VIC
One hundred properties have been identified as having heritage significance as part of one of the largest reviews of heritage places in the Western Port and Hinterland region in nearly 25 years.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council says the first stage of the review named 82 properties as having heritage significance, with 62 citations prepared which cover:
- 53 individual places
- five pairs comprising 10 places
- two serial listings comprising 10 places
- two precincts comprising nine contributory places.
The second stage of the review looked at locations in Flinders, Merricks Beach, Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Portsea, Shoreham, Somers and Sorrento which had previously been identified as having potential heritage significance but were not assessed in earlier heritage studies. Eighteen places identified as having heritage significance. Individual citations have been prepared for each.
Mayor, Steve Holland said the Peninsula had a rich history, and identified heritage buildings and places held valuable stories and memories.
“We recently commissioned a heritage review of Watson Ward, Cerberus Ward and Red Hill Ward to identify places of heritage significance that should be protected under the Heritage Overlay of the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme,” the Mayor said.
“The Heritage Overlay ensures heritage places on the Peninsula are conserved and enhanced and that new development does not adversely impact the significance of heritage places.
“We’re here to work with our community to achieve the best outcome for everyone.”
He said applying the Heritage Overlay to places of identified significance ensured the region’s rich history lived on for current and future generations.
The review was undertaken by RBA Architects & Conservation Consultants and identified places recommended for heritage protection.
Alongside the review of Western Port and hinterland region, Council also commissioned a series of additional site-specific heritage assessments for various other properties across the Shire. These were undertaken by heritage experts at Heritage Alliance and Landmark Heritage.
The draft reports are available to view and comment on from 19 June to 28 July 2023.
Council says it will contact all affected property owners directly to inform them of the consultants’ recommendations and to seek their feedback.
It will also host several in-person community sessions from 10 – 13 July where residents can book an appointment to meet with Council heritage consultants and Shire officers to better understand the heritage study and recommendations and what it might mean for their property.
Following community consultation, Council says it will review all feedback to help finalise the heritage review and recommendations for applying the Heritage Overlay.
Council will then decide whether to start the process of amending the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme to apply the Heritage Overlay to places of heritage significance, as recommended by the review.
To view the reports, visit:mornpen.vic.gov.au/heritagereview.
