Parramatta Council Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment

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Parramatta Council Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment

Aboriginal heritage is protected under the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2023. The LEP’s planning guidelines mandate that the Council must evaluate the effects of proposed developments on either identified or potential Aboriginal archaeological locations, or areas of cultural or historical importance to Aboriginal communities. For projects proposed on these significant sites, the Council may necessitate an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment (or Aboriginal Heritage Assessment).

When applying for a Development Application (DA) in the Parramatta Council area you may be requested to provide an Aboriginal Due Diligence Assessment (also known as an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment) if the site is in, or near, an area of Aboriginal Heritage High Sensitivity. This assessment may become part of the ‘conditions of consent for approval.

Need an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment?

1300 931 796

The Parramatta Aboriginal Sensitivity Map

This map depicts the areas of Aboriginal sensitivity in Parramatta as found in Part 7 Heritage and Archaeology of the Parramatta Development Control Plan 2023.

Need an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment?

1300 931 796

Low Sensitivity

Properties identified within a Low Aboriginal Heritage Sensitivity area may not require an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment or Aboriginal Heritage Assessment.

High Sensitivity

Properties identified within a High Aboriginal Heritage Sensitivity area, will require a Due Diligence assessment and/or an Aboriginal Heritage Assessment, following the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage guidelines particularly where a development site:

Is within 200 metres of the centreline of a creek.
Has not been previously developed and contains undisturbed original landform.
Is within 50 metres of a known Aboriginal heritage site.
Is of historical heritage with archaeological potential and is within the area of the Parramatta Sand Body.

Parramatta Sand Body

The Parramatta Sand Body is located for the most part under the Parramatta CBD and is listed in the State Heritage Inventory. Its heritage significance is described in the register as follows.

The Parramatta Sand Body is an important cultural landscape. Archaeological investigation of the sand body has uncovered a substantial archaeological record that has contributed to our understanding of pre-colonial Aboriginal occupation of the Parramatta area and more broadly, the Cumberland Plain. The antiquity of some of this archaeological record and evidence of change over time is significant to Australian archaeology generally.

The origins and description of the Parramatta sand body.

The geomorphic origin of the sand is still unclear but the present interpretation is that the sand body was deposited by the Parramatta River on a terrace 4 to 6 metres above normal water level, on either side of the river between Charles and Alfred Streets and in the eastern margin of Parramatta Park. The sand body was deposited as a terrace (abandoned floodplain) over time during floods.
State Heritage Invetory #01863: Ancient Aboriginal and Early Colonial Landscape

What does an Aboriginal Due Diligence Assessment involve?

Research and Contextual Analysis: The review of existing data. This includes consulting relevant registers that document known Aboriginal heritage sites and understanding the historical and cultural context of the area.
Site Inspection: If a closer examination of the property is deemed necessary, then a site inspection is arranged. This physical examination helps identify any previously undocumented sites and assesses the potential impact of the proposed activity on known sites. The necessity of this is based on a case-by-case basis.

if the Council does not require an Aboriginal Due Diligence Assessment or Impact Assessment does this protect you Legally?

No. Please note that if Parramatta Council does not require an Aboriginal Due Diligence Assessment, Aboriginal Heritage Assessment or Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment for a particular development proposal, this does not remove the legal protections provided by the NPW Act for ‘unknowing’ harm to Aboriginal objects. Causing unknowing harm to an Aboriginal heritage object, without first completing a Due Diligence Assessment, can attract a fine of up to $220,000.

Talking Walls Aboriginal Heritage Consultants

Our goal is to ensure all parties involved achieve a suitable outcome from the assessment process. Our purpose is to help you get your DA approved by making sure all the Council’s requirements are met, to ensure the Aboriginal community are confident their heritage is being respected and protected and to provide practical solutions when required.