Historic Heritage Advice
When should you consider Historic Heritage support?
Victoria's historic heritage framework is managed through two parallel systems — local heritage protected by Heritage Overlays under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, and state heritage protected through the Victorian Heritage Register and Victorian Heritage Inventory under the Heritage Act 2017. Both systems impose legal obligations on landowners, developers, and project proponents, and both require specialist heritage advice to navigate effectively.
Strata Heritage provides practical historic heritage advice across Gippsland, Melbourne, and regional Victoria. You may need historic heritage advice when:
- Planning new works on or near a property affected by a Heritage Overlay, or listed on the Victorian Heritage Register or Victorian Heritage Inventory
- Developing infrastructure projects that may intersect with historic structures, buildings, or archaeological sites
- Seeking planning permits or heritage approvals from local councils or Heritage Victoria
- Commissioning conservation works, maintenance, or adaptive reuse of a heritage place
- Engaging with Heritage Victoria on permit applications, exemptions, or compliance matters
- Undertaking due diligence on a property purchase or development site with potential heritage constraints
Why does Historic Heritage matter?
Historic heritage obligations in Victoria are legally binding — and the consequences of non-compliance can be significant. Under the Heritage Act 2017 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987, works carried out without the required heritage approvals can result in stop orders, substantial fines, legal proceedings, and reputational damage that affects future project approvals.
Beyond the legal obligations, heritage places are non-renewable cultural assets. Once a significant building, structure, or archaeological site is lost or damaged, that loss is permanent. Understanding your heritage obligations early ensures your project remains compliant, avoids costly delays, and contributes to the responsible stewardship of Victoria's historic environment.
For developers, infrastructure providers, and councils, early heritage advice also supports eligibility for heritage grants and funding programs, reduces the risk of objections from heritage bodies during the approvals process, and ensures proposed works are designed appropriately from the outset.
Further Information
Understanding heritage legislation and the approvals process can be complex. The following resources have been prepared by Strata Heritage to help landowners, developers, planners, and councils navigate their historic heritage obligations in Victoria.
Historic Heritage Guide
A comprehensive guide to Victoria's two heritage systems — local heritage managed through Heritage Overlays under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, and state heritage managed through the Victorian Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 2017. Covers Heritage Impact Statements in detail, including when they are required, what they must contain, and how they are assessed by Heritage Victoria and local councils.
Historic Heritage Glossary
A plain-language glossary of key terms used in historic heritage assessment and planning in Victoria, including Heritage Overlay, Statement of Significance, Heritage Impact Statement, Conservation Management Plan, and Burra Charter.