Hulls announces protection of Nillumbik's Heritage

From the Minister for Planning - Rob Hulls
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
HULLS ANNOUNCES PROTECTION OF NILLUMBIK’S HERITAGE
Interim planning controls to protect the heritage value of an additional 73 sites in Nillumbik Shire were granted today by Planning Minister Rob Hulls.

The heritage amendment to the Nillumbik Shire Planning Scheme will provide interim protection from inappropriate development, demolition and alterations for significant places.

Nillumbik Shire Council has identified the sites during heritage studies, and requested interim protection while the public consultation process to put in permanent controls is completed.

“The interim planning controls will ensure these sites will be identified and protected while the process for permanent heritage protection is completed,” Mr Hulls said at the Eltham Library, which is subject to the new controls.

“This library was designed by Gregory Burgess, recognised as an architect of great distinction around the world. The building is a great example of how he expresses human and community values,” he said.

“I’m pleased to also announce the protection of the Rob Roy Hill Climb site in Smith Gully which has the distinction of being one of the only specially designed bitumen surface hill climbs in the world.”

The 73 protected sites include public and private buildings, artworks, landscapes, trees and other structures.

“The Council must be congratulated on its hard work in not only identifying these 73 sites but ensuring they are protected and preserved for future generations,” Mr Hulls said.

“I understand the Council will shortly exhibit the controls for permanent heritage protection for these sites, and I encourage the community to provide their feedback.”

Member for Eltham, Steve Herbert, said the interim protection controls would provide more certainty for the local community.

“This is great step towards protecting and preserving some of Nillumbik’s most significant heritage sites,” he said.