Our Service
When you engage Tardis Archaeology for your project, you’ll receive thoroughly researched and accurate advice on how to best manage your project’s cultural and historical heritage considerations in your plans.
Whether it’s a residential suburban development, a wind farm development site or a complex heritage excavation on a commercial site, Tardis Archaeology offers the experience, knowledge, skills, and advice best suited to your project.
With a focus on Aboriginal cultural consultation and historical archaeology assessments, we ensure that all works are tailored, compliant, and carefully documented. Our team provides innovative heritage interpretation outcomes that both engage and respect the local community.
Tardis Archaeology includes specialists across key fields of archaeology and heritage. Our skilled in-house team examines your specific requirements and provides customised advice to best meet your project targets. For a personal response to your heritage needs, don’t hesitate to ask us for integrated solutions to suit your plans, your timeline, and your budget.
We understand that cultural heritage is just one aspect of your project. Our advice and services are customised to offer the best guidance on how you can proceed, whatever your project type.
Heritage Statements
A Heritage Statement is typically used to outline your legislative requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018.
This document will provide expert advice about the nature of a proposed activity, areas of mapped cultural heritage sensitivity, and/or the presence of significant ground disturbance, to advise whether a mandatory Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is required. This document can be provided to councils in support of a planning permit, however; it should be noted that a heritage statement cannot be approved or certified by First Peoples – State Relations (FPSR). A Heritage Statement can be the first step in determining your project’s cultural heritage obligations.
Heritage Statements
Heritage Statements
A Heritage Statement is typically used to outline your legislative requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018.
This document will provide expert advice about the nature of a proposed activity, areas of mapped cultural heritage sensitivity, and/or the presence of significant ground disturbance, to advise whether a mandatory Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is required. This document can be provided to councils in support of a planning permit, however; it should be noted that a heritage statement cannot be approved or certified by First Peoples – State Relations (FPSR). A Heritage Statement can be the first step in determining your project’s cultural heritage obligations.
A Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Test (PAHT)
A PAHT is an assessment to determine whether a CHMP is required to be prepared and approved prior to a planning permit or statutory authorisation being issued.
Most often, PAHTs target the area of mapped cultural heritage sensitivity within the activity area to determine whether significant ground disturbance has occurred, as defined by the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018.
A PAHT can also be used to determine if an activity is defined as a ‘high impact activity’. A PAHT takes into consideration the current state and condition of the land, the planned activity, and the historic use of the land within of the activity area.
A PAHT can also include a site visit to observe the nature and degree of disturbance or a formal survey in consultation with the relevant Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP)/ Traditional Owner group/s. Once this has been completed a report is prepared to detail the findings of the assessment and submitted to First Peoples – State Relations (FPSR) for Certification. If FPSR certifies the PAHT, it becomes a legally binding document and can be submitted in support of a planning permit or statutory authorization application in place of a CHMP.
Heritage Statements
Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs)
A CHMP is mandatory when a ‘high impact activity’ is planned in an area of ‘cultural heritage sensitivity’. These terms are defined in the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018. In such instances, planning permits, licenses cannot be issued unless a CHMP has been approved. Areas of cultural heritage sensitivity include registered Aboriginal cultural heritage places, as well as landforms and land categories that are considered likely to contain Aboriginal cultural heritage.
CHMP are archaeological studies that aim to record Aboriginal cultural heritage present within a defined area (‘activity area’), which typically includes land subject to future development. This information is included in a detailed report which aims to develop management strategies for any Aboriginal cultural heritage present within that area, in line with the relevant legislation and the needs of the client.
Cultural Heritage Permits (CHP)
A Cultural Heritage Permit may be required for your project even if it is determined that a CHMP is not required. You need to apply for this permit should you wish to disturb or excavate land to uncover or discover Aboriginal cultural heritage or rehabilitate land considered culturally significant to the Aboriginal community. Carrying out any research on a place of cultural significance or carrying out an activity that will, or is likely to, harm Aboriginal cultural heritage. Tardis Archaeology will assess your project and determine if a CHP is required and advise you on how to ensure you meet all necessary requirements.
Heritage Statements
Archaeological Salvage
During the completion of fieldwork in a CHMP, if artefacts are uncovered, it can be determined that a program of archaeological salvage needs to occur to recover Aboriginal cultural deposits associated with an Aboriginal place. Salvage programs are individually developed to suit the particular needs of the project. Salvage programs carried out in consultation with the relevant RAP/Aboriginal Traditional Owner group/s.
The methods employed for the salvage of Aboriginal places in Victoria include, surface collection, manual excavation and mechanical excavation.
The most appropriate method of salvage will be determined by your Heritage Advisor and the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP)/Aboriginal Traditional Owner group/s prior to the approval of your CHMP.
Cultural Heritage Inductions
A CHMP will include a range of recommendations and conditions that ensure the compliance with heritage requirements.
Inductions occur after developers have undertaken a CHMP and are often a condition of the CHMP. Inductions are delivered by a heritage advisor and can also require the involvement of RAP/Traditional Owner Groups before the commencement of any development. These inductions cover the history of Aboriginal occupation of the Activity Area and broader region, the archaeological investigations that have been conducted within the Activity Area and the specific details of all Aboriginal cultural heritage recorded as a result of the CHMP and also include the recommendations and contingencies contained with the CHMP. It also includes the obligations of the site workers and sponsors under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
Tardis Archaeology also can provide a number of other services depending on the specific nature of your projects. They include:
- Archaeological monitoring;
- Aboriginal and historical artefact recording, analysis and interpretation;
- Aboriginal and historical archaeological site identification, recording, interpretation and significance assessment;
- Permit and Consent to Disturb applications;
- Stakeholder consultation with clients, landowners, regulatory bodies, RAPs, RAP applicants, Traditional Owners, Native Title holders and other stakeholders;
- Development of recommendations in accordance with relevant legislation and stakeholder interests; and
- Compliance inspections.
Heritage Statements
Heritage Impact Assessment
Any property subject to development that may have a potential, or existing historical heritage site (i.e. post contact settlement) present can be subject to a heritage impact assessment. The Heritage Act 2017 protects all significant archaeological sites in Victoria, regardless of whether they have been previously recorded; therefore it is vital to ensure that no historically significant area are damaged or destroyed before, during or after the course of and planned activities . Any historic sites regardless of being recorded on unrecorded sites that are at serious risk of damage or destruction will require a Permit or Consent to be issued prior to the commencement of any proposed works.
A Heritage Impact Assessment will identify any previously registered historical sites within the activity area and will assess the activity area for potential unregistered historical sites and archaeological potential. Should any historical sites be identified, advice will be provided to ensure compliance with the Heritage Act 2017, develop management strategies, and can serve as part of the application to Heritage Victoria or council for any required permits or consents.