To prepare an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) in Victoria you must contact a consulting firm that specialises in archaeological cultural heritage.
Biosis are specialists and leaders in providing Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMP) in Victoria and the equivalent in NSW and can support you through this process.
Biosis Heritage Consultants in Victoria have established relationships with Traditional Owners and Registered Aboriginal Parties across regional and urban Victoria. Biosis heritage advisors work in Geelong, Melbourne, Ballarat, Albury and Wangaratta (as well as NSW regional offices).
A CHMP is required when your development activity is within an area of ‘cultural heritage sensitivity. Click on this link to identify those areas of cultural heritage sensitivity. In these circumstances, planning permits, licences and work authorities can’t be issued unless a CHMP has been approved for the activity. Here is a map of those areas on the ACHRIS database
There are significant fines and legal consequences for undertaking activities without a required CHMP. The Legal Framework is governed by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018.
- They can meet the required reporting standards.
- Help you engage with Traditional Owners respectfully.
- Access existing maps and documentation on the project area.
- Conduct test archaeological excavations.
- Complete archaeological salvage excavations (if necessary) on your site.
- Follow legal processes should ancestral remains and artefacts be identified.
Responsive. Outcome Driven.
Acciona Rail’s contracted use of Biosis has had a positive outcome for the Shepparton Line Upgrade for both Historical Heritage and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. The responsive expertise and assistance allowed a high paced project to identify problems and quickly collaborate to outcomes allowing delivery of critical pathways. Biosis have a level of knowledge, willingness to assist and overall quality of personnel that would be an asset to any future project considering using their services.
Leigh Martin
Acciona Rail
Assess and manage the impact of a proposed activity on Aboriginal cultural heritage. Ensure protection and preservation of cultural heritage during development.
What will Biosis include in your Cultural Heritage Management Plan?
CHMPs are submitted to the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) for evaluation. If no RAP exists, the First Peoples – State Relations may assess the plan.
Approval is required before any activity can commence.
Part 1. Cultural Heritage Management Conditions (how will the heritage site and artefacts be managed?)
- Types of Conditions e.g. avoidance of harm, salvage strategies, removal and curation protocols, mapping of cultural heritage.
- Will monitoring construction work be required?
- What future access will be enabled?
- If Traditional Owners request access to heritage places during/after the activity.
- What are the contingency plans for unexpected outcomes?
Part 2 Assessment Documentation
- Activity description
- Extent of activity area covered by the CHMP (area)
- Documentation of consultation with Traditional Owners
- Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment
- Details of Aboriginal cultural heritage in the activity area (if any)