Lake Mackenzie forms part of a culturally significant Aboriginal lake-country landscape in Tasmania's Central Highlands. Shoreline erosion has been impacting Aboriginal heritage in a post-glacial lacustrine dune setting adjoining the TWWHA, mobilising artefacts from their original context and risking further degradation of Aboriginal cultural values.
The project represents an innovative application of nature-based, freshwater erosion control in a highland setting and demonstrates the value of integrating cultural knowledge, ecological expertise and land management experience. A monitoring regime, involving 3D UAV imagery, tracking of artefact analogues, and culturally engaged maintenance has been initiated to assess site response, inform future interventions and support ongoing protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage, and the sensitive dune system.
This case study highlights how collaborative partnerships can deliver practical outcomes for heritage conservation while strengthening shared stewardship of Country. It demonstrates the benefits of bringing together Aboriginal knowledge holders, restoration ecologists and management agencies to address complex environmental and cultural heritage challenges in a changing landscape.