The trust could not develop or foster a heritage strategy by itself, but needed the assistance of the Central Otago District Council, chairman Graye Shattky said in his report to the trust's annual meeting in Alexandra this week.
"In our view, that task is an inescapable responsibility of council, pressed on it by way of the Resource Management Act and the District Plan," he said.
The trust was established 18 months ago and serves as an umbrella group for organisations and individuals with an interest in Central Otago heritage.
It evolved from a heritage working party set up at the invitation of the council.
Mr Shattky said the trust directors had identified two key objectives - to encourage the council to give a senior staff member responsibility for heritage matters and to arrange an inventory of the area's heritage assets.
"The directors have initiated a dialogue with the council's chief executive [Phil Melhopt] regarding these matters and it is planned that following the election, there will be further discussion with councillors as a precursor to submitting detailed proposals on both matters to be formally considered during next year's budget round."
There was already a national database with details of archaeological sites, but updating and completing the records for Central Otago required professional assistance, he said.
With pending changes to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust local branches, it was probable that a new voluntary organisation would be formed to carry out some of the advocacy work done by the local branches.
The trust could be involved in that organisation or its role could be absorbed by the new entity.
"The only thing that is clear is that major change lies ahead," he said.
At present, the heritage trust's main role was to advocate for heritage issues and support the activities and efforts of others seeking to recognise and preserve the district's valuable heritage.
Twelve people attended the trust's annual meeting and Mr Shattky was re-elected chairman.
