Now we are going to look at another project. Bob is planning the redevelopment of a camp site near a beach, which includes a new section of walking track.
Bob’s due diligence search has returned a STOP result. There may be Aboriginal heritage in the area. This means an Aboriginal Heritage Desktop Review is needed.
The diagram below indicates which stage Bob is at in the assessment process.
The Agency wants Bob to thoroughly explore options for the redevelopment of the camp site. Bob must provide Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania with the following information:
Bob’s proposal can only be assessed once he submits the required information. The amount of documentation required may depend on the size of the development. If necessary, Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania will ask for more information.
The completed Aboriginal Heritage Desktop Review and information can be emailed to aboriginal@heritage.tas.gov.au
The Aboriginal Heritage Desktop Review will provide advice on whether Bob’s proposed activity may, or is likely to, impact Aboriginal heritage.
When assessing an Aboriginal Heritage Desktop Review, Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania considers:
If no further assessment is advised, it means there is a low potential for Aboriginal heritage to be impacted by the proposed activity.
Bob will be issued with an Unanticipated Discovery Plan and may proceed carefully, building the result into the Reserve Activity Assessment, for instance, for the proposed activity or in discussions about planning for outputs.
If further assessment is advised, it means that Aboriginal heritage is present, or is likely to be present in the area.
Bob will be advised about engaging an archaeologist and/or an Aboriginal Heritage Officer to conduct an on-ground assessment. Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania provides a list of Aboriginal heritage consultants. In preparing their report the consultants will contact Aboriginal organisations to inform them about the proposed activity and to seek their advice about Aboriginal heritage in the area.
Following their assessment, the Aboriginal heritage consultant will produce an Aboriginal Heritage Assessment Report. The report will identify any potential impacts to Aboriginal heritage requiring a permit and any mitigation options that could be implemented.
If a permit is required, it means Aboriginal cultural heritage will be impacted by the proposed activity. Under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975, the proposed activity may only commence if a permit has been granted by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania can provide guidance and information in regards to permit applications and any other considerations.
It is recommended you discuss your permit application with Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania before you submit it.
More resources about the Aboriginal Heritage Assessment Process, including Information Sheets, the legal requirements and Guidelines can be found on the Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania website Opens in a new window.
You should also be guided by other relevant Tasmanian legislation such as the National Parks and Reserves Management Act and Commonwealth legislation and regulatory processes such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.