A former convict site south of Launceston, under consideration for state heritage listing, was referenced heavily in a directly related entry to the list seven years ago in a different location.
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Now known to be located near the Kings Meadows Bunnings Warehouse after an archaeological dig in October, the site was approved for a residential subdivision in 2016.
Historical and archaeological groups have since called for further investigation of the site and the public release of information gathered during the excavation.
Listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register in 2011, an accompanying datasheet for the Evandale to Launceston Water Scheme includes reference to the Kings Meadows Convict Road Station as a significant feature.
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A range of remaining structures and areas of the highest potential to reveal information but not the entirety of locations outlined are included in the statutory listing.
Heritage Tasmania had not confirmed if the location formerly believed to be the Kings Meadows Road Station was included in the statutory listing at the time of publication.
The scheme is described in the document as Tasmanias largest industrial archaeological convict site, with its remnants a rare surviving example of engineered public utilities from the convict era nationwide.
Artefacts evident on the ground surface suggested the location of the road station at Relbia around two kilometres south of the site announced last month, but the document noted the area had been ploughed and farmed over time.
A DPIPWE spokesperson told The Examiner the water scheme listing was developed with public consultation and research believed to be accurate at the time.
Historical documents reference a number of convict stations and road gangs in the greater Launceston area. Determining which station or road gang relates to which site is a question that is now being explored following the identification of the features in Kings Meadows.
It is standard practice for Heritage Register entries across Australia to be reviewed, where this is warranted, to reflect changes to a place or if new information comes to light.
The research underway will be used to guide informed decisions.
The Tasmanian Heritage Council revealed it was considering a nomination for the recently-discovered site in November, after the City of Launceston council announced the find earlier in the month.
Following news of the heritage nomination, City of Launceston general manager Michael Stretton said they had no plans to further investigate the site.
"The professional advice provided to the Council indicates that the heritage value of the site has been suitably captured and no further investigation is warranted or planned.
The Greens and Labor called on Heritage Minister Will Hodgman to halt approved works on the site until the heritage nomination can be considered.
There is no legislative mechanism for the Council to overturn an approved planning application.
- City of Launceston council general manager Michael Stretton
Responding to questions about the previous listing reference on Saturday, Mr Stretton reiterated the Kings Meadows site was not subject to any heritage restrictions.
The subdivision has substantially commenced, and there is no legislative mechanism for the Council to overturn an approved planning application, he told The Examiner.
"The Council has been clear about the facts surrounding this issue, the timeline of discovery and the fact that the location of the site was not known until the Council-supported dig discovered it.
"A nomination for listing is currently being considered by the Tasmanian Heritage Council and the City of Launceston is actively liaising with Heritage Tasmania and the landowner.
It would therefore not be appropriate to comment further at this time."
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