Construction of the $90-million Alstonville Bypass is not only building for the future, but a significant discovery is giving local heritage buffs a greater understanding of early European settlement on the Alstonville Plateau.

Federal Member for Page Janelle Saffin today visited Reed Constructions’ site office to get a full briefing on an archaeological find on the former property Waratah at the eastern end of the bypass recently.

Ms Saffin met with Alstonville Plateau Historical Society President Ian Kirkland and Executive Member Jane Gardiner, together with the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority’s Regional Communications Manager Sonia George.

RTA Regional Manager David Bell said Reed workers were removing top soil and vegetation when they noticed old alcohol bottles. Mr Bell then ordered a stop to work in the immediate area.

Initially, it was thought to be an old bottle dump from the former Ocean View Hotel (1883-1911), but further excavation work revealed a wide range of previously unrecovered artefacts, according to Mr Bell.

“Other unearthed items have included domestic objects like perfume bottles, sauce bottles, plates, buttons, 1870s coins, kitchen equipment and even kitchen scraps like fish scales.”

Ms Saffin said she was fascinated by the discovery and glad that many of the artefacts would be donated to the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society after they had been assessed.

Archaeological firm Insite Heritage had carried out a full archaeological assessment of the area, after receiving clearance from the Heritage Branch Department of Planning.
 
Ms Saffin said this was first archaeological dig undertaken on The Plateau, taking about three weeks to complete and involving seven people sifting through the area and reclaiming large numbers of artefacts.

The area was divided into one-metre grids and the artefacts in each area were recorded. The artefacts are now being catalogued and a report prepared which should be available within the next six months. 

The Federal Government is providing $90 million in funding for the Alstonville Bypass, which is due to be completed by the end of 2010, weather permitting.