Cultural Heritage Assessment and Management is a Key Function of Access

The application of thorough due diligence in the survey for and the management of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage is an essential element of all environmental planning. There is a requirement to undertake and demonstrate due diligence in the survey and assessment of sites when considering Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.

It is critical that any assessment or survey be undertaken and documented by a person with extensive experience, knowledge of and preferably tertiary qualifications relating to cultural heritage. It is important to note that you do not necessarily need an archaeologist for the application of the due diligence process. However, an archaeologist may well be required for the development of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR) and an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit in NSW (AHIP).

On 1 st July 2020 the responsibility for compliance in NSW was moved to Heritage NSW. This department has its own dedicated compliance unit and is proactively inspecting sites where cultural heritage is likely to be an issue.

Cultural Heritage Management is a component of Access Environmental Planning core business. We are currently engaged on several assessment projects and dealing with ACHAR and AHIP projects.

‍