Issues

• Cultural Landscapes
• Heritage Places and Features
• Heritage Objects
• Archival Material
• Memory
• Social and Contemporary Significance

• Planning Scheme Provisions

At a glance

The issue

An assessment of the social and contemporary significance of cultural heritage in Tasmania is designed to reflect the continuing usage and memory of a heritage item. An example of the importance of social and contemporary significance can be seen in the way people often have a strong sense of belonging to particular cultural items. Expressing and recognising social value in heritage assessments and conservation practice is an important issue for professional people and agencies.

It is recognised that the social and contemporary significance of cultural heritage is important when assessing the condition, pressures and management of heritage, but the concepts behind the issue and the assessment process are still in development.

The Tasmanian Government and the University of Tasmania are currently developing a new strategic and systematic process for the integrated identification and assessment of cultural heritage condition, pressure, and protection priorities-including social and contemporary significance.

More detailed information and references are contained in the Social and Contemporary Significance Issue Report. An assessment of the social and contemporary significance of the cultural heritage associated with the Macquarie Harbour Penal Station is presented within the Assessing and measuring the current situation section. A separate case study is provided that demonstrates the integrated process of assessing all cultural heritage items associated with the Macquarie Harbour Penal Station.

A related recommendation is presented on Strategic Cultural Heritage Management.

• Issue Report - continued in depth