Cultural Heritage Planning & Compliance

Cultural heritage is a vital part of Australia’s identity, and responsible development must balance progress with the protection of Indigenous, historic, and natural heritage values. At Locality Planning & Consulting (LP&C), we provide expert guidance on cultural heritage management, ensuring that projects meet national, state, and local heritage requirements while fostering sustainable outcomes.

Heritage Planning & Regulatory Compliance

In Australia, cultural heritage is governed by federal and state legislation, including the:

🔹Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) – Governs National and Commonwealth Heritage places and mandates the preparation of heritage management plans.

🔹State Heritage Acts – Each state and territory has its own laws regulating heritage-listed sites and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

🔹Local Planning Schemes – Councils apply heritage overlays and conservation controls that affect development approvals.

We assist developers, government agencies, and infrastructure providers in navigating these complex regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance and minimizing project delays.

Indigenous Cultural Heritage & Consultation

Indigenous heritage is protected under both federal and state laws, requiring extensive consultation with Traditional Owners and Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs). Our services include:

🔹Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessments (ACHAs)

🔹Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) for high-impact developments

🔹Consultation & engagement with Traditional Custodians

🔹Mitigation strategies for development approvals

We work closely with archaeologists, anthropologists, and Indigenous communities to ensure that heritage values are respected, protected, and integrated into development planning.

Historic & Built Heritage Conservation

Australia’s built heritage reflects its colonial and industrial past, requiring sensitive management in development projects. We provide:

🔹Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs) to determine a project’s effect on heritage-listed buildings and precincts.

🔹Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) to guide restoration and adaptive reuse strategies.

🔹Heritage interpretation plans, including signage and educational displays.

We collaborate with heritage architects, historians, and planning authorities to ensure compliance with National Trust, state, and local heritage frameworks.

How We Help Developers & Project Teams

Cultural heritage can impact project approvals, design constraints, and stakeholder engagement. Our team ensures that:
✅ Heritage risks are identified early to avoid costly project delays.
✅ Consultation with Indigenous and community stakeholders is meaningful and legally compliant.
✅ Planning approvals align with heritage laws, balancing development goals with conservation responsibilities.

We have experience across mining, infrastructure, urban development, and renewable energy projects, ensuring that cultural heritage is managed effectively while supporting sustainable progress.

Need expert cultural heritage advice for your project? Let’s discuss your planning requirements today.