State agency heritage resources

State agency heritage asset management

State agencies are responsible for managing the largest heritage property portfolio in NSW. It is important government agencies lead by example and set the benchmark for the management of heritage assets, by adopting appropriate heritage management strategies, processes and practices.

State agencies have responsibilities under Section 170 of the Heritage Act 1977 to identify, conserve and manage their heritage asset portfolios.

Under the Act, agencies are required to keep a Heritage and Conversation Register listing significant assets owned, occupied or managed by a State government agency.

Under Section 22 of the Heritage Regulation 2012, the following types of items should be included on Heritage and Conversation Registers:

• State and locally listed heritage items,
• items subject to an Interim Heritage Order, and
• items identified by the agency as having State heritage significance.

Heritage and Conversation Registers should be endorsed by the Heritage Council of NSW and reviewed by the agency annually.

Agencies are also required to notify the Heritage Council of NSW in no less than 14 days if an item is removed from the register, a transfer of ownership occurs or the agency ceases to occupy the heritage asset.

The Heritage Asset Management Guidelines (PDF 296KB) issued by the Heritage Council of NSW aim to guide agencies in the management of their heritage assets and in the preparation of Heritage and Conservation Registers. In accordance with Section 170A of the Heritage Act 1977, agencies must comply with these guidelines.

State Heritage Inventory

The State Heritage Inventory (SHI) is an online database of statutory listed heritage items of local and State significance in New South Wales.

Heritage and Conservation Registers should be prepared using the Heritage Division's State Heritage Inventory Web App software so that they form part of the SHI and be publicly available. Database software is available free of charge to State government agencies, councils and heritage professionals conducting heritage studies and compiling Heritage and Conservation Registers.

For more information contact the Heritage Division at heritagemailbox@environment.nsw.gov.au