Coming soon — AHIP applications are moving online
From 1 July 2026 you will need to apply and pay for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) online through the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) Quarantine Station.
You will no longer be able to pay over the phone.
Before you begin
- If you are a new user, you need to register for the AHIMS Quarantine Station.
- After you register, email heritagemailbox@environment.nsw.gov.au to request an AHIMS client ID if you need one.
- Gather your supporting documents before starting your application.
A simpler way to apply
The new online process makes it easier to submit and manage your AHIP application. You can complete your online application, upload documents, make payment and track progress all in one place.
Important
You must submit any applications using the current AHIP form (Word document) by 30 June 2026.
An Aboriginal heritage impact permit (AHIP) is a legal document that gives permission to harm Aboriginal objects or places and sets out conditions to comply with.
This is the process of application lodgement to outcome.
Gather your essential documents
These include:
- AHIP application form (DOC 120KB)
- an Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment report, prepared in line with the Guide to investigating, assessing and reporting on Aboriginal cultural heritage in NSW and Heritage NSW requirements. See Aboriginal objects and places for details.
- if you are following an integrated development application process, include your development consent and approved stamped plans or equivalent, for all types of projects (except test excavation AHIPs).
Hard copies of documents are not required.
Pay the fee
Pay the application fee – payment details are included on the application form.
Lodge your application
Lodge your application form and the essential documents by email: heritagemailbox@environment.nsw.gov.au.
You can submit files that exceed email limits using Dropbox. Share the Dropbox link with heritagemailbox@environment.nsw.gov.au.
Your application is checked for completeness within 14 days.
Application assessment
Once accepted as complete, your application is allocated for assessment and the application clock starts. The timeframe is 60 days.
The application is assessed to consider the nature and extent of harm to Aboriginal cultural heritage. 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.
Application outcome
The Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is the approval body; however, most applications are determined by Heritage NSW as delegate.
You will be informed of the outcome in writing.