sydney-city-centre-review-of-environmental-factors

One of the three recorded sites comprises an artefact, with the remaining two
comprising ‘potential archaeological deposits’ (PADs):
The first potential deposit (Wynyard Walk PAD) is located between NW1: King
Street (B: Margaret Street to Erskine Street) and R4: Clarence Street
(D: Margaret Street to Erskine Street)
The second potential deposit (Broadway Picture Theatre PAD) is located near
S5: Broadway (B: Mountain Street to Wattle Street)
The artefact (named George Street) is located near to S1: Sussex Street (F:
Liverpool Street to Eager Lane).
All three items are located outside the proposal footprint however they are centred on
buildings that front the proposal footprint.
Any potential Aboriginal heritage impacts (from unexpected Aboriginal heritage item
finds) would occur during construction most likely as a result of the proposed ground
excavation work associated with undertaking proposed utility adjustments, drainage
modifications, road furniture relocation, and general signage, traffic signal and
lighting pole relocations. Table 3-3 to Table 3-7 and Table 3-14 describe the location
where these activities are planned to take place within the proposal footprint
Whilst this work would take place within and adjacent to the above recorded three
Aboriginal heritage items, the 180 year development history of the area and the
associated degree of disturbance would mean the likelihood of encountering or
discovering any Aboriginal objects, deposits, artefacts or places would be low to
negligible.
This is further reinforced by the concentrated disturbance associated with highdensity
land division, subdivision and development that has occurred; including
widespread subsurface development in the area to construct utilities, basements,
road infrastructure, tunnels and sub-surface railway lines and roads. This constitutes
‘extensive land disturbance’ as described by the Office of Environment and Heritage
(OEH) in its Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects
in NSW, 2010. As such, proposal is unlikely to:
Harm Aboriginal objects or places
Encounter known Aboriginal objects or places, due to their absence from the
proposal footprint and its environs
Impact on any landscape features that indicate the presence of Aboriginal
objects.
The above conclusion is sufficient to address the stage-one PACHCI procedure
therefore removing the requirement to complete any subsequent stage, including
consultation (refer to section 5.3).
6.11.3 Potential impacts
The lack of evidence removes all but the remotest potential to impact on any
currently undiscovered Aboriginal heritage deposits in the study area. If alternative
construction compounds/laydown areas are required then the potential risks could be
greater. If such a requirement is needed the impacts would be reassessed in
accordance with the PACHCI process and in consultation with Environment Branch,
Roads and Maritime (Sydney Region).
Sydney City Centre Capacity Improvement 393
Review of Environmental Factors