Launceston is Australia's third oldest city and has some of the country's best-preserved architectural heritage.
In order to continue the conservation of this priceless asset, buildings and sites are protected by legislation at both state and local level.
As an owner of a heritage listed property, you have a responsibility to adhere to regulations under the Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995 and the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (LUPAA) when considering any development.
The Tasmanian Heritage Register (THR) is a list of places in Tasmania recognised as having historic cultural significance at a state level. The register is maintained by the Tasmanian Heritage Council under the Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995.
These places are important because of their contribution to our culture and society and are protected by law, so be sure to check if your property is registered when considering any development including:
- construction
- demolition
- renovation
- maintenance
- removal of vegetation
Be sure to check if your property is registered on the THR when considering repairing or developing any part of your property (including interior elements). You can do this do this by following contacting Heritage Tasmania or going to their website.
The register is maintained by the Tasmanian Heritage Council under the Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995.
Launceston's Local Provisions Schedule includes a list of places of protected at the local level. These properties are considered to be of importance to Launceston and its residents and require special consideration under the Local Historic Heritage Code within the State Planning Provisions.
To check if your property is listed locally, please s contact the planning department to discuss.
Development proposals for heritage listed properties are dealt with as part of the City of Launceston's planning process.
Works requiring approval due to listing at either the state or local level are dealt with as a single Development Application, which will be referred to the Tasmanian Heritage Council for their assessment if they are State heritage.
Before lodging a Development Application with Council, it is highly recommended that owners of properties which may be listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register contact Heritage Tasmania by phoning 1300 850 332 or emailing enquiries@heritage.tas.gov.au to:
- Confirm if your property is listed on the Register;
- Seek advice in regard to the significance of the property and the works to be carried out; and
- Determine if the proposed works qualify for an exemption from the need for referral to the Tasmanian Heritage Council and if so, request a 'Certificate of Exemption'.
Guidance in regard to the appropriate development of places listed at the state level and potential exemptions can be found in the Works Guidelines for Historic Heritage Places.
Please note that if a 'Certificate of Exemption' is issued by the THC, the works may still require planning approval and should proceed through the normal planning approval process.
Please contact our Heritage Planner Fiona Ranson for more information:
Phone: (03) 6323 3370
Email: Fiona.Ranson@launceston.tas.gov.au
Or for specific enquiries about the Tasmanian Heritage Register or advice in regard to development of properties included on the register, you can contact Heritage Tasmania:
Phone: 1300 850 332
Email: enquiries@heritage.tas.gov.au
The Places of Launceston Heritage Awards aim to recognise projects which improve heritage places whilst maintaining their heritage value, or otherwise promote an awareness of the value of Launceston's heritage, while the Heritage Snap photography award continues to encourage our younger residents to take an interest in our built heritage.
Visit our Awards page for details.