Archaeological Watching Briefs & Heritage Monitoring.
Aboriginal Archaeology & Anthropology >
Trace Archaeology
On site. Eyes open. Heritage protected.
An archaeological watching brief places a qualified heritage monitor on site during ground-disturbing activities — earthworks, excavation, trenching, grading and construction — to identify any Aboriginal Heritage Places or archaeological material that is exposed in the process. Where a heritage survey has been conducted and no sites were identified, a watching brief provides an additional layer of protection against inadvertent disturbance. Where sites are known to exist in the vicinity of works, a watching brief ensures that any unexpected finds are identified immediately and managed appropriately before damage occurs.
Watching briefs are commonly required as a condition of Section 18 consent, imposed by the DPLH or the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Committee as part of the approval for ground-disturbing activities in areas of known or potential heritage sensitivity. They are also commissioned by proponents who want to manage heritage risk proactively — particularly on projects in the Pilbara, Kimberley, Goldfields and NT, where the density of unrecorded heritage is high and the consequences of inadvertent disturbance are significant.
Trace Archaeology provides watching brief services for developers, miners, exploration companies, infrastructure builders and civil contractors across WA and the NT. Our heritage monitors are qualified archaeologists and anthropologists with extensive field experience — capable of identifying both tangible and intangible cultural heritage indicators in the field and making rapid, informed decisions about how to manage unexpected finds. We hold all relevant field qualifications and are experienced in working safely within active construction environments.
Our watching brief service covers pre-commencement heritage inductions for construction crews, establishing clear protocols for unexpected find procedures; daily on-site heritage monitoring during all ground-disturbing activities; immediate notification and management of any heritage finds or indicators identified during works; coordination with Traditional Owners and Cultural Custodians where required; and detailed monitoring reports documenting the areas covered, activities monitored and any findings made.
Where heritage material is identified during a watching brief, our team manages the response — notifying the DPLH and relevant Native Title Parties, coordinating with Traditional Owners on appropriate management measures and, where required, transitioning from monitoring to salvage excavation to ensure heritage material is properly recorded and managed before works resume.
Trace Archaeology is a division of Trace Enterprises — Perth's only fully integrated heritage, environmental and planning consultancy.
Every heritage and environmental project starts with the right conversation.
Whatever your heritage or environmental project needs, Trace Archaeology and Trace Ecology is ready to help. Talk to our team today — no obligation.