Most frequently asked questions (for more information please see the FAQs list in the document library)

The LHS is an information only resource that identifies places in the local district that are or may become of cultural heritage significance. The Heritage Act 2018 (the Act) requires local governments to prepare a LHS and defines the purpose of an LHS as:

1. Identifying and recording places that are, or may become, of cultural heritage significance in its district; and 
2. Assisting the local government in making and implementing decisions that are in harmony with cultural heritage values; and 
3. Providing a cultural and historical record of its district; and 
4. Providing an accessible public record of places of cultural heritage significance to its district; and 
5. Assisting the local government in preparing a heritage list or list of heritage areas under a local planning scheme.

Places assessed as having cultural heritage significance are included on the LHS. The Act defines the term place as “a defined or readily identifiable area of land and may include any of the following things in, on or over the land – 

a) Archaeological remains; 

b) Buildings, structures, other built forms, and their surrounds; 

c) Equipment, furniture, fittings and other objects that are historically or physically associated with the land; 

d) Gardens and man-made parks or sites; 

e) A tree or group of trees (whether planted or naturally occurring) in or adjacent to a man-made setting.”

The Heritage Act 2018 requires local governments to prepare and regularly review their LHS. The last time the City reviewed its LHS was in 2002.

The LHS is an information only resource. Inclusion on the LHS has no implications for the development of a property over and above the requirements that are already in place as part of the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 5 (LPS 5). 

The LHS is a record of places of cultural heritage significance and tells the important story of the development of the district. It is not an instrument for development control so there are no binding statutory implications for owners who are free to develop their properties in accordance with the local planning framework provisions that apply to all properties in the City.

As outlined in Table 1 below the Heritage List and designated Heritage Areas are different as they form part of the Local Planning Scheme. Properties included on the Heritage List are properties of a level of cultural heritage significance that Council considers worthy of some protection. Heritage Areas designated under the Local Planning Scheme are areas which Council considers require special planning controls to conserve and enhance their cultural heritage significance and character.

Table 1 – Difference between the LHS, Heritage List and Heritage Areas designated under the Local Planning Scheme