Letters of Advice

A Letter of Advice (LoA) is a practical, cost-effective tool that helps clarify your obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018. It provides expert guidance on key aspects of a proposed project, such as whether the area falls within a culturally sensitive zone or if significant ground disturbance is involved. Essentially, the LoA advises if a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is legally required for your project.

In cases where more complex preliminary advice is needed — for instance, when the activity description isn’t clearly defined under the Victorian Planning Provisions — an LoA helps determine if the project qualifies as a ‘high impact activity’ under the 2018 regulations, and whether a CHMP is mandatory.

What is in a Letter of Advice?

When a Letter of Advice is suitable for your project, Helix Heritage Solutions will provide expert, customized guidance tailored to your specific needs. Each letter is carefully prepared to ensure you're meeting the legal requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018.

Our Letters of Advice may include:

Land Use History: A detailed overview of the past uses of the land.
Current Property Conditions: A description of the present state of your property.
High Impact Activity Assessment: We’ll confirm if your proposed project qualifies as a ‘high impact activity’ under the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018.
Cultural Heritage Sensitivity: Identification of any culturally sensitive areas within your project zone.
Aboriginal Sites Identification: We’ll check for any previously recorded Aboriginal places within your project area.
Ground Disturbance Evaluation: An analysis of any significant ground disturbances according to the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018.
Formal CHMP Advice: Clear recommendations on whether you’ll need a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) for your project.

In some cases, we may suggest a site visit to ensure the most accurate advice possible.

What sets Helix Heritage Solutions apart is our efficiency — we typically deliver Letters of Advice in about one week, making us one of the fastest in the industry.

How Much Does a Letter of Advice Cost?

The price of a Letter of Advice can vary based on the specifics of your project, including the size of the land and the nature of the activity and any additional information you may need. At Helix Heritage Solutions, we’ve established clear, upfront pricing to ensure affordability without compromising on quality. Our rates are competitive and designed to fit a range of budgets, from backyard to infrastructure, making sure there are no hidden fees or unexpected costs.

Providing more detailed information about the project area and proposed work can streamline the process and potentially reduce costs. To help us provide the best advice quickly and efficiently, having the following documents ready is highly beneficial:

Detailed project plans or descriptions
Existing archaeological or environmental reports
Information about any planning or building approvals
Any relevant reports, like geotechnical, tied to the property

Feel free to contact us for a personalized quote or more information about our standard pricing options.

Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners

Helix Heritage Solutions acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging. We recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture, and are committed to honouring and preserving Indigenous heritage in all our projects.