A historical plan lost to Australia for over a century is now complete, following the discovery by the University of Newcastle's Coal River Working Party of the missing piece in the United Kingdom.

One of the earliest plans of Australia, the historical plan of the Hunter region, was completed by the famous French surveyor Ensign Francis Louis Barrallier in June - July 1801.

Mr Gionni Di Gravio, Chair of the Coal River Working Party, said the complete plan was an important historical document, bearing Barrallier's signature, which provided a snapshot of the Hunter region's landscape and river course at the time of colonisation.

"The missing piece, initially thought to be lost to Australia, was tracked down in London after an extensive search by the Coal River Working Party in the National Archives."

Copies of the Barrallier plan will be presented to Newcastle City Council, the University of Newcastle and Indigenous and community representatives. The Governor of New South Wales will also be presented with a copy of the Barrallier plan.

The Vera Deacon Regional History Fund will also be launched. Mrs Vera Deacon - Stockton resident, author and historian - has generously established the fund to contribute to the University's continuing work uncovering, preserving and safeguarding the region's archives.

Photo opportunity: Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO Governor of New South Wales will participate in the presentation at 10am on Friday 1 February 2008 at Lord Mayor's Reception Room, Level 2, Newcastle City Hall. The presentation will be hosted by the University of Newcastle and Newcastle City Council.