A heritage review to create a more accurate overlay for Maryborough is underway, meaning some properties may benefit from more accessible planning permits for extensions to existing homes and sheds.
Heritage Overlay 206 covers a large portion of the Maryborough township however the reviewed overlay would see this area reduced by around half and broken into eight distinct heritage precincts.
These precincts include the former gaol, civic square, commercial, Palmerston Street, Park Road, Raglan Street and eastern and western residential precincts.
Central Goldfields Shire Manager Strategy and Economic Development Philip Schier said a review of the existing heritage overlay for Maryborough is designed to better meet heritage needs.
“The existing heritage overlay was put in place at a time when there was a fashion for really large, precinct-level overlays capturing most of the town,” he said.
“It has been suggested the overlay may have covered too large an area because it captures lots of places that really aren’t of heritage significance.
“The problem with that is you can end up generating too many planning hurdles for people if there’s nothing of particular heritage value to protect — it has the potential to make it more challenging in cases where people wanted to put in an extension, water tank or shed.
“This review process is about striking that balance in protecting what’s important for the community and future generations, but being aware that does put some restriction on what people can do on their own property so not going too far with that.”
Mr Schier said the review will mean some minor changes for residents, with some properties to have the heritage overlay removed.
“The proposed precincts cover a bit over half the area of the original overlay,” he said.
“This means that for some residents the heritage overlay will be lifted, while for others it will still be there but in a much more specific way.
“For those residents where the overlay is staying, there won’t be a massive change, it just means we’ll have much clearer guidelines.
“We’re also putting in some guidelines that will help property owners and council planners to be clear on what needs to be protected — this doesn’t mean you can’t do anything on your property, it simply highlights what important heritage elements need to be preserved.”
Council is running two public information sessions regarding the heritage review this week, with residents invited to attend.
The first session will run tomorrow, Wednesday, November 29 from 5 pm at the Maryborough Community Hub.
There are also one-on-one sessions running on Thursday, November 30 at the hub from 10 am until 1 pm, however residents wishing to attend are asked to book beforehand at https://calendly.com.
“Residents have got a chance to look at the proposed changes and let us know if there’s anything they think we’ve missed or got wrong,” Mr Schier said.
“There will also be further chances for feedback when ultimately there is a planning scheme amendment process next year so this is not the last opportunity to have input.”
For more information on the review, head to council’s website.
