Preliminary Assessment Process
What is Preliminary Assessment?
The Preliminary Assessment is a crucial desk-based process designed to strengthen nominations for the World Heritage List.
Building on the information gathered during the Tentative Listing phase, this assessment focuses on ensuring that proposed Victorian Goldfields nomination makes the strongest possible case for Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
A country can only make one Preliminary Assessment application per year.
September 2026 is the earliest the Australian Government can submit this request.
Check out the Preliminary Assessment Operational Guidelines (UNESCO).
Key Objectives:
- Collaboration with Assessors: Engage with World Heritage assessors to refine the Victorian Goldfield nomination’s claim to OUV.
- Protection and Management Standards: Detail how the Victorian Goldfields proposal can meet necessary protection and management requirements.
- Authenticity and Integrity: Address critical issues related to the authenticity and integrity of the proposed ‘nomination’.
Timeline
- 15 September 2026: Anticipated deadline for submitting Preliminary Assessment documentation to the Australian Government.
- 1 October 2027: Anticipated date for receiving the Preliminary Assessment report from the World Heritage Centre.
- 1 February 2029: Earliest possible date for submitting a full nomination to the World Heritage Centre.
Importance of Preliminary Assessment
Preliminary Assessment will soon be a mandatory step for all proposed World Heritage nominations. This process allows us to refine technical elements of our bid with the experts. It also provides additional time for us to continue to meaningfully engage with First Peoples, key stakeholders and local communities.
Engagement
We are committed to deepening our engagement with First Peoples, local communities and stakeholders throughout this process. Our aim is to gather feedback, understand community perspectives, and work collaboratively to enhance our nomination.
Stay Informed
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Further information: