Section 18 application process

Steps to approval of your application

• Do you need to submit an application? Use the Heritage Risk Assessment Matrix in the Due Diligence Guidelines to find out.
• Liaise with a DIA heritage officer to ensure your application includes relevant and appropriate information.
• Prepare and develop your application using the template provided by DIA.
• Submit your application to the Registrar at DIA (please note that the number of copies of documents (both hard copy and electronic) required to be submitted has recently changed).
• DIA assesses the application.
• If application is adequate DIA includes it on Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee (ACMC) agenda. (more information)
• ACMC assesses application and makes a recommendation.
• Minister for Indigenous Affairs decides.
• Approvals process map

Guidelines for preparing and lodging an application

DIA encourages applicants to use the DIA template for lodging an application to use land. The use of the template ensures that applicants provide complete and relevant information to the ACMC.

Click here to download the template and the completion checklist.

DIA has developed guidelines to provide practical guidance for landowners about how to prepare an application for the ACMC. The guidelines explain what to include and how the information should be presented.

Guidelines

You can also download the entire guidelines as a brochure.

Note: These are guidelines only. As an applicant you should always obtain your own professional legal and other advice on the meaning and application of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 to your own particular circumstances.

Information required by DIA

DIA presents applications to the ACMC when the information allows an informed assessment under the AHA. An application under Section 18 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act must include the following:

1. A Section 18 Notice application form, completed and signed by the owner of the land and/or applicant. An applicant who is not the owner of the land must include a letter of authorisation signed by the land owner to undertake the purpose described in the application.
2. A cover letter addressing the application and supporting documentation.
3. A list of attachments/inclusions, e.g. Certificates of Title, photographs, maps.
4. Final colour copies of Aboriginal heritage survey reports.  Draft reports will not be accepted.
5. DIA Aboriginal site recording forms must be submitted for all newly recorded sites and all previously registered sites that have new information recorded as part of the S18 application process. All photographs, diagrams and maps must be in colour. Site recording forms are considered as part of the application.
6. Five copies of all documents are required, collated to make five individual ‘packages’ with all attachments and inclusions (but not in a bound single volume). All maps / diagrams / photographs must be in colour for each copy.
7. Two digital copies of the application package, inclusive of all attachments, maps, spatial data (shapefile format preferred), on CD or other digital media.

Note:  Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications not accompanied by relevant site recording forms are considered to be incomplete.

How to submit your application

You should lodge your application with the Registrar of Aboriginal Sites at DIA.

Access to Aboriginal site files and heritage survey reports

You can access Aboriginal site files and heritage survey reports online or in person and the DIA head office in Perth.

For mapping information, digital data, aerial photography and online products contact Landgate, Sales & Product Enquiries.