Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve Interim Management Statement

Hayshed

The hayshed is a simple timber framed open sided corrugated iron roofed building about 10m x 10m in area. The posts are round bush poles and the roof framing is sawn hardwood. A timber rail fixed to the

outside of the posts at about 1m high surrounds the perimeter of the building supporting a chain mesh or wire netting barrier. The main structure is an east-west gabled roof that is extended by a skillion roof to

the south.
The condition of the building is only fair and not as good as the shearing shed. The structure is not braced in any way and relies on the strength of the posts in the ground. It is leaning to the west and the bases of some posts may have rotted.

Comments

Shearing sheds like this one are a common or typical building type in this area and country Victoria generally. There are at least 3 or 4 similar corrugated iron sheds visible from the road between the block

and Euroa. My preliminary view is that the building is not likely to be of more than local historic interest but it may have some value in interpreting the past land use of the site and it could be argued that it

contributes to the rural landscape character of the area. Its relatively good condition and attractive siting

could make it suitable for a new use on the site if appropriate. I think the hay shed is of considerably less interest and value.

Chris Smith Heritage Planner Parks Victoria.

Central Region Office Brimbank Park Keilor

APPENDIX 7: INDIGENOUS HERITAGE – INITIAL REPORT
Summary

On the 6^th April 2001 Brian Nelson (Indigenous Team Leader, Central Region), accompanied by Julie Flack (Ranger, Murray Central District), conducted a visual inspection of Balmattum Nature

Conservation Reserve. The aim of the inspection was to note and record any visible evidence of prior use of the area by indigenous people. The inspection covered approximately 2/3^rd of the Reserve. The inspection found four scar trees within the area inspected and a grafted ring tree on the adjoining roadside frontage.
Methodology

Transects were walked ad hoc in roughly north-east and south-west directions, commencing in the western corner of the Reserve, adjacent to the shearing shed, and running for the length of the Reserve. Every potential scar tree (based on a diameter of greater than 1.5 metres at 1.5 metres above ground

level) was inspected for visible scars. Ground was also visually checked, however the grass cover was

very thick and long, with percentage of visible bare ground <1% - negating the likelihood of finding artefacts. Approximately 2/3^rd of the Reserve was covered using this methodology, to a line running north-east from the two bulokes located on the southern boundary.

Outcomes

During the inspection a total of four scar trees, comprising one coolamon scar and three shield scars were located. Two of the shield scar trees and the coolamon scar tree are located in the dense stand of

trees near the shearing shed. The third shield scar tree is located approximately geographically centrally

within the Reserve.

Additionally, a grafted ring tree was located on the opposite side of the Old Euroa Road from the Reserve, within the roadside reserve, towards the northwest corner of the Reserve.
Given the size of the trees, there is high potential for further scar trees in the 1/3^rd of the Reserve not inspected. This part of the Reserve also has potential for scattered artefacts, a work site or campsite given the slightly higher and stonier (hence drier) characteristics.
Future Works & Protection

A more thorough survey should be conducted, especially in the 1/3^rd not yet inspected. However this survey should be postponed until the grass cover is removed to a level where a detailed ground survey

can also be conducted. If grazing, rather than burning, is to be used to reduce biomass, the uninspected section could be broken into two sections (using electric fencing) and grazed out prior to survey. Prior to

commencing any further survey, the Traditional Owners and appropriate Aboriginal Council should be

determined, and notified of and invited to attend the survey.
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria is yet to be notified of the scar trees and grafted ring tree. It is recommended that notification does not occur until after grass mass is reduced. Notification would involve a site visit with AAV and would probably occur during additional survey work. Following full survey work, all Aboriginal archaeological and cultural sites recorded, will come under the protection of the Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (C’wlth).
The biggest threats to the site and the scar trees and possible artefacts are from fire and illegal wood (including firewood) removal. To mitigate the possibility of wood removal the Reserve must be securely fenced and clearly signed as a Nature Conservation Reserve. In the event of fire, controlled or otherwise, trees must be protected by applying foam and raking around the base.
Individual scar trees must not be signed or otherwise specially marked.
The Shire Council responsible for managing the roadside reserve should be notified of the grafted ring tree. It is located well away from the road edge and should be safe from mechanical disturbance. In the event of fire, the tree should be foamed down and/or raked around.
Brian Nelson

Indigenous Team Leader Central Region

APPENDIX 8: ADJOINING LANDHOLDERS
Name Address Adjoins Reserve



G.J. & P.M. Belcher “Elmslea” RMB 1430

Euroa 3666

Southeast



R. & I.M. Pitman 7 Pinelodge Court Templestowe 3106

South

I.C. & J.H.M. Chanter “Lamingunyah”

RMB 4018

Violet Town 3669

Southwest

K.S.E. Dean 13 Graham Street Euroa 3666

Southwest West

Ector Pty Ltd 2 Frederick Street Doncaster 3108

West Northwest

N.C. Chanter RMB 4019

Violet Town 3669

Northwest North



A.L. & J.H. Haygarth “Larapinta”

Violet Town 3669

Northeast



Yandea Pty Ltd 11 Graham Street Euroa 3666

East