Progress Report 2007-2008 - Department of Environment and ...

Ongoing
1999
Due date Region FA section Milestone Progress
UNE,
LNE,
Eden
Att. 8
Ongoing Sthn 2.8
2005
31
December
Places of cultural significance
Ongoing
Sthn
Sthn 5.1.4.5
UNE,
LNE,
Eden
Sthn
2.8
2.7 (E)
Manage cultural values, both Aboriginal and non-
Aboriginal, according to guidelines.
Apply cultural heritage management guidelines when
managing cultural heritage.
All NPWS staff located in the Southern Directorate to
be provided with adequate cultural awareness training
to improve customer relations with Aboriginal
communities.
Updating of Section 170 register; sites of State
significance will also be listed.
Implemented
Cultural values are managed according to DECC’s legislative responsibilities and existing statewide policies and guidelines. These
include a Cultural Heritage Strategic Policy, Consultation Policy, Cultural Heritage Information Policy and Guidelines for the
Assessment of Impact on Heritage Places. These DECC policies are consistent with these principles and are periodically reviewed.
Forests NSW has completed its Operational Guidelines for Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management to help it develop and maintain a
systematic approach to consultation with Aboriginal communities on forest management and to manage Aboriginal values in State
forests. The document contains policy and guidelines for due diligence and documentation of minimum standards to assess impacts,
locate and manage Aboriginal sites and places; and processes to address issues relevant to Aboriginal people. It was prepared by
Forests NSW in consultation with DPI Aboriginal Liaison and Cultural Heritage Unit during March 2006 and approved 9 May 2006,
(Unpublished) Forests NSW, Sydney.
Implemented
See above.
Implemented
Aboriginal cultural awareness training continues to be included as a corporate priority to ensure all DECC staff understand and are
familiar with the needs of Aboriginal staff, individuals and communities. A new cultural awareness training package began
implementation in 2007 and all DECC staff are required to attend this training as courses become available to them. Feedback from
participants indicates that Aboriginal cultural awareness training continues to be highly valued throughout DECC.
Implemented – for DECC
DECC started to use a new Historic Heritage Information Management System (HHIMS) in August 2002. It allows field staff and
consultants to add or amend information related to heritage items they manage and also incorporates necessary technology such as
GIS into the database. The system is regularly updated to include items required to be on the DECC 170 register, including items of
State significance. The system was updated as necessary during the reporting year.
Implemented – Forests NSW
Forests NSW regions maintain a Section 170 Heritage and Conservation Register, using the State Heritage Inventory database
developed by the NSW Heritage Office that identifies sites and objects of heritage significance for internal reference. Site details are
also submitted to the NSW Heritage Office for inclusion on the State Heritage Register when required. All sites of non-Indigenous
exploration and settlement that are assessed and recognised to be of local or regional historical significance are also incorporated
within Forests NSW GIS system. Potential buffers around significant sites are incorporated into the FMZ system.
This is an ongoing commitment as part of Forests NSW requirement to consider heritage sites as part of the planning process.
NSW FOREST AGREEMENTS AND INTEGRATED FORESTRY OPERATIONS APPROVALS 111