Cultural Heritage Management Plans
Providing Regulatory Clarity and Project Certainty Throughout Australia
A cultural heritage management plan is a legally recognised, evidence based framework which outlines the nature and extent of any cultural heritage present within an area and formalises the processes which the proponent will utilise to manage or mitigate harm to that cultural heritage.
In most Australian jurisdictions, some form of cultural heritage management plan is a requirement prior to any development proceeding. The CHMP may be a relatively simple document for a small development or one where the impacts are minor through to more complex requirements for major developments.
ACHM have extensive experience in developing CHMP’s across all Australian jurisdictions.
ACHM have successfully developed hundreds of Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMP) in Victoria since the introduction of the Aboriginal Heritage Act in 2006.
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 a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP)?
A Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is a formal, evidence-based framework that identifies the nature and extent of Aboriginal cultural heritage within a project area, and formalises the processes a proponent will use to manage or mitigate harm to that heritage. In many Australian jurisdictions, an Approved CHMP is required before development can proceed.
When is a Cultural Heritage Management Plan required?
A CHMP is mandatory when a high-impact activity is proposed within an area of cultural heritage sensitivity, as defined by the relevant state or territory legislation. In Victoria, this is governed by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018. Planning permits, work authorities and licences cannot be issued until an Approved CHMP is in place. Requirements vary by jurisdiction across Australia.
What is the difference between a desktop, standard and complex CHMP assessment?
CHMPs usually begin with a desktop assessment, which reviews existing records and heritage registers. If Aboriginal cultural heritage is reasonably possible in the activity area, a ground survey may required. Where heritage is identified or likely to be present in a subsurface context, further assessment including archaeological subsurface testing may then be undertaken.
Who prepares a Cultural Heritage Management Plan in Australia?
In Victoria, a CHMP must be prepared by a qualified Heritage Advisor, a person with appropriate qualifications in archaeology, anthropology or cultural heritage studies who meets the requirements of the legislation. Australian Cultural Heritage Management has prepared hundreds of Approved CHMPs across all Australian jurisdictions, with a team of Heritage Advisors experienced in both straightforward and highly complex assessment programs.
How long does a Cultural Heritage Management Plan take to complete?
Timeframes vary significantly based on the assessment tier, project scale, Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) availability and fieldwork requirements. Desktop assessments can be completed in weeks, standard and complex assessments can take somewhat longer. Australian Cultural Heritage Management works with project schedules from the outset, providing realistic timelines and helping keep approvals on the critical path.
What is an Approved CHMP and why does approval matter?
In Victoria, an Approved CHMP is a Cultural Heritage Management Plan that has been formally evaluated and approved by the relevant Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) or, where no RAP exists, by the State Government. Approval is a statutory prerequisite for issuing planning permits, work authorities and other licences. Without an Approved CHMP, development cannot legally proceed in areas of cultural heritage sensitivity.
Can a CHMP be prepared voluntarily, and why would you do that?
Yes. A voluntary CHMP can be prepared even when legislation does not strictly require one. Proponents choose to do this to identify and manage cultural heritage risk early, build trust with Traditional Owners and reduce the likelihood of costly heritage discoveries disrupting construction. It is a sound risk management strategy for any project.
What is the role of a Registered Aboriginal Party in the CHMP process?
In Victoria, a Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) is the recognised Traditional Owner body responsible for evaluating CHMPs within their appointed area. The RAP must be notified at the Notice of Intent stage and may elect to participate in the assessment and evaluate the completed CHMP. RAP approval is typically required before an Approved CHMP can be issued. Australian Cultural Heritage Management has long established relationships with RAPs.
What happens if Aboriginal cultural heritage is found during construction without an Approved CHMP?
In most contexts, works must stop immediately when suspected Aboriginal cultural heritage is uncovered. The find must be protected and cordoned off, and the relevant authority and Traditional Owner groups notified. Proceeding without appropriate management in place can result in substantial penalties. Engaging a specialist consultant before works begin is the most effective way to avoid this outcome.
How much does a Cultural Heritage Management Plan cost?
CHMP costs vary considerably based on the scope of work, assessment tier, project area size, fieldwork requirements and Traditional Owner consultation obligations. Australian Cultural Heritage Management provides transparent, accurate quotes early in the planning process. Because we offer a comprehensive suite of services, from desktop assessments to GIS mapping and reporting, costs are clearly scoped before commitment.
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.