You need a consent or a consent exemption from Heritage Victoria to disturb any historical archaeological site in Victoria.
Known historical archaeological sites are listed in the Victorian Heritage Inventory. Historical archaeological sites which aren’t included in the Victorian Heritage Inventory are also protected.
The Heritage Act regulates change to historical archaeological sites. It is your responsibility to ensure that any required consents or consent exemptions are obtained from Heritage Victoria.
Thorough research and preparation is required to develop a successful consent application. In most cases you will need to engage an archaeologist to provide specialist advice.
Different activities affect archaeological sites in different ways. The activity will dictate the type of consent you need. You may need more than 1 consent to deliver your project.
Often, a consent to uncover is required at the earliest stage of a project. It allows the exposure of archaeology, so we can understand the value, condition and extent of the site.
If you are proposing to demolish a building on a Victorian Heritage Inventory site, you must apply for a consent to uncover.
Consent to uncover
Fee: 50 fee units ($816.50 in 2024/25)
Often, it is required to have a consent to uncover. It allows for the site to be investigated using archaeological methods.
Consent to excavate:
Fee: 72.4 fee units ($1,182.29 in 2024/25)
A consent to damage comes at the end of the investigation. This approves the disturbance and removal of site features and remains, sometime subject to monitoring and recording.
There are 2 types of consent to damage:
Consent to damage:
Fee for Less than 50%: 200 fee units ($3,266 in 2024/25)
Fee for More than 50%: 400 fee units ($6,532.00 in 2024/25)
A consent for other works is a catchall approval for other activities.
These may include:
A consent for other works is also required for Aboriginal heritage investigations including Cultural Heritage Management Plans testing.
Consent for other:
Fee: 72.4 fee units ($1,182.29 in 2024/25)
No matter what type of consent you’re applying for, you should get advice regarding the impacts of your proposal on archaeology. You may need to engage a consulting historical archaeologist. It’s likely they will be involved throughout the project. This will include involvement in the application, excavation, analysis and reporting.
Commission your experts to help prepare the required documentation for the proposed works at the archaeological site. This may include:
Complete the consent application form, including payment of the application fee. In some instances, fees may be waived. You can request a fee waiver by completing the form and submitting it with your application.
You will be asked to register or log in at the next step so you can save and track your application.
If you want to undertake minor works at a Heritage Inventory site you may be able to apply for a consent exemption.
If you need extra time to complete the authorised works, need to change the scope of works, change the approved methodology of an existing consent or amend a consent for any other reason, you may need to apply to amend your consent.
Page last updated: 29/07/24