Abstract
This thesis uses the Australian Historic Themes framework (AHTF) to undertake a “gaps” analysis of the historic heritage of the Tasman Local Government Area (LGA). Initially, a heritage place inventory derived from relevant Commonwealth and State registers, as well as from primary and secondary documentary sources, is compiled. Secondly, the inventory is assessed via thematic “gaps” analysis, the methods of which derive from previous testing and usage of the AHTF. The “gaps” analysis occurs on two levels. Firstly, the applicability of each of the nine Principal Australian Historic Themes and their subordinate sub-themes is considered in relation to each heritage place. Secondly, documentary sources are assessed to identify regional historic themes applicable to place types.A binary coding system is used to establish frequencies for thematic applicability and non-applicability. The analysis of the thematic frequencies generated suggests that a broad range of themes is associated with the Tasman LGA. However, places of local heritage significance, chief among them historic residences, primary industry-related sites, schools, and churches, are missing from the national and state heritage registers. The gaps analysis suggests a dominance of heritage places and historic themes associated with the convict era, while sites and themes related to the post-penal era are typically omitted from official heritage registers. If these sites were included in these registers, then a more balanced thematic and “site type” representation of the Tasman Peninsula’s history could be constructed.
The thesis identifies a conflict between local, state, and national levels of significance and considers places of local significance to be integral to understand^ the heritage of the Tasman Peninsula. The significance of the Peninsula is not only a unique combination of natural and cultural features, but it represents a complicated web of local, national and international values. This thesis suggests that a full understanding of the significance of the Tasman Peninsula requires the active inclusion and meaningful participation of the local community. It is through open discussion of the varied and conflicting heritage values associated with the Tasman LGA that the evolving significance of this unique cultural landscape might be more fully explored and understood, managed, and conserved.
| Date of Award | 1999 |
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| Original language | English |