Randwick Council Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment

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Randwick Council Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment

In certain circumstances, Randwick Council may request an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment to accompany a Development Application (DA). This will particularly apply if the site is in, or near, an area of Aboriginal heritage sensitivity. This assessment may become part of the ‘conditions of consent’ for approval.

Need an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment?

1300 931 796

Maroubra to Centennial Park Dune System

Located in the area stretching from south of Maroubra to Centennial Park. The dune system is made of deep ancient windblown sands that were once covered with the now critically endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub ecological community.

This stratification found in the dunes hints at a rich, though hidden, past beneath the surface. It raises the fascinating possibility that the land surfaces once inhabited by Aboriginal people might be buried beneath these dunes, as the windblown sands quickly formed layers.

Outcropping Sandstone

In many parts of the Randwick Council area, sandstone outcrops are found in parks, reserves and private gardens. These can have carvings and grinding groves. Where these are present, an Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment could be required.

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 the Council does not require an Aboriginal Due Diligence Assessment, Due Diligence Assessment or 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 specialises in Randwick Council Aboriginal Due Diligence Assessment

Talking Walls is based in Surry Hills, only 2 km from the Randwick LGA. This is important because the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney has a very unique landscape and Aboriginal history when compared to other parts of Sydney. In this area, your heritage consultant needs to have experience working with sandy soil landscapes, sandstone and the local ecological habitats. Without this experience, you risk facing significant delays to your DA, or worse, heavy fines if the assessment has not been conducted properly.

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, the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council are confident their heritage is protected and we can offer practical solutions when they are required.