The State Government has committed to a 10-year Aboriginal Heritage Survey Program (AHSP) across the State, managed by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (Department).
The purpose of the AHSP is to:
- Survey areas to:
- record Aboriginal heritage for inclusion on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Inquiry System (ACHIS) and the Register of Places and Objects.
- ensure Aboriginal heritage information can be accessed easily and relied on as part of statutory approvals under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (Act) to use land where Aboriginal sites are located.
- Accurately remap boundaries of Aboriginal sites and known Aboriginal heritage places where required.
- Confirm locations where Aboriginal heritage has not been identified meaning activities can be undertaken without the need for approval under the Act.
Surveys will be conducted by qualified heritage professionals in consultation with the native title party and participation of Aboriginal people and will result in an Aboriginal heritage survey report (report).
All reports will be made publicly available by the Department in accordance with Departmental policy.
To apply for an Aboriginal heritage survey you will need to complete and lodge an AHSP application form via ACHknowledge.
Policy and Guidelines
Unidentified Aboriginal Heritage
Surveys ensure better protection of Aboriginal heritage and can inform the planning of activities to reduce the risk of inadvertent harm to Aboriginal heritage. Some Aboriginal heritage, such as subsurface Aboriginal heritage, may not be able to be identified as part of a survey, however the potential that it may exist within an area can be included in the report.
Where a report identifies a significant potential for Aboriginal heritage, proponents should consider whether they should engage with the Native Title Party before commencing works. Consultation will reduce the risk that Aboriginal heritage is subsequently discovered, thereby impacting the project.
It is important to note that, where a review of ACHIS and a report determines that no Aboriginal heritage has been identified, no approvals under the Act are required. However, should a person become aware of Aboriginal heritage while undertaking an activity or project, they are required under section 15 of the Act to report it to the Department and an approval under the Act may be required.
