City of Ballarat Director of Development and Growth Natalie Robertson says the interpretation of heritage is often seen as a preserved or a protected, listed building or location based on historic value. But equally heritage is about the ideas and attitudes that surround those material objects and how they interact with and influence both their natural and built surrounds.
“There is a lot more to the physical presence of heritage and that is where we play a critical role in considering and applying the right statutory tools to any heritage planning process.”
Federal, state and local governments all play their part in identifying, managing and protecting heritage places and objects. The City of Ballarat adheres to land use planning controls prepared and administered by state and local government authorities under the Environment Act 1987.
“Our heritage planning team is tasked with both developing statutory controls as well as leading their application across what are often very complex and difficult situations," Natalie says.
"We balance many considerations as we work to retain and build on our local heritage values."
City of Ballarat Manager Strategic Planning Terry Natt is responsible for developing statutory planning tools that guide heritage concerns.
Terry says it’s critical housing needs are not only sustainable and equitable but importantly that they are in line with community values.
“The Ballarat Housing Strategy provides a plan for how Ballarat can accommodate population growth and residential development for the next 20 years," Terry says.
"The Neighbourhood Character Study informs the Housing Strategy, providing character statements and design guidelines."