Draft Community Heritage Study

Project Background

Wingecarribee Shire, known for its charming landscapes and heritage, partnered with local volunteers to identify potential heritage sites. The resulting draft Wingecarribee Community Heritage Study examined over 600 locations and proposed new conservation areas.

Following review by council and planning panels, the draft study underwent public consultation with property owners and the community in September to November 2023. While the comment period is now closed, the draft study documents remain available for download in the Document Library to the right of this page, including details on the methodology, property assessments, and potential conservation areas.

Consultation History

Public consultations aimed to:

  • Share study findings and recommendations with property owners and the community.
  • Answer owner questions about their properties and heritage implications.
  • Address owner concerns and gather additional historical information.
  • Receive written feedback on the study.

Property that were identified of potential heritage significance within the study owners received letters with details on consultation sessions. These consultations were held September - October 2023.

Owners and other members of the community were able to engage with the project team through drop-in information kiosks run in various locations across the Wingecarribee Shire.

Public submissions were encouraged regardless of support, opposition, or additional information to share. The deadline initially set for 6 November 2023, was extended to 20 November 2023, to accommodate those attending November drop-in information kiosks.

Next Steps / Independent Peer Review

Following public exhibition, Council committed to an independent review. In December 2023, Mr. Robert Staas, a qualified heritage expert with over 40 years of experience and a nationally recognised heritage expert, was appointed to conduct the review. Further information about the appointment of Mr Robert Staas can be found at Council’s media centre here.

All public submissions and draft study materials were considered in this review. To address complexity and ensure a thorough review, Council adjusted the initial timeline at the March 2024 Council Meeting.

Heritage