What is an Activity Notice?
An activity notice is a notice issued by the Proponent to SWALSC (acting on behalf of the 6 Noongar Regional Corporations) under clause 8.2 of the Noongar Standard Heritage Agreement (NSHA).
The purpose for issuing an Activity Notice is set out in clause 8.3 of the NSHA:
To provide adequate information to assist SWALSC in assessing whether a Survey is required; and
If a Survey is required to provide information relevant to the conduct of the Survey.
Please note, you must FIRST have an NSHA in place with the relevant Regional Corporation in the area of which you are conducting your activity. If you do not have an NSHA, please visit www.noongar.org.au/noongar-standard-heritage-agreements to request to enter into an NSHA.
When do you have to submit an Activity Notice?
Please refer to the Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Guidelines, specifically the Heritage Risk Matrix on Page 15 to determine whether the submission of an Activity Notice is required.
Clause 8.1(b) provides that the Proponent does not have to issue an Activity Notice where the activities that are proposed to be conducted consist entirely of:
Minimal Impact Activities; or
Low Ground Disturbance Activities of a class that SWALSC has notified in writing to the Proponent need not be the subject of an Activity Notice.
It is recommended an Activity Notice is issued under the NSHA if there is a risk that an activity will unlawfully impact (ie by excavating, destroying, damaging, concealing or altering in any way) an Aboriginal site. The Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Guidelines provide guidance on how to assess potential risk to Aboriginal heritage.
Proponents are encouraged to engage in an early exchange of information with SWALSC about the proposed Activities to enable informed decisions to be made
Submitting an Activity Notice
Please fill out the following Activity Notice template and email to the heritage team at heritage@noongar.org.au.
Timelines
Within 15 Business Days of the receipt of an Activity Notice, SWALSC will notify the proponent in writing as to whether the respective Regional Corporation considers (in consultation with the Heritage Due Diligence Guidelines) whether a survey is required.