The Victorian government has proposed that the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape be nominated for a UNESCO World Heritage listing.
The site is host to remains of Aboriginal stone houses, as well as a sophisticated system of channels, fishtraps and weirs built more than 6000 years ago and used for farming eels.
Engineers Australia declared the site an engineering heritage national landmark in 2011.
The development of the site at Lake Condah, north of Portland, provided the local Gunditjmara people with a permanent food supply which in turn led to a settled society in villages of stone huts, the development of a trading economy and the establishment of higher levels of governance through the heredity succession of chiefs.
“Budj Bim’s structures pre-date Egypt’s pyramids. It’s a Victorian treasure, and should be recognised as an international treasure,” said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
“The Gunditjmara people’s connection to this land has been long and enduring. It’s a relationship that makes Budj Bim even more special.”
The Commonwealth Government is in the process of revising its list of sites to be pursued for World Heritage listing, and has sought the advice of all states and territories.
Following the Victorian Government’s recommendation, proposed sites will be considered at a nationwide Meeting of Environment Ministers later in the year. A final list will then be submitted to the Commonwealth.
If successful, Budj Bim will be the twentieth place to be recognised in Australia, and the first for exclusively Aboriginal cultural values.