GREATER GEELONG PLANNING SCHEME 21.16 CULTURAL HERITAGE 19/01/2006 VC37 Importance and Key Issues The history of Geelong is reflected in the cultural heritage sites of Aboriginal and European settlement. This history portrays the significance of Geelong as the major place of settlement in south-western Victoria drawing settlers from diverse backgrounds, culminating in a mixture of nationalities, customs, culture and architecture. Geelong is located within the traditional territory of the Wada Wurrung and Wathaurong aboriginal clan groups. Accordingly, the municipality contains sites of cultural significance to the Wathaurong, which are protected by the Victorian Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 and the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984. Today, a reasonable amount of Geelong’s built and natural heritage remains. Geelong’s heritage also includes those places and events which define and sustain the character of the City. These have become a living and accessible record of local and cultural history which with appropriate Council actions, they will survive for future generations of Australians to view, understand and appreciate. In particular, the City retains an important collection of pre-1851 gold rush buildings, although the established character of Geelong has a wide range of architectural styles and periods. This diverse mixture of buildings contributes to the unique and layered character of Geelong today, and helps in understanding the City's foundation and growth from wool sales and exports to gold discovery and continued expansion in industry and manufacturing. Throughout the municipality heritage places can be identified as a site, building, group of buildings, structure, archaeological site, tree, garden, geological formation, fossil site, habitat or other place of natural or cultural significance and its associated land. The City takes pride in the wealth and range of its heritage, the retention of which provides a strong tool for interpretation and increased potential for cultural tourism and awareness. The City is working to ensure that the region's significant buildings and historic areas survive to be used and enjoyed by its residents and visitors today - and tomorrow. Urban Conservation Studies of the area have been undertaken to identify and document buildings and areas of historical and cultural significance worthy of protection for future generations. Retention of contributory buildings in heritage areas is important for defining the character of the area. Over the past 20 years, Geelong has experienced an expanding interest in its built environment and heritage assets. This is in part due to the effect of an accumulated loss over time and a greater appreciation of the distinct benefits to be gained from preserving the built environment. Indeed, it is regrettable that many buildings have been lost. An appreciation of Geelong’s urban environment and a trend towards sympathetic and appropriate restoration and renewal by the community has seen the provision of a more comprehensive heritage service and greater conservation awareness by Council. Protection of cultural heritage places provides a resource that conveys cultural identity and a sense of place to both the community and visitors. Urban design traditions can be appreciated and exploited for tourism. Conservation of these valuable assets is essential to retain and enhance the image of the City and to provide a focus for economic and cultural growth. Restoring and strengthening the unique identity of Geelong, will enhance the City’s reputation as an agreeable place to live in. It will also help attract more visitors to the region, and encourage them to stay longer. The City of Greater Geelong's commitment to heritage conservation is seen in the Heritage Advisory Service - a one-stop-shop for heritage consultation, which addresses all issues MUNICIPAL STRATEGIC STATEMENT - CLAUSE 21.16 PAGE 1 OF 4 GREATER GEELONG PLANNING SCHEME relating to building works and conservation in heritage areas. This free service offers information and advice from a qualified conservation architect, quick and easy access to records regarding historic buildings and areas, as well as providing financial assistance via low-interest loans for property owners undertaking work on domestic or commercial buildings within a heritage area. These measures are aimed specifically at fostering public awareness and generating community involvement in improving the urban setting and linking the concept of preservation with recycling, adaptation and promotion. In more recent times there has been a focus on understanding and protecting Aboriginal archaeological heritage and this is an integral part of Council’s overall approach to and responsibility for heritage protection and management. Council is regularly approached by landowners and developers wishing to undertake modifications to their land and/or undertake major land-altering activities (particularly urban development). The City is identifying and addressing Aboriginal heritage concerns and working in consultation with the Wathaurong community. Council seeks to ensure that Aboriginal heritage interests are addressed in the early stages of forward and development planning so as to minimise the possibility of damaging sites and contravening State and Commonwealth laws and to contribute to the identification, protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage values. Whilst the Aboriginal Cultural Resource Management Grid Map 1998 (produced by AAV) identifies registered archaeological sites and forms the basis for initial assessment of archaeological likelihood, the scale is such that further survey work is recommended prior to detailed planning and any works. Applicants proposing to develop or re-zone land in areas where there is a known site or the potential for Aboriginal archaeological sites to occur should include a report from a suitably qualified archaeologist demonstrating that the impact of proposed developments on Aboriginal cultural heritage values has been addressed. The many areas in and around the CAA covered by the Heritage Overlay are also sought after locations for medium density development. Their proximity to a range of services and facilities, transport routes, larger allotments, rear and side laneways and areas of established character are key attractors of these parts of Geelong. The potential for a conflict between the heritage conservation and redevelopment objectives is addressed by the inclusion of the City of Greater Geelong Heritage and Design Guidelines 1998 as an Incorporated Document in this Scheme and the local policies for the heritage areas. The extent of application of the Residential 2 Zone around the periphery of the CAA in areas affected by the Heritage Overlay will be reviewed by Council with consideration given to identifying additional appropriate areas of less constrained inner urban land and other sub-regional activity centres. Objective 1 To conserve and enhance individual places and areas of post-contact cultural heritage significance. Strategies Protect places of recognised State and local cultural heritage significance by ensuring that conservation and enhancement contribute to their significance, and that development does not diminish it. Assist property owners to restore heritage places by providing low-interest loans available through Heritage Geelong and a heritage advisory service. Discourage demolition of heritage buildings whilst using discretion to support the removal of later modifications where this will enhance their heritage value. MUNICIPAL STRATEGIC STATEMENT - CLAUSE 21.16 PAGE 2 OF 4 GREATER GEELONG PLANNING SCHEME Promote and facilitate the preparation of conservation management plans for key sites prior to the seeking of approvals and the commencement of works. Raise community awareness about the heritage values of Geelong through the services of Heritage Geelong. Protect heritage areas identified as being of historical and cultural significance. Protect cultural landscapes that have an identified significance and consult with the Wathaurong at all times. Assess development proposals within heritage areas in terms of their sympathy with the character of the area and their likely impact upon integrity and composition of the area. Retain contributory buildings (D-level significance) within heritage areas as these have local heritage significance and define the character of the areas. Objective 2 To promote sympathetic infill and redevelopment of buildings and sites within heritage areas. Strategies Promote and facilitate development in heritage areas that incorporates building configurations and typology’s that visually integrate the site with its surrounding environment. Ensure that redevelopment of heritage buildings and areas is visually compatible with existing forms, and generates a strong and positive contribution to the heritage area through innovative design. Support the restoration of existing buildings which are sound in construction and capable of being retrofitted to become more energy efficient. Promote new development that makes a positive contribution to the heritage area. Implementation These strategies will be implemented by: Using local policy and the exercise of discretion Using local policy to protect culturally significant sites and areas (Cultural Heritage Local Policy, Clause 22.20 and the more specific Heritage Area Local Policies, Clauses 22.21 - 22.46). Applying