_CHMP Concerns – Treaty Issue or Not?

With the Victorian Treaty process well underway, it is interesting that the Coalition party has apparently revoked its support citing concerns with the current Aboriginal cultural heritage management processes enacted in Victoria. 

For those unfamiliar with these processes, where land is identified as having potential for Aboriginal cultural heritage sensitivity (may cover a small area or a whole site), landowners and developers are required to have a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) prepared for proposed high impact activities.  High impact activities may include proposals such as multi-lot subdivisions or development. 

Landowners and developers must work with archaeologists and the relevant Registered Aboriginal Party to have a CHMP prepared and approved.  The process can sometimes take years, cost millions of dollars, have no dispute resolution process and can delay planning approvals / development commencement. 

The protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage is important in Victoria but the processes relating to CHMP requirements needs review.  We would welcome and support opportunities for further discussion and action on improving the current cultural heritage legislation and processes.  We do question however, whether these discussions are relevant to the current treaty process – but of course we are not in the political bargaining game.