The Allan Labor Government is making it simpler and faster to plan and deliver new homes and infrastructure, while continuing to protect Victoria's valuable Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins today announced a $5 million package of reforms to the state's cultural heritage system - providing more certainty earlier in the planning process and protecting Victoria's Aboriginal cultural heritage.
These changes will make it easier for developers to get projects off the ground, including new housing and renewable energy developments, while ensuring that Aboriginal cultural heritage is respected and protected.
The package includes:
- A nation-leading online mapping tool highlighting areas of Aboriginal cultural heritage, to improve planning and site selection
- A new 'front-door' role to provide guidance and assistance for developers using the cultural heritage system
- Development of clear guidelines on standards and processes, to provide more certainty about Cultural Heritage Management Plans across Victoria
- Practical information packs that explain how the system works for everyone interacting with the process
Mapping cultural heritage during early planning will save time and money by supporting developers to identify and avoid sensitive areas from the start.
Pilot maps prepared by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation are already live, covering Melbourne's CBD and suburbs north of the city, Bendigo, Daylesford and surrounding regions.
Additional funding will expand these maps to more parts of Victoria, giving developers better information up front and helping to deliver more homes sooner.
The changes respond directly to feedback from both developers and Traditional Owners, who asked for earlier access to information, more certainty across Victoria, and better support when navigating the cultural heritage process.
This reform package continues the Labor Government's work to improve Victoria's nation-leading Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management system - supporting strong, respectful partnerships with Traditional Owners while enabling the homes, jobs and energy projects that Victoria needs.
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins
"These reforms will provide new tools and guidance to streamline building new homes and infrastructure across Victoria, while continuing to protect the Aboriginal cultural heritage that is important to all Victorians."
"We've listened to developers and Traditional Owners and acted on their feedback - these changes will make the system more consistent, transparent and easier to navigate."
