Legislation

DENR's role is to identify, conserve, protect, promote and provide policy advice on state heritage places and maritime heritage of South Australia within the framework of the following legislation:

Heritage Places Act 1993

The Heritage Places Act 1993 came into operation on 17 November 2005, replacing the Heritage Act 1993. The Heritage Places Regulations 2005 also came into operation on 17 November 2005, replacing the Heritage Regulations 2005.

Development Act 1993

A Bill to amend the Development Act 1993 was introduced in the Legislative Council in April 2005. It includes local heritage reforms in Sections 25A and 26A. Local heritage management is provided for in the Development Act 1993, and is a responsibility of local councils.

Historic Shipwrecks Act 1981

The state Historic Shipwrecks Act 1981 states that any shipwreck or relic that is older than 75 years is automatically declared as historic and protected. The Act covers state internal waters, the two gulfs and four historic bays (ie the River Murray, Gulf St. Vincent, Spencer Gulf, Encounter Bay, Lacepede Bay, Rivoli Bay and Anxious Bay).

Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976

The commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 states that any shipwreck or relic that is older than 75 years is automatically declared as historic and protected. The Act covers water off the South Australian coast from the high water mark or the agreed baselines but does not include state internal waters.

Aboriginal heritage is managed by the Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division of the Department of Premier and Cabinet under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.

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