Local Heritage Register

Our heritage is part of who we are. It is what we inherit, appreciate today, and think is important to protect and pass onto future generations.

Heritage does not have to be old, it is anything that we value and identify as worth protecting for appreciation now and into the future. It may include Aboriginal cultural heritage, buildings, structures, remnants of built fabric, conservation areas, precincts, archaeology, trees, significant landscapes and moveable heritage (i.e. museum collections, heritage trams or trains etc.).

Heritage does not have to be completely intact or in good condition to be of significance. Significance lies in a place or object's ability to demonstrate a particular heritage criteria, character, or theme that is considered important.

In Tasmania we have multiple levels of heritage including: World, National, Commonwealth, State, and Local heritage. The heritage protection system exists to conserve, manage, promote and celebrate our heritage.

The City of Launceston maintains a register of significant historic heritage places at a Local level; as these places have particular Local significance for our city. 

Local heritage is an item, whether that be a building, precinct, landscape, tree or archaeological site, which has significance to a local government area and its community. Local heritage listing is the way heritage places in Launceston are identified and managed.

Local heritage is managed by Local Councils and protected under the Land Use Planning & Approvals Act 1993 (LUPAA) and the Tasmanian Planning Scheme. Under Schedule 1 Part 2a of LUPAA, it is Council's duty to: 'conserve those buildings, areas or other places which are of scientific, aesthetic, architectural or historic interest, or otherwise of special cultural value.'

In Launceston, heritage places of Local significance are listed on the Launceston Local Provisions Schedule of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme.

A Local heritage listing in Launceston can be:

Heritage significance is embodied in the history, aesthetics, fabric, setting, use, associations, and meaning of a place.

Heritage significance is used in heritage practice and legislation to encompass all the cultural values and meanings that might be reflected in a place or object. Heritage significance is the sum of the heritage values that a place or object has, as assessed against the heritage criteria.

The Local heritage significance criteria, as outlined by the Tasmanian Planning Scheme: State Planning Provisions - C6.3 Local Historic Code, is the tool by which Local heritage is identified and assessed:

Local historic heritage significance means significance in relation to a Local heritage place or a local heritage precinct or local historic landscape precinct, and its historic heritage values as identified in the relevant list, in the relevant Local Provisions Schedule, because of:

a) Its role in, representation of, or potential for contributing to the understanding of:

i. Local history;

ii. Creative or technical achievements;

iii. A class of building or place; or

iv. Aesthetic characteristics; or

b. Its association with:

i. A particular community or cultural group for social or spiritual reasons; or

ii. The life or works of a person, or groups of persons, of importance to the locality or region.

as identified in the relevant list in the relevant Local Provisions Schedule, or in a report prepared by a suitably qualified person, if not identified in the relevant list. 

We are custodians of our past and present environment. Recognising and protecting Launceston's heritage is part of respecting and caring for the places and values of importance to our community.

Heritage listing plays an important role in ensuring we retain our city's character and community's sense of place. The heritage protection system exists to conserve, manage, promote and celebrate our heritage.

It is a common misconception that Local heritage can only be old, grand or beautiful.

A variety of significance criteria means that a place can be significant for reasons other than age and beauty. Criteria such as a site's history, aesthetic quality, architectural value, association with important people or groups, rarity or representativeness.

Launceston's history and culture is broad and vibrant. The range of heritage places in Launceston reflect and depict this broad and vibrant history. 

Whilst you may be the best custodian for your heritage property today, no-one can guarantee that future owners will look after it as well as you have if it remains unlisted.

In most cases, the reasons for a property being heritage listed are the same reasons you also value and love your property. 

Obligations as an owner of a local heritage item are no greater than an owner of any other property, including normal maintenance and care. The main difference may occur when a property owner proposes to make changes to the local heritage item.

Development applications (DA) are required for all major works, regardless of heritage listing. For more information about DAs and exemptions please visit: Planning - City of Launceston.

Inclusion of a property on the Launceston Local Heritage List does not prevent it from a proposed development. Managing and conserving heritage items ensures that they retain their cultural heritage significance, and that development and work is compatible with the heritage values of the place.

Development Applications (DA) are required for all major works, regardless of heritage listing. DA's are dealt with as part of the City of Launceston's planning process. For more information, visit: Planning - City of Launceston.

Maintenance works (including gardening) are usually exempt from the DA process. The full list of exemptions can be found under Section C6.4 of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme - State Planning Provisions (Local Historic Heritage Code) here: Tasmanian planning scheme – Tasmanian Planning Commission Website. 

Local heritage listing does not require owners to freeze a property in time. In fact, the ongoing use and viability of a Local heritage place is a priority.

We recognise that change is often required to ensure Local heritage places are comfortable and useable in our modern age. Whilst normal maintenance and care is encouraged, as with any property owner. 

A collective heritage ambiance has been shown to be an attraction to living or working in an area. Heritage buildings often hold a special appeal, whilst their rarity and authenticity are features which cannot simply be recreated.

Advice put forth by the Tasmanian Heritage Council states: research shows that the impact of heritage listing on property prices can be positive. Like any property, its value will be affected by a range of factors including size, location, trends in the real estate market cycle and the quality and maintenance of the property. 

Whilst heritage listing alone should have no effect on your ability to secure insurance for your property, any changes to your property should be discussed with your insurance broker to ensure you have the best policy to cover your needs within your budget.

Any building, whether listed or not, may have unique features or materials (e.g. timber shingles or stain glass windows), the value of which should be considered. You must establish what the replacement cost would be in the event of total loss. If you want cover for the complete replication of original fabric, this would be discussed with your insurance broker. However, that is entirely your choice, as there is no obligation to rebuild heritage-listed buildings using the same materials, or replicating original features, in the event of complete or partial loss.

Please note: City of Launceston cannot provide legal or insurance advice. For detailed information on insurance policies, please contact your insurance broker. 

The most sustainable option is, more often than not, the one you already have.

Heritage protection allows for the addition of solar panels and other sustainable measures. Continued use and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings saves embodied energy and reduces landfill waste. It saves energy that would be used in the production of new materials or energy produced during demolition and construction works.