Historic shipwrecks
Australia protects its shipwrecks and their associated relics that are older than 75 years through the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. The Historic Shipwrecks Act applies to Australian waters that extend from the low tide mark to the end of the continental shelf and is administered in collaboration between the Commonwealth and the States, Northern Territory and Norfolk Island. Some Australian shipwreck sites lie within protected or no-entry zones.
The Historic Shipwrecks Act is delivered through the Historic Shipwrecks Program. Its objectives are to research, explore, document and protect Australia's historic shipwreck heritage. Each State or Territory program offers different opportunities for public participation as do maritime archaeological volunteer associations that exist in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.
24 November 2008
Western Australian Museum - recent fieldwork
Western Australian Museum reports on a recent 10 day field trip to inspect shipwrecks at Point Cloates and Ningaloo Reef.
11 November 2008
Sydney and Kormoran Declarations
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts declares the HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran as Historic Shipwrecks
6 November 2008
$440,000 to preserve Australia's historic shipwreck sites
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts announces $440,000 in funding from the Australian Government's Historic Shipwrecks Program to protect the nation's underwater cultural heritage.