Statutory arrangements

Statutory arrangements

The ACT Heritage Council and ACT Heritage (within the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate) work together to recognise, protect, conserve and celebrate the ACT's unique heritage places and objects. The Heritage Act 2004 (the Act) guides much of the work.

ACT Heritage Council

The ACT Heritage Council (the Council) is an independent, statutory body responsible for a range of provisions under the Act including:

  • identifying, assessing, conserving and promoting heritage places and objects in the ACT
  • making decisions about the registration of heritage places and objects
  • making decisions on heritage applications relating to proposed excavation and heritage impacts
  • providing advice on works and development matters in accordance with the ACT’s land planning and development system
  • encouraging and assisting with appropriate management of heritage places and objects
  • encouraging public interest in, and awareness of, heritage places and objects in the ACT.

ACT Heritage

ACT Heritage provides advice and assistance to heritage property owners and other members of the community about all aspects of heritage in the ACT, including nominations, the heritage registration process, the effects of heritage listing, conservation and management requirements, and advice on proposed works and development.

Legislation

New, stronger laws are now in place to better protect our heritage for current and future generations.

We have introduced a more flexible and responsive system to deter people from damaging heritage places and objects and to make them responsible for repairing it.

Visit the Damage to heritage places and objects page for more information.

Heritage Act 2004

The Heritage Act 2004 applies to any heritage objects in the ACT, and to any places located on Territory land and some places located within Designated Areas. Other Commonwealth legislation applies to heritage places in the ACT located on National Land or managed by Commonwealth agencies, and is administered by the National Capital Authority and the Commonwealth Government.

Planning and Development Act 2007

The management of heritage in the ACT is also subject to the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2007. Under this Act, heritage advice is sought by the ACT planning and land authority on a wide range of applications, including Development Applications, Territory Plan Variations and Environmental Impact Statements. Under this Act, owners also need to obtain prior heritage endorsement from the Council before undertaking exempt development at registered heritage places.

More information

Contact ACT Heritage on 13 22 81 or by email to heritage@act.gov.au