Despite tens of thousands of years of Indigenous habitation and Australia’s relatively short modern history, it can be reasonably assumed that virtually every building or place has evolved over time, to a lesser or greater degree. Working with any building or place requires a deep understanding of its historical development, current physical nature and heritage significance. If a building or place is individually protected in planning law, or located within a protected precinct such as a Heritage Conservation Area, it is essential that this understanding of the evolution and significance of a place is moved into the centre of the decision-making process, and is ultimately presented to the consent authority.