Under the Heritage Act 1977, you need to apply for approval for works or activities that may impact heritage listed items.
A section 60 fast track approval provides a pathway for works that have, or have the potential to have, a minor impact on the significance of a State Heritage Register listed item.
The section 60 fast track approval pathway is for works or activities:
- to an item listed on the State Heritage Register or subject to an interim heritage order
- that will have little or no adverse impact on the heritage significance of an item, in the opinion of the Heritage Council (or its delegate)
- that are not listed as a standard exemption or site-specific exemption under the Heritage Act 1977
- that have an estimated cost of up to $150,000
- that accord with relevant guidelines.
This type of application cannot be used to obtain heritage approval following determination of an integrated development application. A section 60 fast track approval cannot be modified, except for minor administrative corrections.
Refer to the guidance material to check if your proposed activities or works are eligible for this type of application.
This is the process of application lodgement to outcome.
Gather your essential documents
These include:
- statement of heritage impact (following the 2023 guidelines)
- existing and proposed drawings with drawing schedule.
When there is known or suspected historical archaeology to manage also include:
- excavation director details, CV and response to the Criteria for assessing excavation directors (PDF 310KB)
- archaeological assessment report
- archaeological research design and excavation methodology.
Request pre-lodgement comments
Consider requesting pre-lodgement comments on your proposal.
See Pre-lodgement service for more information about this free service.
Set up your user account
Register a user account for the Heritage Management System if you are a first-time user.
Lodge your application
Lodge your application online via the Heritage Management System.
You will receive an application ID and payment receipt.
Your application is checked for completeness within 14 days.
Application assessment
Once accepted as complete, your application is allocated for assessment and the application clock starts. The timeframe is 21 days.
The nature and extent of impact on the significance of the heritage item is assessed. Internal specialists may provide input.
You may be contacted to discuss your application, provide additional information, and/or clarify details. The application clock stops until the requested information is received.
An assessment report is then prepared with recommendations for determination.
Application outcome
The Heritage Council of NSW is the approval body; however, most applications are determined by a delegate.
You can check the status of your application by logging into the Heritage Management System go to the dashboard section ‘My open applications’.
You will be informed of the outcome in writing.
Applications are made under section 60 of the Heritage Act 1977 and approval to undertake works is granted under section 63 of the Act.