Section 60 fast track works application

How to navigate the section 60 fast track approval pathway and what to include in your application.

Under the Heritage Act 1977, you need to apply for approval for works or activities that may impact heritage listed items.

A section 60 fast track approval provides a pathway for works that have, or have the potential to have, a minor impact on the significance of a State Heritage Register listed item.

The section 60 fast track approval pathway is for works or activities:

  • to an item listed on the State Heritage Register or subject to an interim heritage order
  • that will have little or no adverse impact on the heritage significance of an item, in the opinion of the Heritage Council (or its delegate)
  • that are not listed as a standard exemption or site-specific exemption under the Heritage Act 1977
  • that have an estimated cost of up to $150,000
  • that accord with relevant guidelines.

This type of application cannot be used to obtain heritage approval following determination of an integrated development application. A section 60 fast track approval cannot be modified, except for minor administrative corrections.

This is the process of application lodgement to outcome.

How to apply

paperclip icon

Gather your essential documents

These include:

When there is known or suspected historical archaeology to manage also include:
conversation icon

Request pre-lodgement comments

Consider requesting pre-lodgement comments on your proposal.

See Pre-lodgement service for more information about this free service.
conversation icon

Set up your user account

Register a user account for the Heritage Management System if you are a first-time user.

paper plane icon

Lodge your application

Lodge your application online via the Heritage Management System.

You will receive an application ID and payment receipt.

Your application is checked for completeness within 14 days.

What happens next

calendar icon

Application assessment

Once accepted as complete, your application is allocated for assessment and the application clock starts. The timeframe is 21 days.

The nature and extent of impact on the significance of the heritage item is assessed. Internal specialists may provide input.

You may be contacted to discuss your application, provide additional information, and/or clarify details. The application clock stops until the requested information is received.

An assessment report is then prepared with recommendations for determination.

envelope icon

Application outcome

The Heritage Council of NSW is the approval body, however most applications are determined by a delegate.

You can check the status of your application by logging into the Heritage Management System go to the dashboard section ‘My open applications’.

You will be informed of the outcome in writing.

Applications are made under section 60 of the Heritage Act 1977 and approval to undertake works is granted under section 63 of the Act.