Skip to main content

                    Heritage

                    Illustration of a heritage building with a heart symbol above it
                    What is heritage and how is it protected in the City of Melbourne and Victoria?

                    What it is and why we protect it

                    Heritage is the full range of our inherited traditions, objects and culture. It is expressed through places: buildings, landscapes, public parks and gardens, trees, infrastructure, monuments, public art and more.

                    Heritage is at the heart of community identity and an essential part of the present we live in and of the future we build. Heritage places, objects and stories can give our lives meaning and purpose; they create a strong and enduring sense of community identity.

                    Places of cultural significance enrich people’s lives, often providing a deep and inspirational sense of connection to community and landscape, to the past and lived experiences. They are historical records, that are important expressions of Australian identity and experience.

                    Places of cultural significance reflect the diversity of our communities, telling us about who we are and the past that has formed us and the Australian landscape. They are irreplaceable and precious.

                    Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter 2013

                    ​Heritage protection in Victoria

                    Victoria protects heritage through a mix of legislation and state and local planning policy. The City of Melbourne has a responsibility under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to identify and protect places of heritage significance.

                    Some places in the City of Melbourne are of National or State significance and are included on the National Heritage List or, at state level, on the Victorian Heritage Register. The majority of heritage places are locally significant and are protected through the Heritage Overlay in the Melbourne Planning Scheme. This guide applies to places protected though the Heritage Overlay.

                    Government role

                    State

                    To assess and protect places and objects that have significance to Victoria and to administer the Victorian Heritage Act 2017 which establishes the Victorian Heritage Register.

                    Local

                    To conserve and enhance buildings, areas or other places which are of significance within their municipalities (Planning and Environment Act 1987).

                    Back view of a modern two-storey house occupying space between heritage buildings. The house, overlooking a small courtyard, has corrugated metal cladding and large wood-framed windows and doors.

                    A contemporary infill house within a heritage context. 
                    North Melbourne House, NMBW Architecture Studio 
                    Photo credit: Peter Bennetts

                    Need advice?
                    Speak with a planner on 9658 9658.
                      Was this page helpful?

                      If you'd like to give more feedback or ask a question, please contact us.