The heritage of The Hills Shire is a valuable and non-renewable resource, which assists in the development and interpretation of the Shire's character and identity. As with other non-renewable resources, heritage requires protection and conservation if it is to be enjoyed by future generations. Places of heritage significance provide a link to the past, informing us about our cultural history and often providing a sense of identity for a community. They may consist of landscapes, places, buildings, structures, relics or works which are valued not simply because they are old, but because they are associated with phases of history, or people and events of great importance.

Local Councils have the primary responsibility for identifying and managing places of heritage significance in New South Wales. In particular, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 and Heritage Act, 1977 requires all local Councils to protect heritage items and conservation areas through their identification in planning instruments. The Hills Shire Council has included a list of heritage items and conservation areas in Schedule 1 of Council's Local Environmental Plan (LEP). Some heritage items such as Bella Vista Farm and Castle Hill Heritage Park are also listed on the NSW State Heritage Register because they are considered to be of State significance.