Heritage policy open to comment

A NEW Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Policy, proposed to be incorporated into the City of Casey’s Planning Scheme, is available for public comment until 31 October (Monday).
City of Casey chief executive officer Mike Tyler said one of the actions arising from the City of Casey’s Heritage Strategy, which was adopted in late 2001, was the development of a local policy to strengthen Council’s commitment towards the protection of the City’s Aboriginal cultural heritage.
“This Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Policy, which will form part of Amendment C46 to the Casey Planning Scheme, requires developers to demonstrate that they have addressed any impacts of their proposal on heritage values.
This policy typically applies to greenfield sites, not a single dwelling block for instance, in areas that have not been substantially disturbed by buildings and works or activities associated with postEuropean contact,” Mr Tyler said.
The objectives of the policy are to:
* Provide for the identification, protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage values.
* Promote consultation with the local Aboriginal communities in providing for the conservation and enhancement of places, sites and objects of Aboriginal cultural heritage value.
* Ensure new uses, development and works do not adversely impact on sites and features of Aboriginal cultural heritage and archaeological significance.