Cultural heritage permit process

Several actions are controlled under the Act. Permits may be obtained for these actions.

Controlled or unlawful activities include:

• harming an Aboriginal place
• selling an Aboriginal object that was not made for sale
• removing an Aboriginal object from Victoria
• disturbing or excavating land to uncover or discover Aboriginal cultural heritage
• carrying out research on an Aboriginal place or object
• taking an Aboriginal object out of Victoria for research in another state or country.

Permits are for activities that are not a ‘high impact activity’ but will, or are likely to, cause harm to cultural heritage. A permit must be obtained before starting your activity.

If your proposed project requires a CHMP, you cannot get a permit for the activity. The CHMP provides any necessary permissions.

More information on cultural heritage permits, including guidelines to help filling in the application, the application form and details on fees are available at cultural heritage permits.

The permit process