Our heritage role
A central function of Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority is the care, management and interpretation of the significant natural and cultural heritage resources that exist within its jurisdiction. The Rocks, in particular, is considered to be the most significant heritage precinct relating to European settlement in Australia. Items of heritage significance in its precincts include:
• existing and potential archaeological sites
• landscapes
• buildings
• engineering structures
• monuments
• movable heritage.
When a site is identified as being of heritage significance or has archaeological potential, proposals may require application under the NSW Heritage Act, 1977, additional to other statutory approvals and permits.
The NSW Planning Minister has delegated to the Foreshore Authority certain functions of the NSW Heritage Act. These delegations enable the Authority to assess applications for minor works, which fall within its jurisdiction.
There are various forms of approval required under the NSW Heritage Act for proposals to carry out activities to an item listed on the State Heritage Register (SHR).
If the works are minor they may be exempt from approval under section 60 of the Act. Such works are outlined within the Heritage Office Publication Standard Exemptions for Works Requiring Heritage Council Approval published by the NSW Heritage Branch.
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority staff are able to assist in determining which type of approval may be required.
Archaeology
Archaeological relics can be above or below ground, in ruins or intact and even still functioning. In Sydney, archaeological objects could include:
• buildings (often just foundations or other fragments incorporated into more recently built buildings)
• structures such as wells and early roadways
• household objects such as crockery, bottles, personal items and toys
• machinery and tool
• Aboriginal relics such as hunting items and cooking utensils.
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority has a team of archaeologists who are highly skilled in determining the likelihood and management of potential archaeological sites.
When a site is identified as having archaeological potential, a report must be prepared assessing the nature of the archaeological resource and the impact upon it by the proposed works.
An application is required for proposals that might disturb or excavate any land that is likely to contain archaeological remains. If the site is listed on the SHR a Foreshore Authority s.60 Heritage Application Form is required. If the site is not listed on the register, a Foreshore Authority s.140 Application Form is required.
An excavation permit may not be required where works are only minor in nature, and will have minimal impact on the heritage significance of the place. In these instances an s.57 Heritage Exemptions Notification Form will be required.
Items of Aboriginal origin come under the jurisdiction of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974. In accordance with this Act, any discovery of Aboriginal relics must be immediately reported to Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority which will, in accordance with legislation, inform National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Please send any enquiries about heritage or archaeological sites to info@shfa.nsw.gov.au.
