Legislative authority
Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) provides for heritage management by government agencies. Section 170 of the Heritage Act outlines the special obligations of government agencies.
Guidelines
The Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) obliges government agencies to maintain their assets with due diligence in accordance with State-Owned Heritage Management Principles approved by the Minister on the advice of the Heritage Council and notified by the Minister to government instrumentalities from time to time.
The NSW Government Heritage Policy issued by the former Minister responsible for heritage, Dr. Andrew Refshauge, identified eight key directions for 2000 - 2003. State Government Heritage is one of these directions. The Government expects its own agencies to lead by example and demonstrate exemplary heritage management.
Download free PDF of State Agency Heritage Guide [307 KB]
This document provides guidance to State agencies on managing these important heritage places and objects. It consists of:
- State-owned Heritage Management Principles, approved by the Minister on the 16 December 2004; and
- Heritage Asset Management Guidelines, endorsed by the Heritage Council for issue under section 170 the Heritage Act on the 1 December 2004.
Best practice government asset management is provided in the Total Asset Management Manual , published by the Department of Public Works and Services.
The Burra Charter outlines the philosophy of heritage conservation in Australia. The Burra Charter is available online from Australia Icomos - See "Charters & Publications". Hard copies can also be purchased from the Heritage Branch.
The NSW Heritage Manual, also available from the Heritage Branch, explains the heritage management system in NSW. It breaks down heritage management into three steps: investigate significance,assess significance and manage significance.
State Government & Heritage
