What are Standard Exemptions - Heritage NSW

Heritage NSW is the lead government agency responsible for identifying, protecting, and celebrating the state’s significant heritage. The department engaged Punchy Studio to create an animated video to address the communication challenge of explaining when property owners need approval for works on heritage listed sites. The brief was to define “Standard Exemptions” and clarify which routine activities can be performed without a formal application. We produced a professional animated explainer video that outlines common exempt works such as routine cleaning, general maintenance, and addressing immediate safety or security issues. Our approach focused on regulatory literacy, encouraging owners to check general conditions and specific requirements before starting any work to ensure compliance. The video is deployed on the Heritage NSW website and through local government portals to assist property owners in navigating the state’s heritage protection laws. By combining professional scripting, custom animation, and a clear voiceover, we effectively simplified complex legal frameworks into an accessible public guide. Precise motion graphics reinforce the call to action, directing viewers to search for standard exemptions online or visit the official website for further guidance.