Moveable heritage is defined by the NSW Heritage Office as ...any natural or manufactured object of heritage significance, but excludes archaeological relics found underground or underwater.

Moveable heritage by its nature is not fixed or attached to land. As a result, it consists of objects which can be moved and are highly portable.

The custodians of moveable heritage include private individuals, community organisations as well as all levels of government.

Like other types of heritage, moveable heritage can provide historical information about an area, its development and the people and their stories that have been integral to the development of an area. As a result, moveable heritage can cover a wide range of objects and collections, ranging from physical objects (e.g. furniture, honour boards and medals) through to collections of photographs, documents, maps and paintings, etc. 

Specifically, Council has a responsibility to identify, protect and manage the heritage of its local area. 

Council is required to identify and protect items and areas of local heritage significance under the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. Built and natural items of local heritage significance are identified and listed under Council’s Local Environmental Plan.

However, this Act is related to management of land, and does not cover moveable heritage items.

The collection and management of moveable heritage of significance to a local government area, is not covered by any specific legislation. It is up to Council to decide how it wants to manage moveable heritage.