Information for landowners
What are Aboriginal places and objects?
Aboriginal people have lived in southern Australia, including what is now Victoria, for thousands of years. During that time, they left physical evidence of their activities which now survives as cultural heritage places and objects. Aboriginal places and objects can be found all over Victoria and are often near major food sources such as rivers, lakes, swamps and the coast.Aboriginal places and objects can also be found on private property. Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) works in partnership with landowners, land managers and Aboriginal communities to record, protect and manage these places and objects.
The AAV mini-poster series provides information about the types of Aboriginal cultural heritage found in Victoria.
What if I have found an Aboriginal place or objects?
The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 requires that the discovery of Aboriginal cultural heritage places or objects on any public or private land in Victoria be reported to Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. Landowners who suspect a discovery of cultural heritage on their land can find out what to do by visiting the webpage Reporting a possible Aboriginal place or object or the AAV mini-poster on Aboriginal sites on private property.The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 also requires Aboriginal places and objects to be recorded on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register (VAHR). The Register holds the details of all known Aboriginal cultural heritage places and objects within Victoria, including their location and a detailed description.
| If suspected human remains are discovered, you must contact the Victoria Police and the State Coroner’s Office immediately. If there are reasonable grounds to believe that the remains are Aboriginal, the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Emergency Co-ordination Centre should be contacted on 1300 888 544. |
How do I find out if there is an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Place on my property?
To find out whether your property has any recorded Aboriginal cultural heritage places or sites, such as scarred trees, occupation sites or places of burial, you will need to access the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.Learn about the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register and Who may access the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.
What are Cultural Heritage Management Plans?
The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (the Act) establishes Cultural Heritage Management Plans, Cultural Heritage Permit processes and cultural heritage agreements to manage activities on land that may harm Aboriginal cultural heritage. If significant activities are to occur on your land please use the Aboriginal heritage planning tool to find out how to proceed.Aboriginal Heritage Planning Tool
A simple way to check whether a Cultural Heritage Management Plan is required for a proposed activity is to use the Aboriginal heritage planning tool and follow the prompts.Further Information
For further information about your property or a possible discovery please contact:Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register
Ph: 1800 762 003
email: vahr@dpcd.vic.gov.au
For enquiries relating to the administration of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 contact us or email Heritage Services.
Find out When will a Cultural Heritage Management Plan be required?