What is an AHIP and when is one required?
An Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) is the statutory instrument that DECCW issues under sections 87 and/or 90 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. Under s.87 of the Act, an AHIP is required if an Aboriginal object is to be disturbed or moved, or land is to be disturbed for the purposes of discovering an Aboriginal object. Under s.90 of the Act, an AHIP is required if an Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place is to be destroyed, damaged or defaced. The AHIP application and determination process requires an assessment (by the applicant) and evaluation (by DECCW) of the Aboriginal heritage values of Aboriginal objects and places potentially affected by impacts. This process ensures that Aboriginal objects and places are protected and conserved as required by s.2A(1)(b) of the NPW Act. Through the AHIP determination process, DECCW officers review and evaluate AHIP applications to ensure that impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage are avoided and/or reduced where possible an
