Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00408:front:0:p127
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00408
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 400103–402942

and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). As a National Heritage place, the AWM is also considered a matter of national environmental significance (MNES).

 As an organisation, the Memorial has a responsibility to protect the National and Commonwealth Heritage values by making sure that all AWM staff and contractors avoid impacts to the heritage values.

 Information about the heritage values of the AWM and their management can be found in the Heritage Strategy, the Heritage Register and the Heritage Management Plan. These documents can be found on the Memorial's Intranet under the Buildings & Services Section.

 This form is to be completed when any works or activities (known as an 'action') are proposed at the AWM that may have an impact to the heritage values. It describes the type of action being undertaken, identifies the heritage values that may be affected by the action and outlines the measures being undertaken to avoid or lessen any impacts.

 Completing this form is an important step in meeting the Memorial's legislative obligation to identify if an action has, will have, or is likely to have a 'significant impact' on the Commonwealth and/or National Heritage values of the AWM. A significant impact is described in further detail below.

 However, completing this form is not the only step. If, after completing this form, a 'significant impact' is identified as a possibility, a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) should be prepared by a qualified heritage practitioner familiar with the EPBC Act. Once completed, this form is to be submitted to the Head, Buildings and Services for initial assessment and advice.

 What is an 'action'?

 An action is defined in the EPBC Act as 'a project, a development, an undertaking, an activity or a series of activities, or an alteration of any of these things.' Sometimes, these actions can be obvious, such as:

      * refurbishment;

      * construction;

      * demolition;

      * alterations and modifications;

      * maintenance;

      * infrastructure works; and

      * landscape works.

 Other times, these actions can be less obvious, such as activities or works that are visual rather than physical, temporary rather than permanent or that result in a change in use. All aspects of an action should be considered when assessing if there may be an impact to the heritage values, such as site preparation, access and decanting.

 It is important to note that an action should be considered at its broadest possible scope when assessing the potential to impacts to the heritage values.
 What is a 'significant impact'?

 Under the EPBC Act, the Memorial has a responsibility to avoid impacts to the environment. Heritage values are included in the EPBC definition of the environment.

 A 'significant impact' is defined as an impact to the