Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP)

What is a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP)?

A Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is a legally required document under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Victoria) that outlines how cultural heritage is to be protected and managed during land development or any activity that may disturb the land. It is primarily used to assess the potential impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage and provides a framework for ensuring that these values are preserved and respected.

CHMPs are typically prepared by a heritage advisor or an archaeologist in consultation with Traditional Owners, developers, and other stakeholders, ensuring that cultural heritage values are considered in project planning.

Purpose of a CHMP

The primary purpose of a CHMP is to ensure that Aboriginal cultural heritage is identified, preserved, and managed during activities such as construction, mining, or land subdivision. The CHMP process aims to:

Assess the cultural heritage significance of the land.
Provide strategies to avoid, mitigate, or manage harm to Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Ensure compliance with legal obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act.
Facilitate respectful consultation with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal groups.
Avoid delays or legal issues during the development process due to unassessed cultural heritage risks.

What’s in a CHMP?

A CHMP typically includes the following components:

Desktop Assessment: A review of existing records, maps, and documents to identify known cultural heritage places in the area.
Standard and Complex Assessments: On-ground archaeological surveys, excavation, and testing to identify cultural heritage not recorded in existing databases.
Consultation: Engagement with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal groups to understand cultural values and heritage significance.
Heritage Impact Assessment: An evaluation of how the proposed development or activity will impact identified cultural heritage.
Management Recommendations: A plan outlining strategies to avoid, mitigate, or manage harm to cultural heritage. This can include protective measures, changes to development design, or ongoing monitoring requirements.
Approval and Compliance: Final approvals from Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) or relevant government authorities to ensure that the plan complies with legal and cultural standards.

Cost of a CHMP

The cost of a CHMP can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size of the area, the complexity of the heritage, and the level of consultation required. The average costs for Helix Heritage Solutions are:

Desktop Assessments: (includes Notice of Intent (NoI) and access to the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register (VAHR)).
Standard Assessments: (includes field surveys and minor testing).

What’s Included

ACHRIS access and NoI submission
Report writing
Helix Heritage Solutions' attendance at Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) or First People-State Relations (FP-SR) meetings.
Travel costs

What’s Not Included

Payments to RAPs for field staff.
Payments to RAPs or FP-SR for meetings, evaluations, or other related costs.
Other third-party miscellaneous costs (on site toilets, etc).

These additional costs will be detailed in a proposal. Contact us today for one.

*In rare cases additional costs may include the need for specialist consultants, ongoing monitoring, and potential delays in project timelines if significant heritage is identified.