Cultural Heritage Management Plans
Large developments and other high impact activities in culturally sensitive landscapes can cause significant harm to Aboriginal cultural heritage. Cultural Heritage Management Plans (The Plan) are a way of protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural heritage, with the involvement of Registered Aboriginal Parties, while allowing development to proceed.
The Plan is a written report, prepared by a Cultural Heritage Advisor, containing the results of an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed activity on Aboriginal cultural heritage. It outlines measures to be taken before, during and after an activity in order to manage and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage in the activity area.
The Plan must be approved by the relevant Registered Aboriginal Party, where one exists. Where no Registered Aboriginal Party exists, the Secretary of the Department of Planning and Community Development (the Secretary), or in certain circumstances the Aboriginal Heritage Council, may approve the Plan.
Decision making authorities, such as State or Local Government agencies, will not be able to issue statutory approvals such as a work authority, licence or planning permit, for certain activities without first receiving an approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan for that activity.
Further Information
Aboriginal Heritage Planning Tool
Cultural Heritage Advisors
When will a Cultural Heritage Management Plan will be required?
Information sheet: Cultural Heritage Management Plans and Planning (PDF 86kb) or (Word 224kb)
For information on significant ground disturbance and how it relates to Cultural Heritage Management Plans please see Information for Planners and Developers.