. These plantings have no
evident design intent other than to provide a substantial green vertical element in
an otherwise rather bare space. They are of Low heritage value.
RAAF Base Amberley—Heritage Impact Assessment, August 2014
GML Heritage
Asset Name, Number/s and Date
Brief Discussion of Heritage Values
Aviation Street Streetscape
The original road alignment extending from the former guardhouse to the parade
ground; it is a part of the diamond-shape sub-precinct. It is of Moderate
heritage value.
3.2.4 Additional Heritage Assets
Additional heritage assets which are affected by the proposed action and have identified heritage
values in the HMP include a number of timber huts, commonly referred to as P1 type huts (noting
that not all timber huts are P1 type huts), a former workshop building, the air traffic control tower
and additional landscape elements (Table 3.4).
Table 3.4 Heritage Assets not cited in the CHL but have identified heritage values in the HMP and would be affected by the
proposed action.
Asset Name/Nos
Brief Discussion of Heritage Values
P1-Type timber Huts (1940s)
There is a collection of P1 type timber huts located around the base which
contribute to the overall heritage value of the base. They were constructed during
World War II, a significant phase in the development of RAAF Base Amberley.
The timber huts as a group are identified in the HMP as possessing High heritage
value as examples of a type of building known for its functional excellence, proven
longevity and adaptability. The group are a rare collection of huts that have been
in continuous Defence use since World War II.
Assets 129, 220, 108, 184, 251–254, 259,
267, 268, 269, 273 and 274.
(Asset 220)
Individually the heritage values of the huts vary, as many have been upgraded,
modified and reclad, however several retain original timber and panel cladding
and are very good examples of the type. Several of the 14 huts are closely
associated with the Bellman Hangars; and many are located around the outside of
the arc of hangars and in between the pairs of buildings. The numbers and
locations of the buildings and the spatial relationships between them are an
important part of their significance.
Note additional huts are located around the base, outside the Flight Line, that
would not be affected by the proposed action–refer to Section 3.2.5 below.
Former Workshop and Store (1940–1941)
Asset 71
Hangar 71 is identified in the HMP as having Moderate heritage value as one of
the earliest and largest hangars constructed on the base. The structure is typical
of the period; a large rectangular building with two sections featuring sawtooth roof
design
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GML Heritage
Asset Name/Nos
Brief Discussion of Heritage Values
Air Traffic Control Tower (1960s)
The Air Traffic Control Tower is ranked as having Low heritage value and was
included in the HMP assessment for its association with F-111 aircraft at RAAF
Base Amberley.
Asset 293
The tower is of the same design as those at RAAF Base Williamtown and
Townsville.
Landscape Elements
Norfolk Island Pine
(near Asset 243)
Norfolk Island Pines
(x 2 near parade ground, east)
Norfolk Island Pine and Tipuana Tipu
(east of Asset 61)
Tipuana Tipu
(x 5 east of Asset 63)
Norfolk Island Pines
(x 2 at rear of Hangar 76)
Fig Tree
(south of Hangar 257)
28
The pine near Asset 243 appeared to be present by 1970 and is associated with
the diamond-shaped precinct landscaping. It is ranked in the HMP to be of
Moderate heritage value because it is a healthy mature specimen. .
The southern tree appears to be present in the 1953 aerial photo, but the other
smaller one is likely to be a little later. The southern tree was among the earliest
cultural plantings in the diamond precinct. Both have good form and, together with
the pairs of Pines outside Hangar 76 and the HQ Building (65), serve as a visual
anchor and focus for the southern end of the diamond precinct. They are of
Moderate heritage value.
These trees do not appear to be present until the 1970 aerial photo, although a
close inspection of the 1953 aerial suggests the Pine may have been present
then. They are of Moderate heritage value, have good form and provide amenity
for site users.
It appears this group of trees was planted in the early to mid-1970s and is wellestablished in the 1980 aerial photo. This is one of the few groups of trees which
appear to have been planted with a deliberate design intent, forming part of the
landscaping with the associated buildings. They are of Low heritage value.
Small trees appear to be present in front of Hangar 76 in the 1953 aerial
photograph (and subsequent photographs), possibly these two specimens.
However, they may be later plantings (eg from the 1960s). They are healthy
mature specimens that appear to have been planted to achieve a deliberate
aesthetic effect. Together with the pairs of Pines near the parade ground and the
HQ (65), they serve as a visual anchor and focus for the southern end of the
diamond precinct. They are of Moderate heritage value.
There was no sign of this tree in the 1960 aerial photograph, but it appears to be
present in the 1970s, although as part of a group of plantings. This planting has
no evident design intent other than to provide a substantial (and welcome) green
vertical element in an otherwise rather bare space. It is of Low heritage value.
RAAF Base Amberley—Heritage Impact Assessment, August 2014
GML Heritage
Asset Name/Nos
Brief Discussion of Heritage Values
Unknown Tropical Tree (#570)
This (unidentified) tree is an amenity planting, apparently dating from the 1980s.
This tree appears to be intended to ameliorate the otherwise rather bare
streetscape of Aviation Street and to soften the visual impact of the large hangars
to the east. It is of Low heritage value.
(near Hangar 261)
Chinese Hackberry Tree
(near Hangar 261)
This tree appears to be intended to ameliorate the otherwise rather bare
streetscape of Aviation Street and to soften the visual impact of the large hangars
to the east. It is of Low heritage value.
3.2.5 Heritage Assets Retained
Several heritage assets located around RAAF Base Amberley would not be affected by the
proposed action. All heritage assets are shown in Figure 3.5.
The CHL-cited assets that would be retained include:

Asset 21—former Guardhouse

Asset 20—Power Generator

Assets 30 and 31—former Amberley State School House and Residence

Assets AP6-26 and 27—Riley Newsum houses

Asset AP1-1—former Operations Building
Heritage assets (identified as having heritage values in the HMP) that would be retained include:

Assets 718 and 728—former Armament Handling Equipment Workshop and Store

Assets 139, 346, 555, 556, 584, 657 and 898—Additional P1 type timber huts (shown in
Figure 1.1)

Asset AP6-11 and RABC1—The Chapels and Bowls Club (P1 type structures).
RAAF Base Amberley—Heritage Impact Assessment, August 2014
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GML Heritage
Figure 3.2 Heritage assets, including landscape elements with rankings of significance within the World War II Precinct. (Source:
HMP 2013)
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RAAF Base Amberley—Heritage Impact Assessment, August 2014
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Figure 3.3 Heritage assets, including landscape elements with rankings of significance within the Hangar Precinct. (Source: HMP
2013)
RAAF Base Amberley—Heritage Impact Assessment, August 2014
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GML Heritage
Figure 3.4 Location of heritage assets at RAAF Base Amberley, including assets that would be unaffected by the proposed action within the southern apron of the Flight Line. (Source: GML on Defence base plan).
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3.2.6 Historical Archaeological Values
Historical archaeological values are not identified in the CHL citation for RAAF Base Amberley;
however, they are identified in the HMP. The following summary evaluation is made in the 2013
HMP:
Amberley has been assessed as having historical archaeological potential across the Base, as well as attached
properties. Extant subsurface remains are likely to include evidence of mid 19th century to early 20th century
residential and commercial premises associated with the early settler history, evidence of early agricultural, local
industrial and viticultural initiatives, as well as early paths, roads, and watercourse crossings. 48
Figure 3.5 provides an archaeological resource map, indicating potential historical archaeological
sites at RAAF Base Amberley. No areas of low, moderate or high historical archaeological potential
are identified within the study area–the southern apron area of the base. However any potential
relocation sites (refer Section 5.0), may need to consider the archaeological potential.
RAAF Base Amberley—Heritage Impact Assessment, August 2014
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GML Heritage
Figure 3.5 Identification of potential historical (non-Indigenous) archaeological sites at Amberley. (Source: 2013 HMP p 78)
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3.2.7 Indigenous Heritage Values
The 2013 HMP provides an overview of a number of previous Indigenous heritage studies carried
out at RAAF Base Amberley. Reference is made to the earlier 2008 HMP by Woodhead 49, an
Indigenous heritage resources gap analysis prepared by Turnstone in 2008 50, and a Cultural
Heritage Survey and assessment prepared by ARCHAEO in 2001.51
As summarised in the 2013 HMP, the key document among these reports is the ARCHAEO report,
which is referenced by all subsequent assessments. Reliance on the ARCHAEO document is
based on its broad survey coverage and mapping of Indigenous archaeological sites, of which 41
were found across the base (comprising artefact scatters and a scarred tree). The 2013 HMP
includes a map of these sites indicating that they are generally located in areas near Bremer River,
Warrill Creek and their floodplains.
The 2013 HMP also reports that the Jagera Daran people undertook their own survey of the site in
2012 and, as a result of that work, produced an Indigenous Cultural Heritage Management Zone
Plan which is included in the 2013 HMP (see Figure 3.6). This Indigenous Cultural Heritage
Management Zone Plan indicates that the main area of the developed base is considered to be a
modified landscape with little or no archaeological potential (colour coded blue).
The exception to this zoning is a stand of trees at the northern end of the runway which is
considered to have high Indigenous cultural sensitivity (colour coded in red). The significance of the
trees is tied to their location. They stand on an area of undisturbed land on a minor high point in the
landscape.52 The area of the proposed action is located greater than 1000 metres to the south of
this area of sensitivity and does not impact upon it. Any outcomes involving the relocation of
heritage buildings must not directly affect this area.
The 2013 HMP and the 2012 survey therefore indicate that there are no known Indigenous
archaeological sites in the study area.
RAAF Base Amberley—Heritage Impact Assessment, August 2014
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GML Heritage
Figure 3.6 Indigenous Cultural Heritage Management Zone Plan for Amberley. (Source: 2013 HMP, Appendix I)
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RAAF Base Amberley—Heritage Impact Assessment, August 2014