Plans to maintain Teralba’s rich heritage
Published on 14 February 2022
Teralba’s unique 19th century mining and railway history, is set to be recognised and protected through a new Lake Macquarie City Council plan.
Council’s Draft Heritage Conservation Area Plan highlights ways to protect Teralba’s character by assessing how much residential and commercial buildings weave into the suburb’s historic fabric.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said Teralba had been recognised as a historic gem by the NSW Government.
“Teralba is our very own time capsule and we want to showcase its history for generations to come,” Cr Fraser said.
“Not only is Teralba a beautiful place to live, it attracts visitors from across the country and tells a great story about Australia in the 19th century.”
Manager Integrated Planning Wes Hain said buildings had been categorised as either ‘Non-contributory’, ‘Contributory 2’ or ‘Contributory 1’.
“We have individually assessed the exterior of each property and classed them based on their features and the level of contribution they provide to the town’s overall heritage significance,” Mr Hain said.
The draft plan contains guidelines for how development can occur for buildings in each of the categories.
It also proposes to reduce the height for new development from three storeys to two in some parts of Teralba, including south of Railway Street.
“We’re open to new additions in the town, but wish to facilitate development in a way that complements historical assets.”
The boundary of the Heritage Conservation Area could be altered to align with parts of Teralba that have heritage significance.
The draft Heritage Conservation Area Plan and Planning Proposal for Teralba Heritage Conservation Area will be on public exhibition until 14 March.
Information sessions will be held in February and March.
To register and for more information, go to shape.lakemac.com.au/teralba-hca.