The Trust works with both local communities and decision makers towards conserving important aspects of our historic built and natural environment.

The Trust positions itself as the 'honest broker' keeping the doors open to decision makers at the highest level. Because of its standing and expertise on the full breadth of heritage issues, the Trust is often able to bridge the gap between the community and the developers, politicians and mandarins. This allows the Trust to champion the views of not just the Trust and its members but also the full breadth of like-minded community groups.

National and Commonwealth Heritage Lists

Victoria now has more than 10 places on the National Heritage List, and numerous places on the Commonwealth Heritage List. Both of these lists are relatively new Australian Government initiatives, and the places on them are now afforded a similar level of protection to World Heritage sites under the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Environment Conservation Act, or the EPBC Act.

The following fact sheets provide detailed information on the new national heritage legislation and lists.