COLCO CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
Insights

Heritage insights for developers & planners

Plain-English explainers on the heritage rules that affect development in the ACT and NSW. Written by a former regulator, kept current.

How heritage significance is assessed (NSW & ACT)

What ‘significant’ really means, the criteria used in each jurisdiction, and what a significance finding means for your project.

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Has NSW passed standalone Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation? (2026 status)

The current state of NSW Aboriginal cultural heritage law reform — and what it means for your project right now.

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Do I need an Aboriginal heritage assessment for my development? (NSW & ACT)

When a development triggers an assessment, the NSW due diligence test, and the signs you’ll need one.

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Unexpected finds: what to do if you discover Aboriginal objects during construction

The stop-work steps, your legal duty to report in NSW and the ACT, and what to do if you find possible remains.

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Aboriginal community consultation in NSW: the 2010 requirements & the RAP process

The four-stage consultation process, who Registered Aboriginal Parties are, how long it takes — and how the ACT’s RAO pathway differs.

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What is an AHIMS search? Basic vs extensive, and how it fits NSW due diligence

What the NSW register is, the difference between a basic and extensive search, what the results mean — and why the ACT doesn’t use AHIMS at all.

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Heritage on your project? Get an honest read, early.

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