Appendix C - Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment - Peabody Energy

Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment
North Wambo Underground Mine Modification
The archaeological survey identified six artefact scatter sites and an axe grinding groove site with two
grinding grooves. Three “Bulga Knives” were identified at an artefact scatter site on the northern bank of
North Wambo Creek, an edge-ground axe, several edge-scrapers, flaked cobbles, a backed blade (Bondi
Point) and a scraper of bottle glass. No rock engravings or scar trees were located and no rock outcrop
suitable for containing a rock shelter or overhang was identified. Dyall noted that sandstone and other
sedimentary rock types were evident with lenticular limestone cobbles as well as basalt pebbles.
An artefact site with around 20 flakes and flaking cores and a number of basalt axes was identified on a
neighbouring vineyard at Greenhault Farm on the west bank of Wollombi Brook. According to the
ethnographic record this was a “meeting place” for the local Aboriginal people and coastal tribes. Dyall
recorded that sites were generally located close to creek lines.
Dyall, L.K (1981) Report on the Aboriginal Relics on Wambo Coal Lease, Warkworth
Dyall (1981) carried out an archaeological survey of the northern part of the Wambo Coal Lease area. This
survey extended from the north bank of North Wambo Creek to the northern boundary of the Lease and
eastwards to Wollombi Brook. He recorded seven sites, six being open camp sites and one an axe grinding
groove site.
The open sites were small to medium in size. Four of the sites consisted of 20 – 50 flakes along minor
tributary gullies. Of these, site #37-5-0032 consisted of three ‘bulga knives’ on the northern bank of North
Wambo Creek, site #37–5-0034, located at the confluence of North Wambo Creek and Wollombi Brook, had
over twenty artefacts, mostly heavy flaking cores and the axe grinding groove site consisted of a small
sandstone boulder with two axe grinding grooves and three small circular pits.
Brayshaw, H. 1984. Archaeological survey at Wambo near Warkworth, NSW.
Brayshaw (1984) undertook an archaeological survey at Wambo to the south of Redbank Creek and to the
west of Wollombi Brook. The survey included the entire central creek line including the area to the north, a
small flow line and a number of exposed ground surface areas. Accessible ridge lines and slopes were
surveyed where possible. The investigation was conducted by vehicle and on foot. Stone artefacts were
found at three locations along the central watercourse. Although the numbers of artefacts found at these
locations were very small it was concluded that they conformed to patterns identified in larger Hunter Valley
investigations. It was recommended that consent to destroy the sites be obtained with the exception of Site
#37–6–0135, at which test excavations should be undertaken prior to consent to destroy being granted
(1984).
Corkill 1990. Preliminary Survey for Archaeological Sites at South Wambo, near Warkworth, NSW
Corkill (1990) was engaged to conduct an archaeological survey along South Wambo Creek and Stony
Creek. The total area surveyed was approximately 5.5 kilometres. Six artefact scatters and nine isolated
finds were identified, including an isolated find on the Project Area (37-5-0293). Corkill then conducted a test
excavation in the area which identified several hundred artefacts. Retouched, backed blades and scrapers
were identified amongst the assemblage (Corkill 1990).
ERM. 1991. Proposed Open Cut and Underground Mining at Wambo, near Warkworth in the Hunter
Valley, NSW: Archaeological Survey for Aboriginal sites.
Envirosciences Pty Ltd (Rich 1991a) was commissioned by Wambo Mining Corporation in regard to their
proposed extension of their existing open cut and underground mines at Wambo, located on the west side of
Wollombi Brook at Warkworth in the Hunter Valley. A survey was conducted along Stony Creek which is
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