The first step of the Heritage Gaps Review Program completed

The first milestone for the Heritage Gaps Review Program has been achieved. The City of Ballarat’s Thematic Environmental History report has been published and is now available for the community’s review.  

This report details research undertaken to understand the historical themes that have shaped the Ballarat municipality, including:

• Landscape
• Impact of colonisation
• Layout of city, towns and villages
• Transport and industry
• Communities and activities.  

This will help inform the Heritage Gaps Review Program over the next several years.  

The report is a culmination of the community’s feedback and submissions in April and May of 2024, as well as targeted work with stakeholders.  

Consultation also included walking and driving tours with local interested parties of Ballarat, Learmonth, Buninyong and Miners Rest.

Following more than 170 submissions, the City of Ballarat Heritage team have worked through the community’s feedback and prepared the Thematic Environmental History report.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said this large report consisting of four volumes is vital for the next steps in the Heritage Gaps Review Program, as it will help inform the Heritage Gaps Program over the next several years.  

“This report helps us to ensure that heritage planning decisions are made with a clear understanding of the history of the land use and development within Ballarat,” he said.  

A Thematic Environmental History is a strategic tool that helps to ensure heritage planning decisions are grounded in a clear understanding of the history of land-use and development in a municipality.

Further projects in the Heritage Gaps Review Program will include a review of current Heritage Overlays and associated policies across Ballarat, and an assessment of new heritage precincts and places.    

The City of Ballarat Thematic Environmental History report is crucial for future strategic heritage planning, and the City of Ballarat now wants to hear feedback from the community on the report.  

You can review the full draft Thematic Environmental History and provide feedback or ask questions, via the City of Ballarat’s mysay page, until 15 September 2024.