Heritage

Every society has certain places and objects that connect us with our past and give us a sense of our cultural identity.

They are the things that we would like to pass on to future generations so that they too will understand what came before them. Heritage consists of those things we have inherited and would like to keep.

In Australia there are two basic categories of heritage items:

  1. Natural heritage refers to the physical forms of the terrestrial and aquatic environment.
  2. Cultural heritage is the historical evidence, artefacts and beliefs of Aboriginal peoples, people who have had contact with the Australian continent and people who have been born here or who have settled here. Buildings, relics (both on land and in water), works, places, streets, towns, landscapes and movable items can all be items of cultural heritage.

Levels of heritage significance

Heritage significance indicates an item's importance in a particular geographical area. Significance can be local, state, national or world.

  • Local heritage items are significant to a particular area and are identified by council and the local community and are listed on the Local Heritage Register.
  • State significant items are significant for the State of NSW and are listed on the State Heritage Register.
  • Nationally significant items are significant to Australia and are listed on the National Heritage List by the Australian Minister for the Environment and Heritage.
  • World Heritage items are globally recognised examples of natural and cultural heritage that are managed by an international convention and are listed on the World Heritage List.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)


Free advice: fire safety, access and services in heritage buildings

The Fire, Access and Service Advisory Panel is the Heritage Council's expert technical panel. It provides councils, government agencies and property owners with free advice on how to upgrade heritage buildings to meet legal requirements for fire safety, access for people with disabilities, and other building services, while retaining the building's heritage significance.

Visit the Office of Environment and Heritage website for more information about the Panel including its terms of reference, membership, an application form for advice, and other useful resources.