Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Services
We provide ethical, cost-effective heritage advice to help your project meet the requirements of Victorian heritage legislation, including the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and the Heritage Act 1995. Our services include Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Tests (PAHTs), Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments and historical heritage assessments.
We work with government, local councils, developers, infrastructure providers, consultants, businesses and private clients. Our projects range from small, straightforward assessments and individual developments through to large, complex, multi-stage projects.
Our team are qualified archaeologists and heritage advisors. Since 2014 we have developed more than 600 CHMPs, PAHTs and Due Diligence reports across Victoria.
Yes. Your initial consultation is free. Call us on +61 439 825 489 or contact us online to talk through your project.
Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPS)
A CHMP is a written report prepared by a Heritage Advisor. It assesses the potential impact of a proposed activity on Aboriginal cultural heritage and sets out the measures to be taken before, during and after the activity to avoid or minimise harm.
Under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, a CHMP is required when all or part of an activity is a “high impact activity” and all or part of the activity area is an “area of cultural heritage sensitivity”. A CHMP is also required for developments that need an Environment Effects Statement. Other circumstances may also trigger one, so it’s best to seek advice early
These are registered Aboriginal cultural heritage places, plus landforms and land categories generally regarded as more likely to contain Aboriginal cultural heritage. Examples include land near waterways and coastlines.
Depending on your project, we tailor a package that may include:
• Background research and a desktop assessment
• An archaeological survey (standard assessment)
• Archaeological excavation (complex assessment)
• Preparation of the CHMP report
The process includes consultation with relevant Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs). We take the lead from start to finish, give you regular progress updates and prompt you to complete the right application forms at the right times.
Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Tests (PAHT’s)
The Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Test is a voluntary process introduced by the 2016 amendments to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. It gives certainty about whether a CHMP is required for your project and removes ambiguity when dealing with councils on that question. The Secretary to the Department of Premier and Cabinet certifies whether a CHMP is required for a proposed activity. The Secretary must decide whether to certify the PAHT as correct within a 21 day evaluation period.
You are expected to exercise due diligence in determining your requirements under the Act and the Regulations on proposed activities. If it is clear that a CHMP is not required, there is no need to prepare a PAHT. The responsible authority should then be sufficiently satisfied that a statutory authorisation can be issued.
However, if you’re unsure of the requirements and want to seek certainty, the preparation and submission of a PAHT for certification may be appropriate. For instance, a sponsor may be unclear as to whether their proposed activity area has been subject to significant ground disturbance. If your project doesn’t need a CHMP, a PAHT can save you significant time, cost and effort. If it does, you’ll know that early and can plan your schedule and budget accordingly.
We prepare the PAHT report with a brief background assessment of the proposed activity area, including a search of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register, supply relevant historic photos or other supporting material, and organise any ground inspection or survey if required.
Assessments
It’s archaeological work to identify and assess Aboriginal cultural heritage values for your project. This can include desktop assessments, field survey and excavation. We also offer salvage excavation and post-excavation analysis. All our work complies with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
It examines the heritage values of a place and how a proposed development may affect them, so you can understand your obligations under Victorian heritage legislation and find solutions that keep your project moving.
Costs, Timing and Next Steps
Costs depend on the scope of your project, such as reporting, mapping, consultation with you and RAPs, and any excavation required. We pride ourselves on competitive pricing and will provide a clear estimate after your free initial consultation.
Timeframes vary by project. We’ll give you an estimated timeline soon after your initial consultation. Contact us early, as consultation and approval steps can take time
Stop work in the immediate area and contact a Heritage Advisor to guide you through the process.. Suspected Aboriginal cultural heritage must be reported to First Peoples – State Relations, and historical archaeological finds may need to be reported to Heritage Victoria.
Call us on +61 439 825 489, email admin@heritageadvisor.com.au, or submit an enquiry online to discuss this further.
