Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223:front:0:p52
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 155944–158874

Minor Works
Minor repairs and maintenance works are regularly undertaken as part of the cyclical maintenance program implemented by the Bank. Decisions regarding works and repairs are guided by and consistent with the policies and recommendations contained in the Heritage Management Plan specific to each Commonwealth Heritage listed place.

In all instances, that is major, medium or minor works, the Workplace Department will undertake a self-assessment to determine the likely impact of any proposed works on the Commonwealth Heritage values identified for heritage places or refer the proposal to an independent Heritage Specialist for an assessment.

The EPBC Act does not define major and minor works. In undertaking a self-assessment of any works, the Department of the Environment and Energy recommends considering if the works are likely to:

          1. permanently destroy, remove or substantially alter the fabric (physical material including structural elements and other components, fixtures, contents, and objects) of a heritage place
          2. involve extension, renovation, or substantial alteration of a heritage place in a manner which is inconsistent with the heritage values of the place
          3. involve the erection of buildings or other structures adjacent to, or within important sight lines of, a heritage place which are inconsistent with the heritage values of the place
          4. substantially diminish the heritage value of a heritage place for a community or group for which it is significant
          5. substantially alter the setting of a heritage place in a manner which is inconsistent with the heritage values of the place, or
          6. substantially restrict or inhibit the existing use of a heritage place as a cultural site?

A copy of the assessment is to be retained as part of the maintenance file for the specific place. The EPBC Act sets out significant penalties for actions that have a significant impact on Commonwealth or National Heritage values of a place.

6.2.6            Self-Assessment Process
The RBA is responsible for carrying out works to conserve, maintain and improve the amenity and quality of its building and site, and has obligations to minimise any adverse impact on heritage values including, but not limited to, the ongoing conservation management and maintenance of the main building's facade, public spaces, integral artworks, and bespoke furniture designed by Fred Ward.

The EPBC Act requires the RBA to undertake a 'self-assessment' to determine if any proposed works are likely to have an adverse or significant impact on the Commonwealth Heritage values of the place.  Under S341ZC of the EPBC Act, the RBA is obliged to ensure that it does not take any action that is likely to have an adverse impact on the identified Commonwealth heritage values of the Head Office building, unless:

                  there is no feasible or prudent