Media release – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, 3 February 2022
Natural forces determined as cause of damage to Aboriginal petroglyph site at Sundown Point and second investigation begins at Trial Harbour
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) has been investigating a report of possible damage to an Aboriginal petroglyph site at Sundown Point.
NRE Tas compliance investigators have confirmed that the damage, a missing rock, was dislodged by natural forces.
Independent assessments by a geophysicist, archaeologist and Aboriginal heritage adviser have informed this finding.
The damage at the petroglyph site is consistent with the rock breaking along a natural fracture line as a result of natural weathering effects and storm waves, which are common in the area. Large driftwood logs battering the rock during storm activity may also be a contributing factor.
There is no evidence of cutting, chipping, hammering or other human activity where the missing rock has been dislodged.
Searches of the surrounding area failed to locate the missing piece or pieces however it is likely that they may be covered by sand as a result of tidal action.
NRE Tas investigators have also commenced investigation into a report of damage to an Aboriginal petroglyph site near Trial Harbour.
A preliminary inspection of the site has confirmed the report, and the Department has contacted Aboriginal community representatives to inform them of the damage.
The Department will work with Aboriginal community representatives as the investigation continues.
“The Department takes the protection of Tasmania’s Aboriginal heritage extremely seriously and will use the full force of the penalties under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975 if the investigation finds that an offence has been committed,” Acting Secretary Jason Jacobi said.
The Sundown Point and Trial Harbour petroglyph sites are protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975. It is an offence to destroy, damage, deface, conceal, remove or otherwise interfere with Aboriginal cultural material. It is also an offence not to report the finding of Aboriginal cultural material.
In 2017 the Government amended the Act to strengthen protection for Aboriginal heritage, including significantly stronger penalties under the Act, with the maximum penalty for individual offenders now $865,000.
Anyone with information on the missing piece or pieces at Sundown Point or the damage at Trial Harbour is asked to contact Parks and Wildlife Service Compliance on 0488 184 847 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can also be emailed to [email protected]. Information will be treated confidentially.
