Feature Image: Trust for Nature at Endeavour Fern Gully, Red Hill, 2019. Credit: Annette Ruzicka

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) supports the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage, and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make decisions about their cultural heritage.

We fully support the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and the state system for Cultural Heritage Management Plans, which provides an essential fulfilment of the rights of Victorian Traditional Owners to protect their cultural heritage.

We agree with the Aboriginal Heritage Council’s recent statement that suggestions the state’s cultural heritage system is the key culprit in the current housing shortfall are misguided and unhelpful.

The National Trust desires a community that appreciates, conserves and celebrates our shared heritage, and embraces the diversity of contemporary Australia. We aspire to a more equitable society where the management of Victoria’s cultural heritage is based on historical acceptance, truth-telling, and creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to access and make decisions on the future of significant cultural heritage places.

Heritage on all fronts is being called into question through a spread of misconceptions scapegoating our planning protection systems for contributing to the housing crisis and locking up developable land. However, what makes Melbourne one of the most liveable cities in the world is our vibrant culture, underpinned by our heritage. By embracing Country, Indigenous culture and heritage we only bring more richness and vibrancy into our places. Good housing solutions reflect the values of the communities they serve. We don’t need endless suburbs built over Country, we need nuanced and enriching development that embraces the things we love about our cities.

As the state’s leading independent heritage organisation, the National Trust has a desire and responsibility to demonstrate leadership on reconciliation, and support the rights of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples. You can learn more about our reconciliation journey here.