HC Strategic Plan Forewords
Minister's Foreword
Chair's Foreword
Minister’s Foreword
The Hon Matthew Guy MLC
Minister for Planning
Victorians are the beneficiaries of a rich history that has provided a legacy of distinctive cultural heritage assets across the State. These places and objects provide insight into a unique past that is deeply etched with stories of human endeavour and resourcefulness. Victoria’s cultural heritage demonstrates the values, priorities and pressures that shaped our past.
While heritage is from the past, it is very much of the present and for the future. Well maintained heritage contributes to liveability, economic prosperity and sustainability. Our management of heritage assets must be carefully considered in an environment that is increasingly subject to the push and pull of growth pressures and the desire for change.
Victoria is fortunate to have a well established heritage management system that is widely considered to be at the forefront of heritage protection in Australia.
A robust and credible system has resulted in a Heritage Register of more than 2000 places and objects - this includes buildings, shipwrecks, archaeological sites, gardens, trees and movable objects. This is in addition to over 120,000 places protected by heritage overlay controls at the local level.
The Heritage Council of Victoria is charged with responsibility for protecting Victoria’s cultural heritage resources, including the provision of advice to government, promoting public understanding of heritage and maintaining the Victorian Heritage Register.
I am pleased to see the development of this Strategic Plan to guide the Council’s work over the next four years. The Plan communicates a considered, progressive and transparent agenda for effective heritage management across Victoria, and will ensure that Victoria’s heritage continues to be a relevant and enduring part of our lives.
Chair’s Foreword
Daryl Jackson, AO
Chair, Heritage Council of Victoria
Victoria’s cultural heritage resonates with life and contemporary context; it exists as the backbone to the identity of our cities, towns and rural places, indelibly forming part of how we define ourselves and the world around us. Heritage means a range of things to different individuals and groups. Heritage places and areas distinguish community identity; a register of historic continuity connecting past and present to help create a strong sense of place in both established cities and growth areas. The value of heritage is demonstrated by the public’s interest in and commitment to Indigenous, historic and natural heritage places and objects. In developing this Strategic Plan, the Heritage Council aims to improve the connections between Victorians and their heritage resources. The Council will work with communities, business and all levels of government to ensure that the true value of heritage can be realised through innovative approaches to re-use; to inform conversations about the role of heritage in our daily lives; to demonstrate good heritage practice; and to advocate proactive approaches to heritage management and decision making.
This Plan is a living document to be reviewed throughout its four year lifespan to ensure its strategic directions and actions remain relevant.
The Council looks forward to working with all Victorians to ensure the State’s cultural heritage is managed now and into the future.
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