Unexpected heritage finds: what site crews need to do
Most cultural heritage finds on a project are made by plant operators and labourers, not specialists. A clear, well-practised response protects the find, keeps your project within the law and usually gets the work front moving again sooner. This guide sets out what we ask of site managers and crews. Your project's own plan, agreement or permit comes first wherever it sets different steps.
If you find something
Stone tools, shell, bone, scarred trees, old bottles, brickwork and timber footings can all be heritage. If you are not sure, treat it as a possible find.
- Stop work in the immediate area and keep plant and people back
- Mark off the area with flagging or a temporary fence
- Note the location, time and what you saw, and take photos without disturbing anything
- Tell your supervisor and the environment or heritage lead straight away
- Follow the finds procedure in your plan or agreement before work resumes
If remains may be human
Stop work, protect the area and call the police immediately. Do not move or touch anything. The police and the state heritage agency will advise on the next steps, and the Aboriginal party for the area is notified as the law requires.
Who decides what happens next
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage, the Traditional Owners for the area have the central say on significance and management, within the law and your plan or agreement. For historical heritage, the state heritage agency or council may need to be notified. A heritage advisor can help you work out which applies and who to contact.
Controls we put in place
Our unexpected finds response service builds these steps into your site systems so they work on a busy day.
- A short, site-specific finds procedure with contact numbers
- Toolbox talks so every worker knows what to look for and who to call
- Finds kits with flagging, markers and a record form in each work front
- Attendance to inspect finds and advise on next steps
- A register of finds, notifications and restart sign-offs for your file
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to stop the whole site?
Usually not. Work stops around the find while it is protected and assessed. Other work fronts can often continue.
Can we move an artefact out of the way and keep working?
No. Moving or collecting heritage material without authority can be an offence and removes the information that helps people understand it. Leave it in place and report it.