the following may be of interest - for some it maybe thought to be too late - eg at Sandon Pt - but still have a look anyway
cheers Kerrie C http://www.npws.nsw.gov.au/culture/abimpact.htm NPWS Draft Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment Guidelines http://www.npws.nsw.gov.au/culture/draft_aboriginal_heritage_assessment_guidelines.pdf The majority of Aboriginal heritage assessments in NSW are conducted in the context of development proposals. Assessments mainly focus on archaeological surveys. They generally do not adequately identify the historical and social significance of the development area to Aboriginal people, or assess the impacts of the development on all heritage values. Changes to legislation protecting Aboriginal heritage In December 2001, the NSW Parliament passed amendments to the National Parks and Wildlife Act <http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/viewtop/inforce/act+80+1974+FIRST+0+N> (NPW Act) that govern the protection of Aboriginal heritage. The amendments are summarised below - please note that some of them have not yet come into effect. * In section 5 of the NPW Act, the term 'relic' has been changed to 'Aboriginal object' (this amendment has already come into effect). * Under section 91AA, the NPWS Director-General can order the stoppage of work that is likely to significanctly affect an Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place (this amendment has already come into effect). * Section 90 consents will be renamed 'heritage impact permits'. * The desecration of Aboriginal objects or Aboriginal places will be added to the list of offences in section 90. * Currently, it is an offence under section 90 of the NPW Act to 'knowingly' destroy or damage an Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place. Under the amended section 90, there will be a defence for people who take reasonable precautions or exercise due diligence. More information See the National Parks and Wildlife Amendment Act <http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/viewtop/inforce/act+130+2001+FIRST+0+N> for more details on the changes made. What happens next? As a result of the changes to section 90 of the NPW Act (see above), developers and consent authorities will need to undertake due diligence when they assess the impacts of a development proposal on Aboriginal heritage. To make this work, the NPWS has developed draft Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment Guidelines. These guidelines will assist developers, planners, consultants, consent and determining authorities to identify and assess Aboriginal heritage values that may be affected by a development proposal. You can download the draft Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment Guidelines below. It is envisaged that they will replace the following NPWS guidelines: * Guidelines for Aboriginal consultants' reports * Guidelines for Archaeological survey reporting; and * Guidelines for Aboriginal heritage impact assessment in the exploration and mining industries. What do you think? Comment on the draft guidelines The NPWS is seeking comments on the draft Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment Guidelines. To make a comment, email Ann O'Loughlin <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> or write to the following address: Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment Guidelines Cultural Heritage Division NPWS PO Box 1967 Hurstville NSW 2220 Please send all comments by 2 May 2003. -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
