Bypass works uncover ancient site

By Shaun Inguanzo
EASTLINK builders are now constructing the Dandenong Southern Bypass through an ancient Aboriginal site.
The site in Dandenong South has had sand tested at 35,000 years old with artefacts estimated to be about 17,000 years old.
A spokesman for Thiess John Holland said Dandenong Southern Bypass works would continue as scheduled while Latrobe University archaeologists and local Aboriginal groups moved artefacts safely from the site.
Works had already begun, he said, at the northern part of the Dandenong South site “following consent from the Wurundjeri Land Council, which is the legally appointed Aboriginal representative group for the area.”
The spokesman said two-thirds of the site would remain untouched by the works.
“For the past 12 months, Thiess John Holland has been working closely with Aboriginal groups to effectively manage all aspects of Aboriginal and cultural heritage on the EastLink project, including a range of archaeological investigations and the supervision of earthworks in areas deemed necessary.”