Archaeological Assessments
When Are Archaeological Assessments Required?
Archaeological assessments are typically triggered whenever proposed activities have the potential to disturb, damage, or otherwise impact cultural heritage values—whether those values are already known, newly identified, or simply suspected based on the environmental or cultural context of the area.
These triggers commonly arise in situations involving ground disturbance, development planning, or changes in land use, particularly where prior studies, heritage registers, or site characteristics indicate the presence of archaeological material, surface scatters, or subsurface deposits.
Assessments are initiated to identify and evaluate archaeological significance, determine the extent of potential impacts, and establish appropriate management measures, including avoidance, mitigation, or further investigation where necessary.
This process ensures that cultural material, site integrity, and broader heritage values are appropriately considered before works proceed, and that all decisions are informed by systematic survey, documentation, and impact assessment.
This assessment will commonly involve the following steps:
- A search of databases and registers to establish the presence of previously recorded archaeological sites;
- Engagement with Traditional Owners and other stakeholders relevant to the project;
- An archaeological survey of the subject land (pedestrian inspection), and
- The production of a formal report for the relevant statutory authorities or representative bodies.
Managing Archaeological Sites: Consent, Testing, and Compliance
If archaeological sites are located, and harm cannot be avoided to those sites by the planned development then consent to disturb must be sought from the relevant authorities and further investigations will most likely be required (archaeological sub-surface testing or salvage). There may also be some residual management of any archaeological sites during and after development.
Every jurisdiction has different processes and requirements which need very specific expertise. ACHM have successfully undertaken projects in every Australian state.
Why Choose ACHM
Experienced Team
Our anthropologists and archaeologists bring decades of skill and expertise to every project.
Nationwide Reach
From urban developments to remote communities, we operate across Australia.
Reputation of Excellence
Trusted by clients for our professionalism, accuracy, and commitment to cultural preservation.
Case Studies
Testimonials
Sector Manager | Millar Merrigan
ACHM has consistently provided us with expert advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans. They’re great to work with—professional, competitively priced, and reliable in meeting timeframes. Their practical approach and responsiveness make them a valued partner on our projects.
Chief Executive Officer | Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
ACHM are engaged extensively across Banjima Country and they provide exceptional expertise, professionalism, customer service and a genuine passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. ACHM goes beyond mere consultancy through consistently delivering professional services, solutions and best practice in every thing they do.
Senior Development Manager | Dav Consulting
We recently engaged ACHM to manage extensive Cultural Heritage Artefact Salvage Operations for an expansive and complex greenfields development site on north side of Melbourne. The diligence, open communication, efficiency and positive outcomes achieved by the ACHM Team, including in their coordination and management of the local RAP, was first class, and made my job as Development Manager substantially easier. Cannot recommend highly enough
Senior Development Manager | Avid
I have been a client of ACHM for over a decade and have engaged their services across four large-scale projects. Throughout this time, their dedication and professionalism have remained consistently impressive. ACHM excels at managing client expectations while operating sensitively within complex environments. They are highly skilled at guiding clients through cultural heritage approval processes, striking the delicate balance between client priorities and cultural sensitivities. I highly recommend ACHM for their expertise and commitment.
ABIGroup
We wish to thank yourself, Erica Walther and Shaun Canning who have at all times been professional, free to discuss potential options and provide feedback on the status of the Cultural Heritage Management Plans. We have found the ACHM team to be knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.
Environmental Coordinator, GMW Connections Project
ACHM have provided us with numerous due diligence assessments and Cultural Heritage Management Plans to both standard and complex level. They approach their scope with our project timeframes and budgets in mind, and I know I can rely on them to get the best outcome for these projects. ACHM provide pragmatic staff with great traditional owner relationships allowing for quick turnaround times.
Sector Manager | Millar Merrigan
ACHM has consistently provided us with expert advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans. They’re great to work with—professional, competitively priced, and reliable in meeting timeframes. Their practical approach and responsiveness make them a valued partner on our projects.
Chief Executive Officer | Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
ACHM are engaged extensively across Banjima Country and they provide exceptional expertise, professionalism, customer service and a genuine passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. ACHM goes beyond mere consultancy through consistently delivering professional services, solutions and best practice in every thing they do.
Senior Development Manager | Dav Consulting
We recently engaged ACHM to manage extensive Cultural Heritage Artefact Salvage Operations for an expansive and complex greenfields development site on north side of Melbourne. The diligence, open communication, efficiency and positive outcomes achieved by the ACHM Team, including in their coordination and management of the local RAP, was first class, and made my job as Development Manager substantially easier. Cannot recommend highly enough
Senior Development Manager | Avid
I have been a client of ACHM for over a decade and have engaged their services across four large-scale projects. Throughout this time, their dedication and professionalism have remained consistently impressive. ACHM excels at managing client expectations while operating sensitively within complex environments. They are highly skilled at guiding clients through cultural heritage approval processes, striking the delicate balance between client priorities and cultural sensitivities. I highly recommend ACHM for their expertise and commitment.
ABIGroup
We wish to thank yourself, Erica Walther and Shaun Canning who have at all times been professional, free to discuss potential options and provide feedback on the status of the Cultural Heritage Management Plans. We have found the ACHM team to be knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.
Environmental Coordinator, GMW Connections Project
ACHM have provided us with numerous due diligence assessments and Cultural Heritage Management Plans to both standard and complex level. They approach their scope with our project timeframes and budgets in mind, and I know I can rely on them to get the best outcome for these projects. ACHM provide pragmatic staff with great traditional owner relationships allowing for quick turnaround times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an archaeological assessment and when is it required for a development project?
An archaeological assessment is a formal investigation that identifies, evaluates and documents archaeolgical values within a proposed project area. This is usually required whenever ground-disturbing activities will impact known or suspected Aboriginal or historical archaeological material.
What does an archaeological assessment involve in practice?
An archaeological assessment typically involves four stages: a desktop review of heritage databases and registers; engagement with Traditional Owners and relevant stakeholders; a systematic pedestrian field survey of the subject land; and the preparation of a formal report. Where subsurface deposits are likely or known, further investigation such as sub-surface testing may also be required.
What is the difference between an Aboriginal archaeological assessment and a historical archaeological assessment?
An Aboriginal archaeological assessment, focuses on identifying and managing sites of significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including artefact scatters, rock art, scarred trees and ceremonial places. A historical archaeological assessment examines post-contact, non-Aboriginal material such as structural remains and relics. Both are governed by separate legislation and both may be required on the same project.
Does every development project require an archaeological assessment, or only certain types?
Not every project requires an archaeological assessment. The need depends on the nature of the proposed activity, the heritage sensitivity of the land, and the legislative requirements of the relevant jurisdiction. Common triggers include ground disturbance, subdivision, infrastructure construction and mining activities. In Victoria, a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is mandatory when a high-impact activity is proposed within an Area of Cultural Heritage Sensitivity.
How long does an archaeological assessment take, and will it delay my project approvals?
Timeframes vary depending on project size, access arrangements, Traditional Owner consultation requirements and jurisdiction. A straightforward assessment may be completed within a few weeks. A complex survey across a large or sensitive project footprint may take considerably longer. Commissioning an assessment early in the project lifecycle, ideally at feasibility stage, is the most effective way to avoid delays.
What happens if archaeological sites are found during an assessment or discovered unexpectedly during construction?
If archaeological sites are identified prior to construction and harm cannot be avoided, consent to disturb must be sought from the relevant statutory authority before works proceed. If cultural material is discovered unexpectedly during construction, the relevant statutory approvals should contain the necessary management mechanisms in order to ensure impacts are minimised and mitigated.
Does the assessment report need to be submitted to a government authority or regulator?
An archaeological assessment report is a formal statutory document that may be required to be submitted to the relevant government authority, regulatory body or representative body. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and each state has its own submission requirements and approval pathways.
Do I need to consult with Traditional Owners as part of an archaeological assessment?
Traditional Owner consultation may be a statutory requirement, depending on the jurisdictions, but is an integral component of a defensible archaeological assessment. Consultation may involve a variety of engagements with Representative bodies or Local Aboriginal Land Councils. The nature and extent of consultation required depends on the jurisdiction and cultural sensitivity of the project area.
Can an archaeological assessment be undertaken before I buy a property or at the feasibility stage?
A cultural heritage due diligence assessment conducted during feasibility or pre-acquisition identifies any heritage constraints before financial commitments are made. This allows informed decisions about site selection, project design and risk allocation, and prevents costly surprises later in the approvals process.
What legislation governs archaeological assessments in each Australian state and territory?
Archaeological heritage is regulated by a combination of Commonwealth and state legislation. Key state legislation includes the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Victoria), the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (New South Wales), the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Queensland), the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (Western Australia) and the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 (South Australia). Requirements vary significantly across jurisdictions.
How does Australian Cultural Heritage Management ensure assessments are accepted by regulators?
Every assessment is prepared to the highest standard of technical rigour and legislative compliance. Reports are authored by qualified archaeologists and anthropologists who are registered Heritage Advisors where required. Australian Cultural Heritage Management (ACHM) is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and has completed over 5,000 cultural heritage projects across Australia with a proven track record of successful statutory submissions.
Need Expert Cultural Heritage Support for Your Project?
ACHM is here to help. Call us today on 1300 724 913 or email us for more information.