NSW Heritage Law


This factsheet explains how heritage is protected in NSW. It will be useful for people who want to know more about how heritage is protected in NSW, and what they can do about any suspected breaches of NSW heritage law. It will also be useful for people who want to know how to avoid breaching heritage laws, and what the consequences are for doing so. 

Key takeaways

Explains how natural, cultural and built heritage is protected and managed in NSW

Explains the State Heritage Register and interim heritage orders

Describes the process of seeking approval to modify or destroy a heritage listed item

Key actions

Read the EDO Factsheet on Aboriginal Culture and Heritage to learn about how Aboriginal places are protected

Read the EDO Factsheet on Commonwealth Heritage Protection Law to learn about legislated heritage protections on a federal level

Read the EDO Factsheet on the Land and Environment Court in NSW

Read the EDO Factsheet on Writing an Effective Law Reform Submission

Visit: Heritage NSW website – in particular, the Heritage Listing Explained page for more background on heritage law

Visit: State Heritage Inventory to view declared Aboriginal Places as well as items listed on the State Heritage Register, Interim Heritage Orders and those listed with local heritage significance

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