An introduction to Heritage Protection

Many people are aware of the importance of protecting buildings, places and things from destruction due to their cultural or social significance to a local community, the State, or the nation as a whole. Legislation protecting heritage places creates opportunities to preserve buildings, places and objects of cultural heritage significance for the benefit of future generations.

This Fact Sheet looks at the laws protecting cultural heritage in Western Australia, and identifies the bodies responsible for their management. This fact sheet does not consider natural heritage, such as world heritage areas (see Fact Sheet: Commonwealth environmental impact assessment) or areas such as old growth forests in the south west (see Fact Sheet: Conservation reserves). Note though that plants, gardens and other areas of natural heritage may be protected under the laws considered in this fact sheet provided they also possess cultural heritage significance