Improving local cultural heritage protection and management

The Heritage Council of Victoria protects state-significant cultural heritage under the Heritage Act 2017. We do not protect local heritage. But we advise on managing cultural heritage across the state. 

In 2018, we began a state-wide review to assess and improve local cultural heritage protection and management. 

The review’s final report offers a snapshot of Victoria’s local heritage management at the time of publication. This will serve as a benchmark for future comparisons. 

In this review, we explore:  

• effective parts of the system that provide strong local heritage protection 

• areas needing improvement 

• ways for the state government, local councils and the Heritage Council of Victoria to collaborate. This will ensure ongoing protection and management of local cultural heritage. 

This review aims to boost cooperation among all levels of government. It seeks to preserve Victoria's local heritage for future generations. 

Supporting resources

• Local government’s role in heritage protection – an introduction for councillors.

  The importance of local heritage protection and council obligations under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

  Download PDF (861kb)

• Heritage in your municipality

  A template for briefing new councillors and executive staff on heritage protection in their municipality.

  Download PPTX (2mb)

Learn more about who protects our heritage, why we protect it and how you can get involved.  Explore and share these resources to celebrate and help protect Victoria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.  

Watch Heritage Council member Natica Schmeder present the key findings of the review and the work to implement practical improvements.