What is the Heritage Overlay Review?

The City of Ballarat is reviewing the places and precincts currently listed in the Heritage Overlay. The goal is to make sure each listing is based on the most up-to-date and accurate information and to improve how we protect Ballarat’s heritage places now and into the future. This project is part of our broader Heritage Gaps Review Program, which identifies and addresses any gaps in our current heritage protection.

Many places in the Heritage Overlay were added more than 20 years ago. At the time, the documentation wasn’t always clear or consistent about:

  • Why each place is important
  • What features should be protected
  • How much land should be included in the Heritage Overlay listing

Heritage planning practices have improved significantly since then. This review helps:

  • Clarify the significance of each place or precinct
  • Update boundaries where needed
  • Recommend extra protections for things like trees, outbuildings, fences or original paintwork
  • Ensure the Heritage Overlay reflects current heritage planning standards

The Heritage Overlay Review Study is being completed in two stages.

Stage 1 – Underway in 2025

This stage includes:

  • Review existing listings to ensure they’re still accurate
  • Conducting site inspections to document heritage features and current conditions
  • Identify other places within the current Heritage Overlay that may also be significant
  • Making recommendations for:
    • What a full review and reassessment will need to consider
    • Where there may be trees, gardens, fences and outbuildings that may be of heritage significance
    • Which heritage places and precincts should be reviewed first

This work is being carried out by heritage consultants Landmark Heritage and David Helms Heritage Planning.

Stage 2 – Starting in 2026:

Because of the large number of heritage places, Stage 2 will happen in phases. The Stage 1 study will recommend where the priorities for review are.

Stage 2 will include:

  • Full reassessment and new documentation of all heritage places and precincts included in the Heritage Overlay. This will include a reassessment of how, what, and why each place or precinct is of heritage significance.
  • Revised Heritage Overlay boundaries for places and precincts – where required.
  • Revised Schedule to the Heritage Overlay
  • A formal Planning Scheme Amendment, including public consultation to implement the findings of the study.

Ballarat’s heritage is a key part of what makes the city special – our streetscapes, buildings, parks, gardens and monuments. The Heritage Overlay is a planning tool that:

  • Helps protect our heritage
  • Guides future development or change to heritage places
  • Ensures decisions are based on accurate, well researched assessment
  • Supports community pride, tourism, and the city’s character

The review may lead to changes to the Planning Scheme.

If that happens, these changes will go through a formal public consultation process where you’ll be invited to have your say.

We’ll share updates on this page and through our Heritage Newsletter. To subscribe email heritageteam@ballarat.vic.gov.au

FAQ

Definitions

1. Heritage Framework
  • Place: A site, building, structure, or landscape with cultural heritage value.
  • Precinct: A group of heritage places that together form a historically or culturally significant area.
  • Boundary: The defined area around a heritage place or precinct that is protected under heritage controls.
2. Assessment and Documentation
  • Heritage Criteria: The standards used to assess whether a place or object is significant (e.g. historical, aesthetic, social value).
  • Citation: A document that explains why a place is considered to have heritage value, including its history and description.
  • Statement of Significance: A summary that explains why a place or precinct is important and what aspects are significant.
3. Levels of Significance
  • Individually Significant: A place that is important on its own due to its cultural, historical, or architectural value.
  • Contributory: A place that adds to the heritage value of a precinct but is not individually significant.
  • Non-contributory: A place within a heritage precinct that does not have heritage value itself.
4. Heritage Management
  • Heritage Controls: Planning rules that protect heritage places by managing changes, demolitions, or new developments.
  • Serial Listing: A group of related heritage places listed together because they share a common theme or history, even if they are not next to each other.