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This page contains advice on protected heritage items or areas in Lake Macquarie City Council and factors to consider for development projects and building works.
For general information, see our page on History and heritage.
If your property is heritage listed, or located within a heritage area, you need to consider this in planning and development on your property. Development of heritage properties should retain the significance or value of the heritage item and/or be reflective of the local character.
To find out if your property has specific development controls and application procedures related to heritage, including the category of heritage protection that may apply:
Our environmental heritage involves places and landscapes of historic, cultural, social, spiritual sacrifice, archaeological, architectural or aesthetic significance. Significant places, objects and known or potential archaeological resources are protected under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Heritage Act 1977 and National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
In New South Wales the responsibility for managing and regulating cultural heritage is split between the state and local governments:
Locally and state-listed heritage items and areas are protected under different laws and the rules and pathways for development approvals and exempt works and activities differs.
Typically, minor works, day-to-day repairs and maintenance do not require approval as they usually meet the criteria for exempt development. Whilst minor works may not require engaging professional heritage expertise, this may be required when planning bigger changes. Council's Development Planner Heritage is a good starting point for guidance on your heritage property.
For more details on planning your building works, development approvals and exemptions, see relevant section specific to the category of heritage protection for your property.
Locally listed heritage items and heritage conservation areas State listed heritage items and precincts Sensitive Aboriginal Cultural Landscapes and registered Aboriginal sites
We also have a site offering valuable advice for heritage property owners and other interested individuals. It includes resources on local history and knowledge, heritage works and maintenance, and other useful heritage-related information.
Heritage resources
For advice on heritage and development, contact Council's Development Planner Heritage on 02 4921 0333. We encourage you to consult with us at an early stage in planning your development and before lodging a Development Application.
Heritage Consultants can provide expert knowledge and assistance. The guidance of a Heritage Consultant can be particularly useful if you're looking to alter a heritage item.
Owners of heritage-listed properties in Lake Macquarie can apply for annual small grants, through the Local Heritage Places Fund, to assist with the maintenance of their properties.
Application details and further information can be found at the Local Heritage Places Fund webpage.