Draft Heritage Strategy Review open for community feedback
AlburyCity is inviting the community to have their say on the Draft Heritage Strategy Review, a key step in protecting and celebrating the stories, places and experiences that shape our city, after Council last night voted to place the review on public exhibition.
The Hume Dam, which is among the new listing recommendations
Heritage is about more than conserving historic buildings. It’s about recognising and carrying forward the important stories that reflect who we are – and ensuring they remain part of our future.
Under NSW planning laws, councils are required to protect local heritage. One way this is achieved is through the Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP), which identifies significant heritage places. The draft review proposes updates to the LEP, including the addition and removal of heritage items, and revised statements of significance.
The draft also introduces a new Heritage Strategy to guide planning decisions and management, with actions to address heritage challenges, a 10-year review cycle, and annual monitoring.
“Heritage is not just about conserving the past; it is about weaving those important stories of our rich past into the future. This strategy aims to strike a balance between maintaining and conserving our heritage and accommodating the evolving needs of our growing community,” explained Albury Mayor Kevin Mack.
Key elements of the Draft Heritage Strategy Review include:
- An updated history of Albury reflecting a more inclusive narrative.
- Proposed future changes to listed heritage items in the Albury LEP 2010, including additions and removals based on expert advice.
- Enhanced information for priority heritage items and heritage conservation areas.
- A draft Heritage Strategy with clear actions to guide decisions and strengthen protection.
- A 10-year review framework consistent with broader planning strategies.
Currently, the Albury LEP 2010 identifies 245 local heritage items, 12 state heritage items, 16 heritage conservation areas, and one Declared Aboriginal Place – Mungabareena, protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
The Draft Heritage Strategy Review has been informed by community nominations, expert advice from a Heritage Advisor, and input from the Community Heritage Working Group. The project has been jointly funded by the NSW Government and AlburyCity.
The Draft Heritage Strategy Review will now be placed on public exhibition for 28 days. Community members can view the documents and provide feedback via AlburyCity’s Engaging Albury platform.
Copies will also be available at the AlburyCity Council Offices, LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library. Direct notification will be provided to affected property owners, past submitters, the Aboriginal Advisory Committee and the Community Heritage Working Group.
All feedback will be considered before the final review is presented to Council for adoption. Additionally, Council’s endorsement will be sought to advance certain elements through further approval processes, including a NSW Planning Proposal.