8 July 2008

CULTURAL AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BBSW

Following on from the $28 million redevelopment of Barren Box Storage and Wetland (BBSW) completed in 2006, members of the local Aboriginal community have been working in collaboration with Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) to develop the Barren Box Cultural Heritage Management Plan. The plan will address cultural, social and educational issues of this culturally significant site for the Wiradjuri people.

BBSW is situated between the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Rivers, on the eastern edge of the Riverina plain, and was, in its natural state, a deflation basin (large, rounded or kidney-shaped depression) or intermittent swamp. It measures 3,200 hectares in size and prior to redevelopment works was characterised by high evaporation rates due to being relatively shallow. BBSW also has a 'lunette' (naturally forming crescent-shaped sand dune) on the eastern margin which are known to be important occupation or burial sites for Aboriginal people.

As a result of a number of archaeological investigations at BBSW both during the redevelopment phase and over the last couple of years since completion, a significant number of Aboriginal archaeological sites and areas of potential have been identified. During assessments, coordinated by Biosis Research, 89 sites were recorded. The sites consisted of hearths (ovens with heat retainers) and/or flaked stone artefacts and grindstones. Often the sites occurred with traditional plant resources, such as Nardoo or Old Man Weed.The spore from the Nardoo was ground to produce flour to make dough whilst Old Man Weed, which is still widely used today, is one of the most important medicinal plants known, treating a wide range of health problems including arthritis.

MI's Cultural and Heritage Officer Steve Johnson has been working closely with the local Aboriginal people to develop the Barren Box Cultural Heritage Management Plan in which they will be involved with guided discovery tours, cultural activities and the management of fire, weeds and feral animals. Training opportunities for those involved will also increase skills in local plant knowledge and revegetation plans throughout the Barren Box site.

The initial plan is expected to be completed by October 2008 and will form part of the Barren Box Wetland Rehabilitation Plan.

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For further information regarding this media release, please contact Steve Johnson, Cultural and Heritage Officer Murrumbidgee Irrigation on 02 6962 0200.