National heritage management principles
The National Heritage management principles provide a guiding framework for managing heritage properties. They set the standard and the scope for the way places should be managed in order to protect heritage values for future generations.
These principles should be used when preparing and implementing management plans and programs. In the absence of a management plan, they should guide the management of heritage values of a property.
Principle 1: The objective in managing National Heritage places is to identify, protect, conserve, present and transmit, to all generations, their National Heritage values.
Explanation of principle 1:
Principle 1 explains what is trying to be achieved in the management of National Heritage places.
Managers of National Heritage places should aim to protect and conserve their National Heritage values, so that they can be appropriately managed, protected and cared for, and to communicate the values now and for future generations.
Principle 2: The management of National Heritage places should use the best available knowledge, skills and standards for those places, and include ongoing technical and community input to decisions and actions that may have a significant impact on their National Heritage values.
Explanation of principle 2:
Principle 2 is about the skills and standards required to manage National Heritage places, which includes seeking expert advice and consulting with the community, particularly in relation to Indigenous places.
To understand how to manage all heritage values, including natural, Indigenous and historic value, the owner/manager can draw on the objectives of the heritage provisions of:
- the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and Regulations
- industry standards and methodologies included in documents such as:
- The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance 1999
- the Australian Natural Heritage Charter
- Ask First: A guide to respecting Indigenous heritage places and values 2002
- Significance - A Guide to Assessing the Significance of Cultural Heritage Objects and Collections 2001
- State and Territory management publications and other management guides.
Principle 3: The management of National Heritage places should respect all heritage values of the place and seek to integrate, where appropriate, Commonwealth, State, Territory and local government responsibilities for those places.
Explanation of principle 3:
Principle 3 is about working with all levels of government (as relevant) in order to understand what is important about the place, including local and State heritage values as well as National Heritage values; and working with all levels of government to ensure that all heritage values are respected in any decision made about the place.
The owner/manager should prepare a management plan that outlines all of the heritage values of the place and how these will be conserved and protected for future generations.
The management plan should be developed from an understanding of the heritage management requirements of the EPBC Act and how they fit into an existing asset management regime, and using a recognised and accepted methodology. This includes on-ground management and decision-making structures. The management plan should also include any local, State and Commonwealth statutory requirements and relevant administrative systems, processes and arrangements.
Principle 4: The management of National Heritage places should ensure that their use and presentation is consistent with the conservation of their National Heritage values.
Explanation of principle 4:
Principle 4 is about how the place is used and how it is presented to the public. The use and presentation should not have an adverse impact on its heritage values.
In developing a management plan, the owner/manager should identify:
- how the National Heritage place is used, any proposed changes to the use or a new future use of the place. Proposed changes may include the requirement to dispose of the property, subdivision, development or changing the use of the place or its elements;
- how the place is interpreted and how it will be presented to and accessed by the public, ensuring that proposals are sympathetic to and/or appropriate for the heritage values of the place;
- any known or anticipated pressures on the National Heritage values of a place, taking into consideration current and future threats including those that originate outside the place; and
- any constraints on the management of the place, including operational requirements that may affect its National Heritage values.
Identifying and describing these factors will ensure the conservation of heritage values by assisting with the development of policies that co-ordinate heritage management obligations, interpretation, access and operational requirements.
Principle 5: The management of National Heritage places should make timely and appropriate provisions for community involvement, especially by people who:
a) have a particular interest in, or associations with, the place; and
b) may be affected by the management of the place.
Explanation of principle 5:
Principle 5 is about involving the community in decisions affecting the place. This is usually achieved via the consultation phase of a management plan but can also occur as part of the EPBC Act referral process.
In developing a management plan for a National Heritage place, the owner/manager should seek to identify and involve the people and/or groups who have an association with the place.
It is important to involve stakeholders in formal consultation processes to inform them about management decisions and policies for the place. Good consultation and liaison can help ensure that important issues are considered in management and that protection and conservation of the heritage values is achieved.
Principle 6: Indigenous people are the primary source of information on the value of their heritage. The active participation of Indigenous people in identification, assessment and management is integral to the effective protection of Indigenous heritage values.
Explanation of principle 6:
Principle 6 establishes that the best way to understand Indigenous heritage values and to manage these values is to involve the Traditional Owners and other relevant Indigenous people with rights and interests in the place.
In developing a management plan for a National Heritage place, the owner/manager should seek to involve and facilitate consultation with Indigenous people, particularly for the management of places that have, or for the identification and assessment of places that potentially have, heritage values that are significant to Indigenous people.
Where relevant, management policies to ensure access for Indigenous people to maintain traditional practices, including caring for country, should be developed and implemented. Policies relating to accessing places or sites with Indigenous heritage value, including access for the general public, should be developed in consultation with relevant Indigenous people.
An investigation of the Native Title status of the place is recommended.
Further information:
The National Native Title Tribunal
Telephone: 1800 640 501
Web: www.nntt.gov.au
Principle 7: The management of National Heritage places should provide for regular monitoring, review and reporting on the conservation of National Heritage values.
Explanation of principle 7:
Principle 7 is about ensuring that a system of regular review, reporting and accountability is in place through regular revision of the management plan.
In managing the place and/or developing a management plan for the place there should be appropriate monitoring procedures for reporting on the condition of a National Heritage place and the protection of its heritage values. This may involve the establishment of baseline information about the condition of those elements representing the heritage values, use of information obtained about the maintenance of the place and all actions impacting on the place.
A heritage register or database established to record all actions and changes affecting the place might be the most effective means of compiling this information.
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