ANOTHER 54 pieces of local history are about be added to Warrnambool’s extensive list of buildings and objects considered worthy of protection under heritage planning controls.
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Already there are 26 precincts with more than 2000 properties covered by heritage overlays introduced to the city’s planning scheme in 2011 after a major review of an earlier 1983 scheme.
The latest list of individual private and public places was approved unanimously by the city council on Monday night and will be sent to Planning Minister Matthew Guy for authorisation to apply heritage protection.
It will be then placed on exhibition for a month to allow for submissions and possible challenges.
The list includes the former Fletcher Jones house, ‘Raloda’ in Jamieson Street, Dennington’s former Shamrock Hotel, the Victoria Hotel, Allansford Hotel, Grannys Grave, three milestones, a trough in Marfell Road, the former Nestle factory manager’s residence and offices, former Reeves factory, former Warrnambool Motors showrooms on Raglan Parade, the Stanley Street bridge, the old St Andrews Church in Dennington, St Andrew’s Church in South Warrnambool, St Carthage’s Church in Allansford and the Warrnambool cemetery sexton’s office and gatehouse.
A further review will be undertaken on the former Fletcher Jones workers’ cottages in Lava Street which are part of an overall heritage overlay applying to the entire former factory site.
Originally the list had 75 buildings, but some were found to have lesser reasons for protection. It is also proposed to remove protection over now dismantled old Hopkins River bridge and 94 Merri Street after a failed battle to save the former mid-1880’s cottage.
Cr Jacinta Ermacora suggested a plain-English guide be sent to owners of the properties to help them better understand the planning terminology.
“This process has taken far too long,” Cr Ermacora said.
“It started when council found the 1983 study was out of date.
“The listing is relevant to signify the stories of our past and who we would like to be in the future. I think this will eventually provide certainty to the owner.
“Maybe we should start another process on protecting sandstone walls.”
Cr Peter Hulin said heritage buildings had untapped tourism potential.
“We have to work with owners so it is not a burden to have those properties and they should be proud they have custodianship of these properties,” Cr Hulin said.
The full list can be seen on the council’s website link to Monday’s meeting agenda.
