What heritage items are protected by the EPBC Act?

The EPBC Act protects heritage at the national level, not every heritage item. There are three main types of heritage listed places h protected under the EPBC Act:

1. National Heritage List (NHL) – places of outstanding national heritage value.
2. Commonwealth Heritage List (CHL) – heritage places owned or controlled by the Commonwealth.
3. World Heritage List – globally recognised heritage sites.

If a project impacts the heritage values of any place on one of these lists, it can trigger the EPBC Act. The federal government then decides whether the project needs EPBC approvals.

What are some of the key changes to the EPBC Act in 2025 affecting heritage?

Under the current 2025 reforms, the EPBC Act is being modernised to strengthen heritage protection. Key changes include:

• New national environmental standards for heritage including clearer rules for assessing and managing impacts on National, Commonwealth and World Heritage values, such as requirements to avoid destruction of heritage fabric, protect significant views or landscapes, and manage impacts on archaeological deposits and cultural sites.
• Establishment of an Environmental Protection Agency called Environment Protection Australia (EPA), an independent federal regulator to assess projects, enforce rules, and monitor compliance. The EPA will be guided by specialist committees including the Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) and the Australian Heritage Council (AHC).
• Mandatory consultation (rather than optional) with First Nations and an emphasis on early involvement, more meaningful engagement and greater recognition of Indigenous cultural values in decision-making.
• More consistent assessment pathways and streamlined processes so heritage issues are identified earlier and managed more predictably.

Overall, the reforms aim to make heritage protections clearer, stronger and more consistent across Australia.

For consultants and project proponents, the reforms mean a shift towards proactive heritage planning: understanding values and risks early, embedding meaningful engagement with Aboriginal communities and Registered Aboriginal Parties, and demonstrating how heritage considerations shape project decisions.

If you’re navigating these changes or preparing for future projects, Biosis can help you understand and manage what the reforms mean for your work and timelines.

Biosis are experts in cultural heritage management for large-scale multi-partner developments and known for their strong record in positive community facilitation.