Aboriginal Heritage Glossary Victoria

The former Victorian Government agency responsible for Aboriginal affairs and cultural heritage administration. Its responsibilities are now primarily managed by First Peoples – State Relations.

 A secure database used by authorised users to access Aboriginal cultural heritage information, including registered places, CHMPs, permits, and assessments across Victoria.

The primary Victorian legislation that protects Aboriginal cultural heritage and establishes the legal framework for Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), Cultural Heritage Permits (CHPs), Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs), and Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Tests (PAHTs).

Regulations supporting the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 that define cultural heritage sensitivity areas, high impact activities, and assessment requirements for heritage approvals in Victoria.

A location recognised for its Aboriginal cultural heritage significance, including archaeological, cultural, spiritual, historical, or social values.

The defined area where a proposed development or activity will occur and which is assessed for Aboriginal cultural heritage impacts.

 The formal approval of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) by a Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP), confirming compliance with legislative requirements.

 A statutory assessment that evaluates the potential impact of a proposed activity on Aboriginal cultural heritage. A CHMP is required where legislation triggers apply, typically involving high impact activities in areas of cultural heritage sensitivity.

 A permit required for activities that may harm, excavate, relocate, or disturb Aboriginal cultural heritage outside the CHMP process.

 Land identified under the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018 as having a higher likelihood of containing Aboriginal cultural heritage, such as waterways, dunes, and previously undisturbed landscapes.

The first stage of a CHMP involving review of heritage registers, mapping, historical data, and environmental information to assess cultural heritage risk.

A non-statutory assessment used to identify Aboriginal cultural heritage risks and determine whether a CHMP or further investigation is required.

The Victorian Government division responsible for administering Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation, approvals, policy, and Traditional Owner engagement.

Technical data from soil tests, bore logs, and engineering investigations used to assess ground conditions and support heritage assessments, including Significant Ground Disturbance claims.

A site inspection undertaken by a heritage consultant to assess landform, disturbance, and potential Aboriginal cultural heritage sensitivity.

 A qualified heritage consultant who provides advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage obligations, CHMP requirements, PAHT processes, and compliance matters. 

 A category of activity defined under legislation that has the potential to significantly disturb land, such as subdivisions, infrastructure, and large-scale development.

Historic aerial imagery used to assess past land use, identify disturbance, and support Aboriginal heritage and PAHT investigations.

A formal notice provided to the relevant Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) advising that a Cultural Heritage Management Plan is being prepared.

A statutory process under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 used to determine whether a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is required for a proposed activity.

An Aboriginal organisation formally appointed under legislation to represent Traditional Owners and manage Aboriginal cultural heritage within a defined area. 

A legislative provision allowing a sponsor to apply for a Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Test where CHMP requirements are uncertain.

A legislative provision outlining the assessment and decision-making process for Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Test applications.

 The statutory decision-maker responsible for determining Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Test applications under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

A legislative concept referring to land that has been substantially disturbed by previous works such as excavation, construction, or quarrying, which may affect CHMP requirements.

The individual, company, or organisation responsible for proposing a development and funding any required Aboriginal heritage assessments.

A field-based CHMP assessment used to identify visible Aboriginal cultural heritage and assess potential impacts.

A legal exemption under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 or Regulations that removes the requirement for a CHMP under specific conditions.

 The official register containing information on known Aboriginal cultural heritage places, objects, and archaeological sites across Victoria.

Victoria’s independent tribunal that hears and determines planning disputes, including matters that may involve Aboriginal cultural heritage considerations.

A Cultural Heritage Management Plan prepared voluntarily even when not legally required, often used for risk management or complex developments.