Have your say on minimum standards for Mount Kembla Mine Disaster Site Ruins and Setting.

Site-specific minimum standards of maintenance and repair (minimum standards) are being considered for Mount Kembla Mine Disaster Site Ruins and Setting in Kembla Heights.

Minimum standards are the basic requirements for looking after heritage places and objects in NSW. They make sure listed item are properly maintained so that they are protected are cared for into the future.

Read about the proposed minimum standards of maintenance and repair, in the tab below.

Share your feedback via the survey below by 8 October 2025. Heritage Council will review your feedback and inform you of any decisions made.

Proposed minimum standards of maintenance and repair for ruins

In accordance with section 118(2) of the Heritage Act 1977 and sections 17 and 18 of the Heritage Regulation 2012, it is recommended that the following minimum standards of maintenance and repair apply to the ruins listed as part of the Mount Kembla Mine Disaster Site Ruins and Setting State Heritage Register item (SHR 02099).

1. Fire protection

a) Fire protection for the State Heritage Register item (including its curtilage) is to be managed in accordance with a Fire Response Plan.

b) The Fire Response Plan must nominate activities to manage fire risk and address the following matters, including but not limited to:

i. access
ii. defendable space
iii. erosion risk and site stability
iv. fire response options
v. vegetation management for fire risk mitigation
vi. water.

c) An inspection must be carried out to monitor any fire risks identified in the Fire Response Plan:

• i. in the case of the standards set out in this section—at least once every 12 months
• ii. in any case—whenever reasonably requested by the Heritage Council of NSW.

Note:
Vegetation, rubbish, and any other material that could create a fire hazard for the ruins is to be removed and not permitted to accumulate. The ruins, relics, and remnant works associated with the former Mount Kembla Colliery are of State heritage significance, and their removal is not permitted without approval from the Heritage Council of NSW.

2. Security

a) Security measures appropriate to the nature and location of the State Heritage Register item (including its curtilage) must be carried out to monitor the State Heritage Register item (including its curtilage).

b) Unauthorised access to a ruin through intact doorways, windows, or damaged walls is to be prevented by boarding up access points.

c) An inspection must be carried out to monitor for vandalism and damage and ensure that protective measures remain intact:

i. in the case of the standards set out in this section—at least once every 12 months
ii. in any case—whenever reasonably requested by the Heritage Council of NSW.