Archaeological investigations
An archaeological investigation is a physical investigation of a place carried out by an appropriately qualified person for the purpose of investigating, recording or conserving the archaeological artefacts or underwater cultural heritage artefacts of a place.
Archaeological investigations are undertaken for a number of purposes including academic research or as part of the development of a place. Archaeological investigations undertaken on a place on the Queensland Heritage Register can include:
- monitoring of non-archaeological excavation works
- initial archaeological assessments, such as site survey and planning
- surface artefact recovery projects
- test pitting, trenching and open area excavation
- salvage excavations
- in-situ conservation and interpretation projects.
Whether undertaken as part of a development project or not, all investigations at a place in the Queensland Heritage Register will require an Exemption Certificate or development application.
All archaeological investigations at a place in the Queensland Heritage Register must:
- be carried out in accordance with the Guideline: Archaeological investigations
- be submitted to the department's Heritage Branch including any data and/or reports resulting from an investigation.
Archaeological investigations at places not entered in the Queensland Heritage Register
If you suspect an investigation will reveal important artefacts it is advised that you discuss discovery protocols with us before commencing. If important artefacts are discovered during the course of an archaeological investigation you are required by law to report the discovery.
For proposed investigations at sites within the Brisbane central business district consult the Brisbane City CBD Archaeological Plan . The plan provides an ‘archaeological potential assessment ranking’ to identify if important archaeological artefacts may be present.