Local Heritage Study

Under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992, all local governments in Queensland are required to identify places of cultural heritage significance for their area in either a Local Heritage Register or their planning scheme.

Properties on the Local Heritage Register are important to Lockyer Valley's history and culture. Listing them helps protect these places for future generations by regulating development so heritage values are not lost. The list was created after assessing each place and identifying those of cultural heritage significance. 

If your property is on the Local Heritage Register it means it has been identified as being of heritage significance and is subject to protection for its local heritage value.

Heritage means recognising things from the past that are important today and should be protected for future generations. This includes buildings, landscapes, objects and cultural traditions. Some places are significant because they are old, while others are important due to their connection with historical events, important people or cultural practices. 

If your property is heritage-listed you may need approval from Council before undertaking development, such as building work. Council will assess the proposed development against the Heritage overlay code to ensure the development respects the heritage value of the property. The aim is to protect the Lockyer Valley's heritage for future generations. 

No, being on the heritage register does not give the public the right to enter private property. 

You can check the Lockyer Valley Local Heritage Register on Council’s website to see which properties are listed. The Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme also maps heritage places in the Cultural heritage overlay. See Map - Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme.

Yes, other heritage registers include: 

• Queensland Heritage Register – managed by the Queensland Government. 
• Register of the National Trust – a non-statutory register managed by the National Trust of Australia. 
• Commonwealth Heritage List – covers heritage places under Federal (Australian) Government control. 
• World Heritage Areas – nominations and protection is undertaken by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).  

If you plan to make changes to places listed on these registers, you may need approval from other agencies. For properties on the Lockyer Valley Local Heritage Register, Council is the responsible authority. 

Yes, but you may need approval from Council depending on the type and scale of work. The goal is to protect what makes the place significant. However, Council understands some changes are necessary to keep a property usable and well-maintained. Heritage listing does not mean a place cannot be altered. For example, renovations and new additions must follow specific guidelines that protect the heritage value of the building. For more information, check the Heritage Overlay Code of the Planning Scheme and Cultural Heritage Policy No. 3.

If your property is heritage-listed you may need approval from Council before undertaking development, such as building work. Some exemptions apply. Council will assess the proposed development against the Heritage overlay code to ensure the development respects the historical value of the property. 

No. Only work classified as development under the Planning Act 2016 requires approval. Routine activities like painting and general maintenance do not need approval.

Demolition or removal is generally not supported, but in special cases where there is ‘no practical alternative’, Council may approve it. 

If an Exemption Certificate is issued, it means you do not need to get development approval from Council.  Owners can apply for an Exemption Certificate if they want to undertake development that will not harm the heritage value of the place. 

No, you are not required to restore your property and there are no special maintenance requirements. However, if a property is at risk of damage from weather, fire, vandalism or pests, a repair notice can be issued under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. 

No, there are no extra requirements for hiring tradespeople beyond standard building laws. 

This depends on the insurance company. Generally, being on the heritage register should not affect insurance premiums. Insurance costs are usually based on factors like building age, construction materials and condition. Owners should check with different insurance providers.