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Trusted Heritage Impact Assessment in Newcastle, NSW

Hunter Archaeology leads heritage assessments across NSW, including Newcastle and the Hunter, delivering fast, compliant Aboriginal and archaeological reports that balance cultural respect with planning success.
heritage assessment

What is a Heritage Assessment?

A heritage assessment is an in-depth investigation into the cultural, historical, or archaeological significance of a place. It’s a vital tool for informed planning and is often legally required under NSW regulations when lodging a Development Application (DA) or planning infrastructure works.

We prepare:

  • Heritage Impact Statements (HIS)
  • Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Reports (ACHAR)
  • Due Diligence Reports
  • Conservation Management Plans (CMP)
  • Historic Heritage & Archaeological Reports
All assessments comply with relevant NSW legislation, council planning controls, and Aboriginal cultural heritage protocols, ensuring smooth approvals and meaningful outcomes.

When is a Heritage Assessment Required?

You may need a heritage impact assessment in NSW if your project involves:
  • Renovation or redevelopment of a heritage-listed site.
  • Activities near Aboriginal heritage sites or artefacts.
  • Construction in conservation or cultural significance zones.
  • Subdivision, rezoning, or major infrastructure work.
  • Projects flagged by councils like Newcastle, Port Stephens, or Mid-Coast.
Skipping proper assessment can delay approvals, trigger legal issues, and alienate community stakeholders. We help you get it right the first time.

NSW Heritage Laws & Compliance

We align all services with current and emerging heritage legislation, including:
  • NSW Heritage Act 1977 -Governs all works affecting State Heritage Register properties.
  • Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 – Requires consideration of heritage impacts as part of planning processes.
  • Aboriginal Cultural Heritage (Culture is Identity) Bill 2022 – Proposed law to strengthen Aboriginal-led decision-making and cultural protection.
  • Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) & Development Control Plans (DCPs) – MidCoast, Newcastle, and other councils often mandate heritage and archaeological reports before approving development.
Hunter Archaeology stays up-to-date with every legislative change, ensuring your assessments are always valid, relevant, and culturally respectful.
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Our Heritage Assessment Process

Our proven methodology ensures each heritage report meets council and legislative standards:
one

Consultation & Scoping

We meet with you to understand the project’s scope, goals, and compliance needs.

two

Background Research

We analyse databases like AHIMS, historic records, planning instruments, and local heritage registers.

three

On-Site Survey & Engagement

We conduct fieldwork and consult Traditional Custodians and Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) where required.

four

Assessment & Evaluation

We use NSW Heritage Council and Burra Charter criteria to evaluate significance and potential impacts.

five

Reporting

Receive a clear, council-ready report with detailed maps, photos, risk mitigation advice, and planning recommendations.

Historical Heritage Services

Hunter Archaeology provides comprehensive historical heritage services to support planning approvals, conservation efforts, and community education, ensuring your project aligns with the heritage impact assessment guidelines in NSW and protects our shared cultural legacy.
Heritage Impact

Statement of Heritage Impact (SOHI)

A report detailing how a proposed development will affect a heritage item or area and strategies to minimise impacts.

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Historical Archaeological Assessments (HAA)

Investigates below-ground remains and artefacts associated with historical occupation or activity.

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Historical Heritage Management Plans (HHMP)

Outlines strategies for ongoing protection, conservation, and use of heritage assets.

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Heritage Assessment Reports

Broad evaluations of cultural and historical values to support planning decisions and DA (development application) submissions.

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Archival Recording & Photographic Documentation

Captures existing heritage conditions before change or demolition for council and public records.

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Heritage Interpretation Plans

Plans to communicate the heritage story of a site through signage, media, or guided experiences.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Services

Our Aboriginal heritage services support culturally sensitive development through respectful consultation, site assessments, and compliance with NSW laws, protecting Aboriginal cultural values while guiding projects toward informed and lawful outcomes.
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Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Reports (ACHAR)

Evaluates the cultural and spiritual value of a place, often required for DA (development application) approvals and infrastructure projects.

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Due Diligence Assessments (Aboriginal Heritage)

A preliminary assessment to identify potential Aboriginal heritage concerns before starting development.

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Aboriginal Archaeological Surveys

Fieldwork conducted to locate and record Aboriginal sites or artefacts.

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Aboriginal Community Consultation & RAP Coordination

Facilitates meaningful dialogue with Traditional Owners and Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs).

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AHIP Permit Support & Documentation

Assists with applying for and obtaining an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) from NSW authorities.

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Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMP)

Long-term strategies for managing Aboriginal heritage values in collaboration with community representatives.

Why Choose Hunter Archaeology?

  • Experts in Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment in NSW.
  • Specialists in archaeological reports, the Mid Coast and the Hunter region.
  • Fast turnaround and transparent project communication.
  • Deep local knowledge of heritage impact assessment in Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Maitland.
  • Ethical practices aligned with Aboriginal community protocols and planning laws.
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Area Served

We proudly offer archaeological reports in NSW, tailored to local environments and planning needs.

Our service areas include:

  • Cessnock
  • Singleton
  • Dungog
  • Mid-Coast
  • Hunter Valley
  • Newcastle
  • Port Stephens
  • Maitland
  • Lake Macquarie
Whether urban, rural, or coastal, we bring site-specific insight and a respectful, compliant approach to every project, from Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments in Newcastle to heritage impact assessments in the Mid-Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Heritage Assessment Before Submitting a Development Application?
Yes, especially if your property is heritage-listed or near a known heritage item or Aboriginal site. Councils often require it.
Aboriginal assessments focus on Indigenous cultural values; historical assessments address colonial-era or built heritage.
Most reports take 2–4 weeks, depending on the scope, location, and the requirements for community consultation.
Yes, we provide full documentation and support to apply for Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permits in NSW.
We’ll document the findings in a Due Diligence or Exemption Report, which can support your development application submission.
Yes, including heritage impact assessment Newcastle, MidCoast, and Central Coast NSW councils.

Get In Touch

Ready to move forward with a confident, compliant development?

Contact us today to discuss your heritage impact assessment, Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment, or archaeological report in NSW. We’re here to help you navigate cultural responsibility with expert guidance and local insight.

Email

kerryn@hunterarchaeology.com.au

Phone

0429 889 415

Hours

Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Location

Lemon Tree Passage, NSW

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Copyright Ⓒ Kerryn Armstrong