For more information please call the Community Relations Coordinator on Freecall 1800 283 550 ACCIONA Energy PO Box 2582 South Melbourne Victoria 3205 March 2009 1 Cultural Heritage at Waubra The Process Over twenty Aboriginal and two historical archaeological sites were recorded during the original cultural heritage survey of the proposed Waubra wind farm site. The majority of these Aboriginal sites were isolated artefact sites however, there were also a number of artefact scatter sites. Turbine F127 was to be located within a portion of one of the more significant artefact scatter sites. It was not feasible to relocate that turbine, so in consultation with representatives of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative and Heritage Service Branch of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and Heritage Victoria, a permit was issued to disturb the artefact scatter site at the turbine on Briody’s land and the site was then salvaged. Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Acciona Energy to excavate Aboriginal site AAV7623/0071. Originally the entire turbine hardstand area (14 x 14 metres) was to be excavated, however it quickly became apparent that time constraints would prevent the excavation team from completing the entire area. Therefore, a sampling strategy was adopted, during which alternate rows were excavated by hand to 10 centimetres depth. Following this, 16 squares were selected to be excavated further. Excavation resulted in the recording of over 2000 stone artefacts that represent a range of activities that were carried out on Tolbar Hill. The artefact Excavation resulted in the recording of over 2000 stone artefacts that represent a range of activities that were carried out on Tolbar Hill. The artefact assemblage was dominated by unretouched flakes, although numerous cores and debitage were also noted. In addition, retouched artefacts including backed blades and geometric microliths were found, several pieces of grinding stone and an abrader were noted. This indicates that a range of activities was being undertaken, but stone tool making appears to have been the most prolific, at least within the excavated part of the east end of the site. Following the excavation, and after consultation with representatives from the Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative it was recommended that the artefacts be returned and placed in situ within the concrete of the turbine foundation, which is where they remain today. Waubra Wind Farm Fact Sheet