FAQs
What is heritage?
Heritage consists of the places and objects that we have inherited from the past and want to pass on to future generations. It defines us as a community: who we are and where we have come from. In other words it is "the things we want to keep".
Heritage Significance is embodied in the place itself, in the whole of the building, and is defined in terms of the aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations.
What is character?
Neighbourhood character is essentially the combination of the public and private domains. It is what we see and experience from the street where the different elements, for example the size of verges, street trees, setbacks and the scale and bulk of the buildings, all combine to form the character of that particular area. Every property, public place or piece of infrastructure makes a contribution, whether large or small. It is the cumulative impact of all these contributions that establishes neighbourhood character. More succinctly, neighbourhood character has been defined by one source as:
“The qualitative interplay of built form, vegetation and topographic characteristics, in both the private and public domains that make one place different from another.” (Ref.: Planisphere with John Curtis Pty Ltd)
What is a heritage ‘place’?
Means site, area, building or other work, group of buildings or other works together with associated contents and surrounds.
What is Heritage Listing?
Heritage listing is the formal recognition that a place demonstrates cultural heritage significance and is a method of ensuring that proposed changes respect and retain those qualities and characteristics that contribute to its significance.
There are different types of listing, both legally binding and non-legally binding.
State Register of Heritage Places?
Places within the local government area may also be entered on the State Register and are afforded statutory protection under the Heritage of Western Australia Act 2018. Places that have been entered as a state registered place are also entered as a Level 1 places on both the LG and the Heritage List. These places are regarded as being of significance on a state wide level. Any proposals for change to these buildings must be referred to State Heritage Office as part of the development application process.
What is the difference between a Local Heritage Survey and a Heritage List?
A Local Heritage Survey (previously called a Municipal Heritage Inventory) is a list of places which, in the opinion of a local government, are, or may become, culturally significant to the local community.
A Local Heritage Survey is distinct from a Heritage List, which forms part of a local government’s Local Planning Scheme. A Heritage List is generally a smaller list of only the most significant places. Unlike a Local Heritage Survey, a Heritage List is legally binding and connects to planning laws.
The Western Australian Heritage Act 2018 requires all local governments to prepare a Local Heritage Survey, and to periodically update that survey.
How were places reviewed and categorised?
The City completed a community nomination period through March-April 2024. The nominations and the places listed within the existing Local Heritage Survey were reviewed through a detailed analysis and new place records prepared for each place recommended for inclusion detailing site information, construction details, historical information, statement of significance and photographs, including archival images. Each place on the local heritage survey is classified based on the contribution of place to local cultural heritage, recognising the varying degrees of importance:
| Level of Significance | Description | Expectations |
1 | Exceptional
(Heritage List and State Heritage Listed places) | Essential to the heritage of the area. Rare or outstanding example. | The place should be retained and conserved. Any alterations or extensions should reinforce the significance of the place and be in accordance with a Conservation Plan if one is in place.
Consider for nomination for State Register of Heritage Places if not already included.
|
2 | Considerable
(Heritage List) | Very important to the heritage of the locality. High degree of integrity/ authenticity
| Conservation of the place is highly desirable. Any alterations or extensions should minimise impacts on the original site or building and reinforce the significance of the place.
|
3 | Moderate
Local Heritage Survey | Contributes to the heritage of the locality. May have some altered or modified elements, not necessarily detracting from the overall significance; contributes to the heritage of the locality.
| Conservation of the place is desirable. Any alterations or extensions should reinforce the significance of the place and retain original fabric where feasible.
|
4 | Some
Local Heritage Survey | Some significance
Lower degree of integrity/authenticity but contributes to the heritage of the locality.
| Retain elements of the place where feasible.
Photographically record prior to major development or demolition.
|
5 | Place of Interest
Local Heritage Survey | Historic Site Site relevant to a past event, group or individual which contributes to the understanding of the history of the City of Busselton.
| Recognise and interpret the site if possible. |
Places with a management category of 1 or 2 are recommended for inclusion on the City’s Heritage List.
What are the implications for places included on the Local Heritage Survey or Heritage List?
There are no additional development requirements for places listed on a Local Heritage Survey with a management category 3-5. The Local Heritage Survey has no statutory weight.
Places recommended for inclusion on the City’s Heritage List will require development approval prior to any works being undertaken to ensure there are no impacts to the heritage value of a place. Such development would be considered in the context of the local planning framework which includes the City’s Local Planning Scheme and draft LPP4.3.
Can I still nominate a place for inclusion on the Local Heritage Survey?
The nomination period has closed for the Local Heritage Survey with the City seeking feedback on the draft Local Heritage Survey as prepared.
Why has draft Local Planning Policy 4.3 – Heritage Conservation being prepared?
A review of the current Local Planning Policy has been undertaken to ensure alignment with the current heritage framework. The policy applies to all heritage protected places on the City’s Heritage List and provides for general development provisions, incentives and requirements.
When is the community consultation period open?
The community consultation period is open from the 7th of August 2024 to the 28th of August 2024