Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148:reg:2013:p5
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2013 (pt 5/17)
Character Range: 356765–362302

at a place are encompassed by the definition of place, and may or may not contribute to its cultural significance.
1.15 Associations mean the connections that exist between people and a place.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Associations may include social or spiritual values and cultural responsibilities for a place.
1.16 Meanings denote what a place signifies, indicates, evokes or expresses to people.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Meanings generally relate to intangible dimensions such as symbolic qualities and memories.
1.17 Interpretation means all the ways of presenting the cultural significance of a place.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Interpretation may be a combination of the treatment of the fabric (e.g. maintenance, restoration, reconstruction); the use of and activities at the place; and the use of introduced explanatory material.

Conservation Principles

Article 2.  Conservation and management
2.1 Places of cultural significance should be conserved.
2.2 The aim of conservation is to retain the cultural significance of a place.
2.3 Conservation is an integral part of good management of places of cultural significance.
2.4 Places of cultural significance should be safeguarded and not put at risk or left in a vulnerable state.

Article 3.  Cautious approach
3.1 Conservation is based on a respect for the existing fabric, use, associations and meanings.  It requires a cautious approach of changing as much as necessary but as little as possible.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The traces of additions, alterations and earlier treatments to the fabric of a place are evidence of its history and uses which may be part of its significance.  Conservation action should assist and not impede their understanding.
3.2 Changes to a place should not distort the physical or other evidence it provides, nor be based on conjecture.

Article 4.  Knowledge, skills and techniques
4.1 Conservation should make use of all the knowledge, skills and disciplines which can contribute to the study and care of the place.
4.2 Traditional techniques and materials are preferred for the conservation of significant fabric.  In some circumstances modern techniques and materials which offer substantial conservation benefits may be appropriate.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             The use of modern materials and techniques must be supported by firm scientific evidence or by a body of experience.

Article 5.  Values
5.1 Conservation of a place should identify and take into consideration all aspects of cultural and natural significance without unwarranted emphasis on any one value at the expense of others.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conservation of places with natural significance is explained in the Australian Natural Heritage Charter.  This Charter defines natural significance to mean the importance of ecosystems, biodiversity and geodiversity for their existence value or for present or future generations, in terms of their scientific, social, aesthetic and life-support value.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In some cultures, natural and cultural values are indivisible.
5.2 Relative degrees of cultural significance may lead to different conservation actions at a place.