The Causeway Heritage Investigation
Client: Navin Officer Heritage Consultants
Location: ACT
The Causeway site in Canberra holds historical importance as the location of the first camp established to build the city. Although the area now appears as an open expanse of grass and vegetation, it conceals valuable insights into Australia’s heritage beneath the surface. To uncover these hidden elements, Veris undertook an extensive heritage investigation across a 39,000 sqm area, employing advanced 3D Ground Penetrating Radar (3DGPR) technology.
Scope
Veris was engaged to conduct a thorough investigation to identify heritage items within the site, aiming to minimise the risk of unforeseen findings that could impact future developments. The project involved surveying the entire area using a Polaris ATV equipped with 3DGPR, a technique essential for capturing detailed data across challenging terrain. With extensive vegetation, asbestos risks, and rough ground, Veris coordinated closely with the ACT Government to clear vegetation and facilitate safety inspections, ensuring both environmental and worker safety.
Outcomes
3DGPR report showing driveways
3DGPR report showing metal structures
3DGPR showing unknown structures
The heritage investigation produced significant insights that would have been impossible without a targeted approach. Through the 3DGPR data, Veris identified anomalies indicative of foundations, air raid bunkers, buried metallic objects, and wells. These findings enabled the client to pursue a focused excavation strategy, avoiding unnecessary and extensive digging across the site. By narrowing down search areas, Veris helped ensure that crucial heritage items could be identified early, thereby preventing costly delays and legal complications during the construction phase. This proactive approach provided the Suburban Land Agency with essential heritage insights, supporting informed decisions for future land use and protecting the site’s historical legacy for Canberra.