Midden sites have been identified in the picnic reserve at Seal Rocks' Number One Beach.
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As a result, the reserve has been closed while a heritage assessment is undertaken.
The middens were assessed during a recent ground survey at the reserve, as part of MidCoast Council's work on the first stage of planning for future improvements to this popular part of Seal Rocks.
Marking traditional Aboriginal eating grounds, they are an important link to the area's heritage.
MidCoast Council has engaged specialist consultants to undertake an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment on the area due to its known cultural significance, prior to progressing plans to upgrade the area.
The reserve next to the beach will be temporarily closed, with fencing and signage in place, while further assessment on the middens is carried out. Public access and use of the beach in front of the reserve will be maintained.
"While the improvement works are still very much in the pipeline, findings from the current assessment will guide the remediation plans in order to maintain the area's cultural significance," council's manager of community spaces, recreation and trades, Dan Aldridge said.
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment will involve registered Aboriginal parties in the Seal Rocks area, and is expected to take place over the coming months. The picnic reserve will remain closed off to vehicles and pedestrians until completion.
For more information, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/numberone
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