Strathbogie Heritage Study
Our shire is one of the last in the state to undertake a Heritage Study and I have been delighted to be part of the advisory committee since the inception of this work by the previous council and continued by our current council. Here is a bit of an update on progress - which seems snail's pace but is progressing according to funding timelines.
A Heritage Study identifies places which are of cultural and environmental significance in the context of our local history within the State of Victoria. We are very privileged that there are a number of places which have been identified as significantly important to warrant recognition. The owners off these places normally value what they have and are keen to maintain and keep the character of their property intact - that's what they are attracted to in the first place.
This study is progressing through stage 2 and funding applied for the final stage 3 to complete the work. It is envisaged that the Heritage Overlays will be in place and amendments made by the Minister by mid 2012
The towns of our shire will be listed as precincts with individual properties outside towns to be listed separately. Need I say that funding rather dictates the number of out of town properties which can be listed at this time.
Violet Town is proposed to be listed as 3 precincts which contain both significant and contributory places -
- The Central precinct which is Cowslip St between High St and Lily St
- Memorial & Recreation Precinct including the memorial avenue and school
- Public and Residential Precinct which are 3 non-contiguous areas - including Tulip St west of the school, south of Cowslip St between Lily and Rose Sts and the eastern area bounded by High St and Primrose.
It is important not to confuse a Local Government Heritage Overlay with a National Trust Listing. A Heritage Overlay is designed to promote the protection of the identified places to maintain the character and keep properties as intact as possible. It is far far more flexible than any works permitted on National Trust properties.
From here, the Shire council will table this Strathbogie Shire Heritage Study in August. Owners and managers of significant properties will be contacted if not already and the Study will be able to be viewed and comments received. The final document will be submitted to the Minister to make amendments to the Strathbogie Planning Scheme.
I encourage you to take interest and pride in your properties and our township as this should greatly enhance the townships in our Shire. Further details will be available from the Strathbogie Shire shortly.
You are welcome to contact me if you would like any further details. Robyn Machin 03 5798 1686