Apply to transfer, vary or surrender an Aboriginal heritage impact permit

Create an AHIMS account

To apply online, you first need an AHIMS account.

If you already have an AHIMS Client ID and access to the AHIMS Quarantine Station, go to Step 4.

To create an AHIMS account:

• Go to the AHIMS web services page
• Select 'Create new account' below the Login button
• Read the terms and conditions and tick the acknowledgement box
• Select 'Register'
• Complete the User Registration form, including your contact details and password
• Select 'Register' to submit your registration.

Request access to AHIMS Quarantine Station

Before you can access the AHIMS Quarantine Station, you will need an AHIMS Client ID.

Provide these details:

• your full name
• the email address you registered with
• organisation details (if applicable)

and email them to: [email protected].

Heritage NSW will create your access and send you an email containing your AHIMS Client ID.

Complete your first-time registration

Once your access has been created:

• check your email (including your junk folder) for a registration email
• select the 'Register now' link
• follow the prompts to complete your registration
• enter your contact details using the credentials provided in the email
• select 'Register' to finish setting up your account.

After you have registered for the first time you can simply fill in your details in the AHIMS Quarantine Station and select 'Login'.

Prepare your information and documents

With the new online process there is a file upload limit. Each document you upload can be no larger than 50MB.

Before you start your application, have these ready.

For transfers

You will need:

• the AHIP number and current permit holder details
• details of the proposed new permit holder
• written consent from the current AHIP permit holder
• the reason for the transfer
  • if it relates to the sale of land covered by the AHIP, include the proposed transfer date, or
  • explain why you are requesting the transfer
• supporting documents (if needed).

For variations

You will need:

• details of the AHIP you want to vary, including the AHIP number and permit holder details
• to check that all relevant AHIMS site cards are up to date
• details and supporting documents for the changes you are requesting, including (if applicable):
  • changes to peoples' names, organisations, positions and contact details
  • updated development consent details, including development application number, date, description of changes and a PDF copy of the modified development consent
  • proposed new permit duration in years
  • a description of boundary changes, including a map, Lot and Deposited Plan details, local government area, parish and zone, spatial data showing the proposed change and Aboriginal community consultation
  • the permit condition number you want to change, what you want to change and why
  • a description of the proposed change to level of harm and any additional consultation with registered Aboriginal parties
  • updated temporary storage arrangements
  • any other information or documents relevant to your variation request, such as technical reports, updated methodology, or updated information relating to the Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment report.

If long-term storage arrangements have been made, include details in your application along with any supporting documents, such as a copy of a care agreement or details of objects reburied on Country and registered as an AHIMS site. To find out more, see Apply for a care agreement to transfer objects.

For surrenders

You will need:

• the reason you want to surrender the AHIP
• details of whether any harm to Aboriginal objects or an Aboriginal Place has already occurred under the AHIP
• to show that all documents required by the permit conditions have been submitted to Heritage NSW, and any arrangements for the long-term management of artefacts (if required) have been completed.

Start your application

Use your account details to login to the AHIMS Quarantine Station. To start a new AHIP transfer, variation or surrender (VTS) application:

• select 'New AHIP-VTS form' from the left-hand menu
• begin your application.

Your application is saved automatically as a draft, so you can come back to it at any time before submitting.

Apply online

Submit your application and pay

Once you have completed all fields and uploaded all required documents, you can submit and pay for the application fee online.

Fees vary depending on the type of application or variation request. For details about application fees, see Aboriginal heritage impact permit application fees.

Payment is by credit or debit card only and is completed as part of the online application.

After you submit your application and payment, you will receive:

• an application reference number
• a payment reference number
• a tax invoice.

You can login to the AHIMS Quarantine Station at any time to:

• track the progress of your application
• respond to requests for information from an assessing officer
• download a copy of your application
• download a copy of your tax invoice
• withdraw your application.

Application assessment and outcome

The statutory timeframe for assessing an AHIP transfer, variation or surrender application is 60 days.

This timeframe starts once we have received your completed application and payment.

If we need more information to assess your application, we will contact you. The assessment is placed on hold while we wait for the requested information. The time you take to respond is not included in the 60-day assessment timeframe.

For variations, we will assess how your proposed activities may harm Aboriginal cultural heritage and the extent of that harm. Specialists will provide advice where needed.

We look at:

• whether the activity will harm an Aboriginal object or Aboriginal Place
• the significance of that Aboriginal object or Aboriginal Place
• whether harm can be avoided or reduced
• whether there is clear justification for allowing the harm.

Once the assessment is complete, we will prepare a determination report. You will receive the outcome in writing.

If your application is approved, we will email you and include a PDF copy of your permit.

You can also login to the AHIMS Quarantine Station to download a copy.

If a decision is not made within the statutory 60-day timeframe, the application is taken to be refused. The 60-day timeframe does not include any periods where the assessment is put on hold while we are waiting for requested information.

The applicant may seek a review of a deemed refusal in the Land and Environment Court. We may continue to assess the application after this time and may still grant or refuse the permit.