Cultural Heritage Permit
When is a Cultural Heritage Permit required?
A Cultural Heritage Permit is a formal authorisation that allows specific works to proceed even if they will result in harm to Aboriginal cultural heritage. A Cultural Heritage Permit is not a substitute for a Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
A Cultural Heritage Permit may be suitable:
- where heritage is discovered unexpectedly
- for management and conservation works by councils or government agencies
- in research and salvage scenarios.
Depending on the circumstances, a permit may authorise activities such as:
- Destructive works - excavation, infrastructure development, or site clearance
- Scientific research - archaeological excavation for academic purposes
- Site maintenance - managing erosion or environmental impacts on a known Aboriginal place
- Conservation works - stabilising erosion with Aboriginal places or dead limb removal from culturally modified trees
- Material relocation - moving and caching artefacts for conservation or interpretation
Why is a Cultural Heritage Permit important for your project?
A Cultural Heritage Permit or CHMP is essential to ensure your project complies with the law and avoids serious penalties. Proceeding without proper approvals can lead to significant fines, legal action, delays, and reputational damage—putting your entire project at risk.
The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 provides for:
- Fines up to $1.65 million for corporations
- Fines up to $330,000 or term of imprisonment for individuals
- Stop orders or injunctions