The RTA works closely with local councils, residents, community groups and local Aboriginal land councils - as well as the NSW Heritage Office and other government departments and agencies - to determine and minimise the impact of projects on significant heritage sites.
The original Great Western Highway corridor to Bathurst, the Cox’s Pass, was opened in 1815, shortly after Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson became the first Europeans to cross the Blue Mountains in 1813.
The State Government and the RTA recognise the historic importance of this road corridor and are committed to carefully considering and managing both its heritage value and the natural environment.
Retaining the local character of townships and acknowledging their history through appropriate urban design initiatives is integral to the Great Western Highway upgrade, as is the preservation of significant local, natural and cultural landmarks.
RTA Heritage Guidelines
Aboriginal heritage
The RTA identifies features or items of Aboriginal heritage before, or during, construction works by involving representatives of the Aboriginal community. Any items, or areas, identified as being of heritage significance are recorded and/or preserved.
For examples of the RTA’s treatment of historically significant sites along the Great Western Highway, see the ‘Heritage’ section of the ‘photo gallery’, and individual project links.
RTA procedure for Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation and investigation
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