In March 2023, around 1,000 Launceston property owners received a letter from the City of Launceston regarding a Heritage List Review and how it affects their property.
Why has a heritage review been undertaken for Launceston?
The Fact Sheet issued as part of the Review by the City of Launceston states that:
"The City of Launceston has an obligation under the Planning Process of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993:
to conserve those buildings, areas or other places which are of scientific, aesthetic, architectural or historical interest, or otherwise of special cultural value.
The Council has recently undertaken a heritage review of our city, which identified heritage places and areas requiring conservation and promotion for adoption into planning policy and processes.
The importance of managing heritage values and protecting the unique qualities of our city has also been highlighted in the Greater Launceston Plan."
The City of Launceston has provided the following contact details should you like to discuss the letter you received:
Phone: (03) 6323 3000 (Customer Service Centre)
Email: heritage.review@launceston.tas.gov.au
Where can I find an explanation of the data sheet terms?
The Review Fact Sheet issued by the City of Launceston directs readers to the Heritage Tasmania website for explanations of the datasheet terms - this information can be found on the Definitions page on our website.
Why is this review being undertaken by the City of Launceston rather than Heritage Tasmania?
In Australia, heritage lists are maintained by all three levels of government in recognition of the responsibility that government has to ensure that all aspects of the environment are sustainably managed.
The listing of locally significant built heritage places, which are the subject of this Review, is administered by the relevant local council (in this case, the City of Launceston). The registration of built heritage with State-level significance is administered by Heritage Tasmania.
To find out more about these levels of heritage management, go to the Heritage Listing Explained page on our website.
Heritage listing provides for the conservation of those buildings, areas or other places that are valued for the contribution that they make to our cultural heritage, for the benefit of current and future generations. The reasons that these places may be considered important are expressed in terms of scientific, aesthetic, architectural or historical interest, or other special cultural value.
Tasmania has some of Australia's oldest and best preserved heritage places and precincts. This legacy of previous generations and their stories are of interest and appeal to Tasmanians and to visitors to our State. It is a strong economic driver in Tasmania, boosting tourism and other industries.