Why we're consulting

Wodonga Council is responsible for recognising and protecting places of local heritage significance.

Following a multi-staged Heritage Study (launched in 2002), RBA Consultants have been engaged to carry out the additional work required to complete Stages 2B and 2C (more information in the Background below).

After their investigation and assessment, 61 locations have progressed to the draft citation stage.

The council is now engaging with landowners and the wider community to:

• Formally present the draft citations to landowners, including four sites that are owned by Wodonga Council.
• Respond to concerns regarding the potential impact of a heritage overlay on a place or property.
• Gather feedback to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information contained in the citations.

All feedback will be considered as part of the finalised study and report. This will be presented to Council for consideration and to seek endorsement in proceeding to a Planning Scheme Amendment.

The Planning Scheme Amendment will be publicly exhibited in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Council commenced a multi-staged Wodonga Heritage Study in 2002, which has been delivered via four stages:

• Wodonga Heritage Study Stage 1 (Victoria Heritage Study Vol 1: including Thematic Environmental History), Peter Freeman and Associates, 2004

• Wodonga Heritage Study Stage 2A, Deborah Kemp, 2011

• Wodonga Heritage Study Stage 2B, Biosis Pty Ltd, 2020

• Wodonga Heritage Study Stage 2C, Biosis Pty Ltd, 2022.

Stages 1 - 2A has been implemented into the Wodonga Planning Scheme via Amendment C97, which introduced 46 places and one precinct to the Heritage Overlay.

Stages 2B and 2C of the study involved the identification, documentation and assessment of approximately 95 places of potential local heritage significance. The study findings have been submitted, but not yet adopted.

Council commissioned an external peer review of the Stages 2B & 2C study material, which identified outstanding work required to finalise place citations and the study methodology report.

The aim of the Wodonga Heritage Study Review – Stages 2B & 2C is to review, update and finalise 92 draft place citations prepared for the Wodonga Heritage Study Stages 2B and 2C in accordance with the principles and procedures set out in:

• Department of Transport and Planning’s (DTP) Planning Practice Note 1: Applying the Heritage Overlay (PPN01).

• The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance (Australia ICOMOS 2013)

• Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (Heritage Council of Victoria 2009)

The Review also involves the preparation of a study report to support draft planning scheme amendment documentation for the implementation of the Wodonga Heritage Study Stages 2B and 2C into the scheme.