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Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) Applications — NSW

Required where harm to Aboriginal objects is unavoidable — the permit that keeps your works lawful.

An Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) is the legal authorisation, issued by Heritage NSW, that you need before any activity that will harm an Aboriginal object or place. COLCO prepares and manages AHIP applications, backed by a defensible ACHAR and properly documented community consultation.

When an AHIP is required

If your development will disturb or harm Aboriginal objects and that harm can’t be avoided, you must obtain an AHIP under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 before works begin. Proceeding without one is a serious offence.

What COLCO does

Protecting your program

AHIP determination takes time on top of the consultation and assessment that precede it. The single biggest cause of delay is an application that invites further questions. COLCO’s regulator experience is aimed squarely at avoiding that.

Discuss your project See how the process works

Common questions

How long does an AHIP take to be granted?

Allow a determination period on the order of two months once a complete application is lodged — but that follows the consultation and ACHAR, so plan for several months in total. Building the timeline in early is essential.

Can I avoid needing an AHIP?

Sometimes. If impacts to Aboriginal objects can be avoided through design changes or site layout, an AHIP may not be required. COLCO will always test whether avoidance is possible before assuming a permit is needed.

Heritage on your project? Get an honest read before it costs you time.

Speak with the COLCO team, led by Dr Sophie Collins — senior heritage expertise for the capital region. Canberra-based, servicing the ACT and NSW.

Request a consultation