Gaye

It would be useful if you or AACA WA were to also circulate this to 
AUS-ARCH, Australia ICOMOS, ASHA -List and AACA-List.  I dont think most 
people in Australia would be aware of the issue either.

Denis
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gaye Nayton" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, October 01, 2005 11:46 AM
Subject: Open Letter - Cossack An Alturnative Sustainable Development


The WA branch of the Australian Association of Consulting archaeologists 
have sent out the following open letter with an attached short report in an 
attempt to stop the heritage listed historic archaeological site of Cossack 
Town being sold for housing development. The site is managed by Roebourne 
Shire who require a means to make the site economically viable as it is 
currently creating a drain on their budget resources. The report suggests an 
alternative form of development as a research and interpretation centre 
managed by an archaeological trust. Please join us in lobbying the Shire, WA 
Heritage Council and the WA Government who own the land to create a better 
outcome for the archaeological heritage of the town.

Anyone wishing to read the report can contact me on 
[log in to unmask]

OPEN LETTER FROM

AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ARCHAEOLOGISTS (WA)



Cossack Sustainable Development - An Alternative Strategy


Cossack is a historic port on the Pilbara coast.

As Western Australia's first pearling town and first port for the northwest 
frontier, Cossack's heritage is unique, and largely archaeological.



The archaeological heritage of the town is currently under threat of 
destruction from a plan to develop new housing across most of the town site. 
However, this is not the only feasible form of development; there is a 
better way that builds on, rather than destroys Cossack's heritage.



This is to establish an ARCHAEOLOGICAL TRUST for Cossack to develop the site 
as an archaeological research and interpretation centre within a holistic 
development and promotion of the surrounding towns as the GATEWAY TO THE 
PILBARA.  Heritage tourism is a fast growing and lucrative section of the 
tourist market worldwide with tourists who stay longer and spend more then 
other sections of the industry.  Development of the site that builds on its 
heritage will therefore bring far more benefit to the northwest community 
then a new housing estate.



Please read the attached short report which sets out:



  a.. How the area can be holistically development as the gateway to the 
Pilbara
  b.. How Cossack can be developed through active research and 
interpretation of its heritage
  c.. What an Archaeological Trust is and their role in managing and 
developing many of Britain's premier heritage attractions.


And join the archaeologists of Western Australia in lobbying for the 
establishment of an Archaeological Trust to manage the development and 
interpretation of Cossack as an exciting and viable heritage centre.