The heritage of New South Wales is identified and protected as a means of securing and maintaining landscape, places and objects valued as part of Australian culture. Heritage is a cultural asset, part of the identity of NSW, its regions and communities. Natural and cultural heritage are linked with other aspects of culture such as literature, music, dance, art, food and other creative works and are part of the environment and community life.
Heritage conservation seeks to sustain the values of heritage landscapes, places and objects, individually and collectively, so that the community and visitors can continue to appreciate, experience and learn from them and about them, and so that they can be passed on to future generations.