Types of Heritage

• Aboriginal heritage
• Geological, Archaeological, Palaeontological and Speleological heritage
• Maritime heritage
• Movable heritage
• Natural heritage
• Significant trees

Aboriginal heritage

Aboriginal heritage includes Aboriginal sites, objects and remains, and is protected via the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988. The Act is currently managed by the Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Geological, Archaeological, Palaeontological and Speleological heritage

The South Australian Heritage Register not only includes 'built' heritage places, but also allows for the 'designation' of places containing non-Aboriginal archaeological artefacts, and geological, palaeontological (fossil) or speleological (cave) specimens that are of heritage significance to the State.

More information:
Heritage Information Leaflet 1.9 Archaeological Sites and Artefacts

Commonwealth laws relating to the export of specimens such as fossils and archaeological objects

Maritime heritage

South Australia's maritime heritage includes underwater sites such as shipwrecks and land sites such as lighthouses, jetties and whaling stations. The Heritage Branch of the Department for Environment and Heritage manages sites in both State and Commonwealth waters.

More information:
Maritime Heritage
Maritime Heritage Publications

Movable heritage

Movable cultural heritage (ie historic objects) can be protected in a variety of ways at both the Commonwealth and State levels. For Commonwealth legislation, see http://www.deh.gov.au/heritage/movable

In the case of State legislation, objects, such as fittings, which are judged to be 'intrinsically related to the heritage significance' of State Heritage Places or Areas can be protected by listing on the SA Heritage Register. Sections 14 and 17 of the Heritage Places Act 1993 provide more information on how movable heritage can be assessed and protected. Significant movable objects may or may not be located at their related State Heritage Place or Area. Their assessment and listing is the responsibility of the SA Heritage Council.

Many movable objects are housed in museums, which have a variety of methods for recording and managing their collections. Government-owned museums include those managed by the History Trust of South Australia and the South Australian Museum, which deals with natural and Aboriginal history. Volunteer-run museums and private museums, along with government museums, are listed on Collections Australia Network.

Some significant objects have also been recorded (although not protected) on the BankSA Heritage Icons List, compiled by the National Trust of South Australia from 2001-2006.

Natural heritage

The many types of natural heritage, including wilderness, coastlines and estuaries, native vegetation and threatened species, are managed and protected by a wide variety of legislative frameworks and bodies. At the State level, agencies responsible for natural heritage conservation include the Department for Environment and Heritage and the Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation.

At the Commonwealth level, the Natural Heritage Trust funds a wide range of programs. Its South Australian Secretariat is located at the Waite Campus, Urrbrae.

Significant trees

Significant urban trees (native and non native) may be protected by local government under the provisions of the Development Act.