ACT Minister for Heritage - Statement of Heritage Priorities
Summary
The Minister for Heritage, Chris Steel, has finalised the 2026 Statement of Heritage Priorities, which serves as a guiding document for the ACT Government’s Heritage team and the ACT Heritage Council.
The ACT Government is committed to preserving and celebrating the Territory’s unique cultural, natural and built heritage. As Canberra grows and evolves, it is vital that heritage is protected and thoughtfully integrated into future development.
The ACT Heritage Council plays a central role in achieving this and is expected to work closely with ACT Heritage to meet its statutory obligations and deliver on the following priorities.
- Consider the ACT Government’s housing priorities in heritage decision making
- Contribute to the Construction Productivity Agenda for the ACT
- Participate in the development of the Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework
- Prioritise the preservation of important examples of ‘mid-century modern’ homes
- Strengthen the role of First Nations peoples in their role as Traditional Custodians of their cultural heritage and enhance protection for First Nations’ cultural heritage.
- Consider climate change and sustainability
- Co-operate with ACT Heritage in the implementation and delivery of the system reform program, including improvements to the quality and provision of heritage data.
- Regard to be given to ACT Government policies and legislation
- Council Governance, conduct and reporting