The Government is calling for public nominations to preserve sites of cultural and historic significance on the National Heritage List and on the Commonwealth Heritage List.

Nominations of a place with outstanding heritage values can be made by anyone.

The independent Australian Heritage Council will assess the values of the nominated place against set criteria and makes recommendations to the Minister for the Environment and Water.

There are currently 119 sites from across Australia included on the National Heritage List and close to 400 on the Commonwealth Heritage list. These special places all contribute to Australia’s national identity.

The National Heritage List includes natural, historic and Indigenous places that are of outstanding national heritage value to the nation.

Examples of places already on the National Heritage List range from built icons like the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sydney Opera House to less well known but significant sites like the Moree Baths and Swimming Pool in regional NSW.

Natural sites include Bondi Beach in Sydney and Shark Bay in Western Australia, and Indigenous sites include Wurrwurruy stone arrangements in the Northern Territory.

The Commonwealth Heritage List includes natural, historic and cultural heritage places across Commonwealth land and waters or owned or managed by the Commonwealth Government.

Examples of places on the Commonwealth Heritage List include historic lighthouses, post offices, courts and army barracks and bases. 

Nominations for both lists close on 19 April 2023.

To nominate a place visit: The National Heritage listing process - DCCEEW.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:

“Australians know the value of our special places – natural places, built icons and Indigenous places. We visit them, we live near them and they help to shape our national identity.

“I encourage the public and local community groups to nominate the special places in their communities – we want to make sure the Heritage Lists reflect what Australians value.

“Our heritage tells our story – it is a showcase of the unique environments, First Nations culture and our development as a nation.

“This is a chance for everyone to have a say in how the country showcases our outstanding heritage values and preserves the places that have helped shape our national identity.”