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.