The Heritage Act 1977 and Heritage Regulation 2012 outline the minimum standards to be achieved for the maintenance and repair of heritage items. We work with property owners and managers to fulfil their obligations. The Heritage Act 1977 also outlines the actions that could be taken if the minimum standards are not being met.
This applies to private owners, local councils, NSW State agencies and other organisations.
The minimum standards of maintenance and repair apply to buildings, relics, ruins and moveable objects:
- listed on the State Heritage Register or subject to an interim heritage order
- heritage items, also referred to as ‘heritage assets’, managed by NSW State agencies.
The minimum standards aim to prevent serious or irreparable damage or deterioration of a heritage item. The standards are based on good property management practices to:
- avoid putting off maintenance which can cause serious damage or deterioration, and become very expensive
- ensure the values of the heritage item are protected.
The minimum standards require owners to:
- ensure protection against damage or deterioration due to weather
- ensure a reasonable level of protection against damage or destruction by fire, including additional fire protection for unoccupied buildings
- provide security, including additional security measures for unoccupied buildings
- do essential maintenance and repairs to prevent serious or irreparable damage or deterioration
- arrange regular inspections
- provide inspection reports to the Heritage Council of NSW when needed or asked
- follow specific standards for ruins and moveable objects.
The Heritage Regulation 2012 does not require owners to do extra work as long as the minimum standards of maintenance and repair are achieved.
If a property owner or manager does not meet the minimum standards of maintenance and repair for the heritage item in their care, this may lead to actions outlined in section 120 of the Heritage Act 1977.
Owners of State Heritage Register listed items, or items subject to an interim heritage order, may be eligible to apply for heritage grants to assist with developing management documents, and doing maintenance and restoration works.