Thematic Study of NSW Shipwrecks and Review of Maritime Heritage Database
Thematic Study of NSW Shipwrecks and Review of Maritime Heritage Database
September 2020 - Heritage NSW recently completed a thematic study of NSW shipwrecks and a review of the NSW Maritime Heritage Database. This strategic project was undertaken to provide a clearer understanding of the range and significance of shipwreck site types in NSW and guidelines for management of data on the Maritime Heritage Database. It also identified sites for potential State Heritage Register listing in the future.
Comber Consultants won the competitive tender to undertake the project with the thematic history component undertaken by Dr Mark Dunn. The central priority for the thematic study was to develop maritime themes relevant for shipwrecks within State waters and to review the current structure and content of the records held in the Maritime Heritage Database.
Previously there was no formal description of the purposes and priorities of this database, its relationship to relevant legislation, or policies for its development and maintenance. The completed study was presented to the NSW Heritage Council in August 2020, which endorsed the recommendations and policies. Heritage NSW is now implementing these recommendations.