Wingecarribee Shire Council has been working with Joadja historic site custodians Valero and Elisa Jimenez to facilitate a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) and will soon jointly appoint respected firm Austral Archaeology.
At the December Council meeting, Administrator Mr Viv May resolved to proceed with preparing a Conservation Management Plan to guide conservation and improvement works at the Joadja heritage site.
Joadja is a very significant State heritage site on which a shale oil mining and refining industry was established in the latter half of the 19th century. The town that sprung up from that industry boasted houses, a school, a School of Arts, stores and a train line with a regular service to Mittagong. The industry ultimately faded and the town was abandoned in the early 20th century. Many of the buildings and structures are still standing and tours of the ghost town, as well as other activities, can be enjoyed at the Joadja Historic Site.
The CMP is a mechanism to identify how best to preserve the heritage fabric of Joadja, while still facilitating appropriate uses and activities for the community. A CMP is required by Heritage NSW for any activities or works in a State Heritage Listed place.
Austral Archaeology have been appointed to deliver the Joadja Conservation Management Plan, which will outline best practice conservation of heritage significance within the context of real-world management of the site.
Council's Executive Manager Strategic Outcomes, Deniz Kilic, says "the Conservation Management Plan is a great opportunity for collaboration between Wingecarribee Shire Council and Joadja custodians Valero and Elisa Jimenez, while also applying heritage best-practice in the wider interest of the Joadja historic site and our community".
Council's Strategic Outcomes division is working collaboratively with Mr and Mrs Jimenez to facilitate the best outcomes for this significant heritage site within our Shire. The collaborative approach is the result of a Joadja Heritage Deed and a mutual appreciation of the significance of the site to the broader community.
The Plan is expected to be completed by June 2024 to guide the preservation and use of Joadja for years to come.
