Biosis historical heritage consultants are experienced in writing Conservation Management Plans for places of cultural significance in Sydney, Melbourne and regional areas.
Our historical heritage team are based in Sydney and Melbourne, and across regional Victoria and regional NSW including Newcastle, Central Coast, Penrith, Wollongong, Albury, Geelong, Ballarat and Wangaratta.
Biosis consultants are members of the Australian chapter of ICOMOS (International Council of Monuments and Sites) and our work to meet the highest standards endorsed by the Burra Charter process. The Burra Charter sets the standard for how to manage and conserve places of significance in Australia.
Biosis historical heritage consultants are experts in
- Glass
- Built heritage
- Bone
- Lithic artefacts
- Material culture
- Historical research
- Transport history
- Industrial history
You will need a conservation management plan (CMP) or Conservation Assessment (VIC) written by a heritage consultant, like a Biosis heritage consultant, to seek approval from your local council or state government heritage department:
- If you are modifying, or the planned works involve, a state heritage-listed item (building or feature) listed on the NSW State Heritage Register databases.
- If you are modifying, or the planned works involve, a state heritage-listed item (building or feature) listed on the Victorian State Heritage Register databases.
- If you are modifying a contributory item in a heritage conservation area.
What is a heritage contributory item?
- Buildings: A house that reinforces a specific architectural style common to a heritage conservation area.
- Landscape features: Original paving, stone kerbing, or historic fences that define a streetscape.
- Public domain elements: Street furniture, light posts, or garden layouts that contribute to the historical character of a public space.
Note: contributory items often have some level of protection, although it is less extensive than for individually listed heritage items.
Practical. Well-considered Recommendations.
The Phillip Island & District Historical Society was extremely fortunate to engage Biosis as the heritage consultant for our chicory kiln conservation project last year. The consultation process was thoughtful, collaborative and well informed, with clear communication at every stage. The resulting report exceeded our expectations. It is thorough, insightful and beautifully presented, providing a clear assessment of the condition of the kilns along with practical, well-considered recommendations. The document has already become an invaluable reference for our Society and will play an important role in guiding future advocacy, conservation efforts and discussions with owners and authorities.
We would not hesitate to recommend them to any organisation seeking high-quality heritage advice and outcomes.
Pamela Rothfield, Secretary
Phillip Island and District Historical Society
A Biosis consultant will write you a Conservation Management Plan that guides the conservation and management of a heritage item to meet the requirements set out by the Department of Heritage.
The report will include:
- Summary of the significance of the item or property.
- Heritage item description
- Methodology and expertise: Category e.g. Aesthetic, Historic, Intangible.
- Analysis of evidence: comparative analysis with similar items.
- Statement of significance: Summary of the item’s heritage value.
- Opportunities and Limitations for Conservation: Owner/manager needs, legal/statutory obligations, community interpretation, past works etc.
- Policies to Guide Conservation and Management
Biosis historical heritage consultants have access to in-house data sets and public record databases to assist in gathering the evidence you may need for historical research to add to any existing historical records you already have.
Documentary Evidence: Historical records, maps, photographs, reports.
Physical Evidence: Site inspections, architectural surveys, archaeological findings.
Community Evidence: Oral histories, stakeholder interviews, cultural practices.
Comparative Evidence: Analysis of similar heritage items to establish rarity or representativeness.
Biosis heritage consultants will need to visit the proposed site and to better understand the historical significance and conservation needs of the site to accurately estimate a timeframe to develop the Conservation Management Plan. It’s best to make an enquiry and speak to one of our consultants as early as possible.