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3. Our heritage role

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 the Authority's 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 (formerly Heritage Office), NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.

Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority staff are able to assist in determining which type of approval may be required.