Our heritage role
A central function of Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority is the care of the significant and nationally important natural and cultural heritage resources that exist within its jurisdiction. Items of heritage significance in its precincts include:
existing and potential archaeological sites - landscapes
- buildings
- engineering structures
- monuments
- movable heritage.
The Foreshore Authority is responsible for the care and interpretation of heritage and archaeological sites in conjunction with sympathetic development. The Rocks, in particular, is considered to be the most significant heritage precinct relating to European settlement in Australia.
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 Planning Minister, on the recommendation of the NSW Heritage Council, has delegated to the Foreshore Authority certain functions of the NSW Heritage Act, 1977. These delegations enable the Authority to assess applications for minor works to items listed on the State Heritage Register, which fall within the Authority's jurisdiction.
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 and urban planners 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.
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 Harboue Foreshore Authority which will then, 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.
