Heritage

Heritage studies are detailed investigations into places which may have heritage significance. Heritage studies are prepared based on the priorities identified in our Heritage Gap Study (PDF). We follow State Government legislation, guidelines and processes when preparing heritage studies. We use independent heritage experts to research the history of a place or area and provide recommendations for protection through statutory planning controls that are implemented by amending the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme Heritage Overlay (PDF).

We always consult with property owners and the community when undertaking a heritage study.

In order to apply the Heritage Overlay to places of heritage significance, we need to make changes to the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme through a formal planning scheme amendment. In order to commence the proposed planning scheme amendment, Council must seek approval from the Minister for Planning.

The community are consulted on all planning scheme amendments. Council reviews and considers all feedback. Any unresolved submissions are then heard by an independent panel appointed by the Minister for Planning. The panel will review the proposed amendment and any submissions made, and make recommendations that are set out in a panel report. Council considers the panel's recommendations and decides whether to:

• adopt the amendment as recommended by the panel
• adopt the amendment with additional changes; or
• abandon the amendment.

If Council adopts the amendment, a request is made to the Minister for Planning to approve the amendment as adopted.

Finally, the Minister for Planning decides whether to approve or refuse the amendment to introduce a new Heritage Overlay to the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme. If approved, the amendment takes effect when a notice of the approval is published in the Government Gazette.

Places of heritage significance are identified on our planning maps through the Heritage Overlay.

A significant place is a heritage place that has cultural heritage significance independent of its context. That is, they are places of local significance that could be eligible for individual inclusion in the Heritage Overlay. These places may also contribute to the significance of a precinct.

A contributory place contributes to the significance of a heritage precinct but would not be significant on its own.

Non-contributory places do not contribute to the significance of a heritage precinct. In some instances, a significant place may be considered non-contributory within a precinct. For example, an important Modernist house within a Victorian era precinct. In other instances, non-contributory places are included in precincts due to their location within the precinct.

We have a variety of heritage places, including buildings, residential and commercial precincts, parks, trees and objects (such as the neon T D Noone Woven Products sign at 541 Keilor Road, Niddrie - HO338).

These heritage places reflect the different phases of the city’s development, and are documented in a number of heritage studies that have previously been prepared.

Information on each site is now available on the Moonee Valley Heritage Database. The database includes information about heritage places and precincts, including a Statement of Significance (where prepared).

Our current heritage work is guided by what was identified in the 2014 Moonee Valley Heritage Gap Study (PDF). The Gap Study identified potential ‘gaps’ in heritage overlays in Moonee Valley and outlines a prioritised approach to protecting these places. The Gap Study is referred to as a Stage 1 Study. The Gap Study provides a prioritised work plan that guides which detailed heritage studies (Stage 2) should be undertaken by Council. The Gap Study identifies properties, precincts, and places in groups which are arranged as high, medium or low priority based on the presence of heritage from that era already under protection in the city of Moonee Valley. We follow State Government legislation, guidelines and processes when preparing heritage studies. Below is a process chart that gives a high-level view of the current status of Moonee Valley’s heritage work.

In 2015, Council undertook a Stage 2 Heritage Study which included assessment of various commercial places, transport-related places, industrial and suburban infrastructure, and community-use buildings as recommended by the Gap Study.

In 2017, Council commenced a Stage 2 Heritage Study which included assessment of residential interwar, Victorian, and Edwardian places, precincts and extension to existing precincts as recommended by the Gap Study.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

The Moonee Valley Heritage Gap Study 2014 identified several Aboriginal Heritage (‘post-contact’) places as having potential heritage significance. Protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage places and objects is guided by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council being the responsible authority; one site is listed on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register. From a Strategic Planning perspective, consideration of the application of a Heritage Overlay would not be applicable.

Moving forward, consideration will be given to possible means of review and recognition of these places as part of Council’s Reconciliation Policy.

The current 2023 Heritage Study assesses the remaining recommendations from the Gap Study. Assessments also include previously identified “future work” and other properties that were omitted for assessment from past heritage studies, several consultant recommendations, and two sets of separate community nominations.

The current Moonee Valley heritage journey is recorded in the resources below.

• Moonee Valley Heritage Gap Study 2014 (PDF)
• Moonee Valley Heritage Study 2017 (Planning Scheme Amendment C200moon)
  • Volume 1: Precincts and Precinct Extensions (2021 revisions) (PDF)
  • Volume 2: Places (2021 revisions)
• Moonee Valley Heritage Study 2015 (Planning Scheme Amendment C164) (PDF)
• 81 Charles Street - Heritage Values Review 2019 (Planning Scheme Amendment C211moon) (PDF)
• Heritage Gap Study - Landmark Review 2019 (PDF)

The Department of Transport and Planning website contains further information on the roles that Councils, the State Government, Heritage Victoria and the Heritage Council of Victoria play in the preservation of local heritage.

Planning Practice Note 1 provides guidance around applying the Heritage Overlay.

Council supports the installation of solar panels in Heritage Overlay areas. Head to our solar panels and heritage requirements page for guidance on:

• where the ideal space is to locate solar panels on your property
• how to install panels without a planning permit
• what to do if you determine you do need a planning permit
• how to apply for a planning permit
• installation mistakes to avoid
• how to orientate solar panels on your property
• how to get support in your solar powered journey.

By having the Heritage Overlay applied to your property, you may require a planning permit to:

• demolish or relocate buildings
• subdivide or consolidate land
• construct or extend a building
• make external alterations
• display signage and advertising
• remove trees (in some cases)
• external painting (in some cases).