The results are in for one of the largest reviews of heritage places in the Western Port and Hinterland region in nearly 25 years. Mornington Peninsula has a rich history, and identified heritage buildings and places hold 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 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.
Applying the Heritage Overlay to places of identified significance ensures Mornington Peninsula’s rich history lives on for current and future generations.
The review was undertaken by experienced heritage experts at RBA Architects & Conservation Consultants. The review identifies places recommended for heritage protection and specifies what, how and why a place is significant and the specific planning controls that should be applied to protect it.
Alongside the review of Western Port and hinterland region, we 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.
What are the next steps?
The draft reports are available for everyone to view and comment on from 19 June to 28 July 2023.
We will be contacting all affected property owners directly to inform them of our consultants’ recommendations and to seek their feedback.
We’re also hosting several in-person community sessions from 10 – 13 July where people can book an appointment to meet with our heritage consultants and Shire officers to better understand the heritage study and recommendations and what it might mean for their land.
To view the reports, find the details of the community sessions and have your say, visit:mornpen.vic.gov.au/heritagereview.
Following community consultation, we’ll review all feedback received to help us 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.
Quote attributable to Mayor Councillor Steve Holland:
“Our heritage review of the Western Port and broader hinterland region is progressing, and our draft report is now available.
“If your property has been recommended to be part of our Heritage Overlay, we encourage you to find out more by attending our face-to-face consultation sessions.
“We’re here to work with our community to achieve the best outcome for everyone.”
