Willowdale

Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit
Archaeological Research Design

Department of Planning and Infrastructure
Stockland

Campbelltown, Liverpool and Camden, NSW

Willowdale is a major new housing development in southwest Sydney.

GML assisted from land rezoning to development, safeguarding significant historical and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The Willowdale project involved rezoning East Leppington for future residential development. The site contained Aboriginal and historical archaeology that needed to be managed through the rezoning and ensuing development processes.

GML developed a new approach to archaeological test excavation to more fully understand Aboriginal landscape use within the study area. The result was a detailed understanding of precise areas with Aboriginal heritage value. This led to approval of the Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit from the Office of Environment and Heritage at the point of land rezoning.

GML hand-excavated rare Aboriginal features, including ground ovens, hearths and a potential ceremonial area.

Our research into the site’s Aboriginal cultural heritage contributed to its 6-star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia.