Physical description

History of Aboriginal occupation of the Melbourne area. Evidence of shell midden refuse associated with their campsites. Evidence of scarred trees and scatters of stone artefacts along major stream systems. It has been established that man was in the Melbourne area 40,000 years ago and that Aboriginal occupation probably continued uninterrupted throughout the extremes of the last ice age, around 20,000 years ago when Port Phillip itself was dry land. Study will take 2 - 3 years. Aims (1) identify areas of potential archaeological importance (2) implement a pilot survey program (3) prepare comprehensive proposals for survey of sites. (4) liaise and establish rapport with municipal authorities in study area.