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 ListOpens in new tab or, at state level, on the Victorian Heritage RegisterOpens in new tab. 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
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 RegisterOpens in new tab.
To conserve and enhance buildings, areas or other places which are of significance within their municipalities (Planning and Environment Act 1987).
North Melbourne House, NMBW Architecture Studio
Photo credit: Peter Bennetts
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Speak with a planner on 9658 9658.
