Guidelines for the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage during CCMA funded
on-ground works

Guidelines for managing Aboriginal cultural heritage during Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) funded on-ground works in the Corangamite region are currently being developed. The guidelines are being designed by the Corangamite CMA in collaboration with the Aboriginal community and other key stakeholders. When available they guidelines will be presented here.

The principles underpinning the development of the guidelines are stated in the Memorandum of Understanding and are listed below.

Principles for managing Aboriginal cultural heritage (from the Memorandum of Understanding between the CCMA and the three aboriginal community organisations

The following principles define the Corangamite CMA commitment to ensuring that Aboriginal cultural
heritage is managed appropriately during all on-ground works funded by the Corangamite CMA.

A.	The Corangamite CMA and the Aboriginal Community Organisations will develop and review annually a set of guidelines for managing Aboriginal cultural heritage in regards to all on-ground works funded by the Corangamite CMA.
B.	The Corangamite CMA and the Aboriginal Community Organisations will collaboratively seek funding for investigations or mitigation works considered necessary to record, protect and manage the Aboriginal cultural heritage sites discovered in the course of Corangamite CMA-funded on-ground works.
C.	A qualified representative from the relevant Aboriginal Community Organisation will undertake all Aboriginal cultural heritage site assessments and site monitoring in accordance with Corangamite CMA Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
D.	Where on-ground project activities pose a high threat to a known cultural heritage site or where a significant discovery occurs and/or where unintentional damage to a previously unknown site occurs, negotiations will take place to agree on an appropriate solution. The proponent of the works will meet with the relevant Aboriginal Community Organisations’ Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officer in order to agree on an appropriate course of action. The Corangamite CMA Indigenous NRM Facilitator will facilitate the negotiation process.
E.	To facilitate the completion of projects within planned timelines all relevant parties will endeavour to undertake responsibilities as quickly as possible. Corangamite CMA staff and project proponents will, where possible, seek early advice on cultural heritage issues. Aboriginal Community Organisations will use their best endeavours to organise assessments, site monitors and archaeological surveys within requested timelines.
F.	Copies of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) information on cultural heritage sites will be held at the Corangamite CMA to allow quick identification of high-risk works. This information will be accessible solely by the Corangamite CMA Indigenous NRM Facilitator. In the event that the Corangamite CMA Indigenous NRM Facilitator is not available then the information on cultural heritage sites will be sought through the relevant Aboriginal Community Organisations’ Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officer.