Aboriginal people today have a diverse range of interests in land use planning.
The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 protects all Aboriginal cultural heritage places, objects and Aboriginal human remains on private and public land, regardless of whether they are listed on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register. The Act links heritage protection and local government planning processes, and supports decision making by Registered Aboriginal Parties. (Read more: visit the Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria website)
Councils also have Aboriginal cultural heritage obligations under the Victorian Planning Provisions. These require councils to ensure that places of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance are protected and conserved. (Read more: ‘Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and the Planning Permit Process’.)
Beyond cultural heritage, Aboriginal people have an interest in changes to local places and how they can best meet the community’s future needs. By working with Aboriginal communities, councils can ensure these perspectives inform and shape more inclusive land uses.
Last Updated: November 2, 2016 at 12:32 pm
