en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yongala,_South_Australia
1 correction found
its wreck site is protected by the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
This is outdated: the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 was replaced in 2019. The SS Yongala wreck is now protected under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018.
Full reasoning
Australian government sources show that the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 is no longer the current law protecting sites like the SS Yongala.
- The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water says the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 came into effect on 1 July 2019, replacing the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
- The same department’s FAQ specifically uses the SS Yongala as an example of a shipwreck site in a protected zone under this Act.
- The Federal Register of Legislation lists the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 as the in-force Commonwealth legislation.
So the wreck site is not currently protected by the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976; it is protected under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018.
3 sources
- Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 - DCCEEW
On 24 August 2018 the Australian Parliament passed the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 (UCH Act). The UCH Act came into effect on 1 July 2019, replacing the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
- Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 - Frequently Asked Questions - DCCEEW
The SS Yongala in North Queensland is an outstanding example of a shipwreck site in a protected zone that effectively protects the cultural and natural environment.
- Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 - Federal Register of Legislation
Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018 No. 85, 2018 — In force. Latest version: C2026C00239, compilation date 01 July 2026.