Woollahra Council Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment

Woollahra Council Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment

Summary for Developers Lodging a DA with Woollahra Municipal Council Based on DA Guide – Attachment 10: Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment

An Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment (AHIA) is a detailed study required for certain developments to determine whether Aboriginal objects or cultural places are present—or likely to be present—on a property, and whether a proposed activity may harm them. It follows the requirements of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and Council’s DA Guide – Attachment 10: Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment.

An AHIA examines heritage registers, environmental and historical context, site conditions, and potential impacts. It also includes consultation with the relevant Local Aboriginal Land Council. The final report provides recommendations to avoid or minimise harm and ensures the development complies with all legislative and Council requirements.

When an AHIA Is Required

Council determines the need for an AHIA using its Aboriginal Heritage Sensitivity Mapping.

An AHIA is typically required when:

• The site falls within an Aboriginal Heritage Sensitivity area; or
• The site falls within a Potential Sensitivity area and involves excavation or exposed sandstone, or
• Council officers identify heritage risk during pre-DA consultation.

Properties outside mapped sensitivity areas generally do not require an AHIA, though applicants remain legally responsible for avoiding harm, and Due Diligence is strongly recommended.

Need an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment?

Click here if you are looking for a Woollahra Council Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment.

What an AHIA Must Include

DAs submitted to Woollahra must provide a Council-compliant AHIA that includes:

• A current AHIMS search (within 3 months; 200m buffer)
• Environmental and historical context
• A site inspection or justification for its absence
• Consultation with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council
• Assessment of direct and indirect impacts across the whole property
• Measures to avoid or minimise harm
• Recommendations regarding further investigation or the need for an AHIP
• Updates to the Council’s sensitivity mapping where appropriate

All requirements are outlined in DA Guide – Attachment 10.

Why This Matters for Developers

A well-prepared AHIA:

• Helps the Council determine whether Aboriginal heritage may be impacted
• Reduces the risk of delays during DA assessment
• Provides a legal defence if unexpected Aboriginal heritage is uncovered during construction
• Ensures compliance with both the NPW Act and Woollahra LEP 2014 provisions

How Talking Walls Can Assist

Talking Walls Heritage Consultants specialises in preparing DA-ready AHIAs for Woollahra that meet all Council and Heritage NSW requirements. We provide:

• Thorough AHIMS and contextual research
• Professional site inspections
• Consultation with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council on your behalf
• Clear, practical recommendations to avoid or minimise harm
• Advice on whether further investigation or an AHIP is necessary

Our goal is to protect Aboriginal heritage while helping your project proceed efficiently and compliantly.

Contact Us for an Assessment

Contact us to discuss your project.