Why does the Shire have a Local Heritage Survey and a Heritage List?

All local governments are required, under the Heritage Act 2018 to compile and maintain a list of places that are / or may become of local cultural heritage significance.

The Local Heritage Survey is a document that provides an invaluable insight of the role heritage places in the Shire of Mundaring play in telling the story of our history. Whereas the purpose of a Heritage List is to identify places that are of significant cultural heritage value and worthy of conservation.

What does the inclusion of a place in the Local Heritage Survey or the Heritage List mean for property owners?

The inclusion of a place in the Local Heritage Survey does not mean that the place cannot be changed. In fact, practical changes and new compatible uses are often the best way to ensure that places are used and enjoyed into the future.

Entry on the Shire’s Heritage List means that the heritage values of the place are recognised in the statutory planning framework.

The impact of future development proposals on the heritage values of the place is a key consideration in the assessing of a development application, as well as the normal planning considerations such as building height limits, setback distances from boundaries etc.

Can the interior of a property on the Shire's Heritage List and/or Local Heritage Survey be changed?

Internal changes are permissible and do not require approval, unless they are structural in nature or affect interior features identified to have heritage significance.

Modification or additions to a place on the Heritage List will usually require development approval and may require referral to the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

What matters do I need to be mindful of when proposing any works to a property on the Shire’s Heritage List and/or Local Heritage Survey?

When carrying out works to such property owners should be mindful that the scale of the works and the new materials are compatible with any existing development remaining, the existing materials, and that any special features of the building are respected.

Can I demolish a property on the Shire’s Heritage List and/or Local Heritage Survey?

If the property is on the Shire’s LHS it will not require development approval.  In most cases a demolition permit will need to be obtained from the Shire.

However, if the property is on the Shire’s Heritage List, development approval will be required to be obtained, as well as a demolition permit, prior to demolishing.  

Is any financial support available for works to be undertaken on places of heritage significance?

The Heritage Council of Western Australia has commenced a State heritage grant program to offer funding assistance for the conservation, future planning and promotion of heritage places.  

The State Heritage Grants stream subsidises the cost of physical conservation works, documentation and professional advice relating to the conservation of State Registered places. 

If you have any queries regarding the State Heritage Grants program please contact the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage on (08) 6551 8002 or via HCWAincentives@dplh.wa.gov.au 

Why is heritage important?

Heritage is vital to the community’s sense of place and wellbeing. It holds historical, and cultural value, and is an element of the visual built form strongly associated with the area’s local character.

The Shire has a rich and colourful history which has shaped our current landscape and settlement form. Local heritage should be understood, protected, sustained and celebrated.