The register was created in 1999 and includes items protected by heritage schedules that relate to the State, and to regional and to local environmental plans.

As a result, the register contains over 20,000 statutory-listed items in either public or private ownership of historical, cultural, and architectural value.

The Heritage Council of New South Wales, a statutory body appointed by the NSW Government and comprising members of the community, the government, the conservation profession and representatives of organisations such as the National Trust of Australia, makes decisions about the care and protection of heritage places and items that have been identified as being significant to the people of NSW.

The Council recommends to the Minister places and objects for listing on the State Heritage Register.

The work of the Council and the State Heritage Register is generally covered by the Act, 1977 / {{{4}}} (NSW) and its 2010 amendments.