Heritage

Northern Grampians Shire has a rich history and heritage from the pastoral plains to the Grampians. The area was settled in the 1840s as large sheep stations and towns such as Glenorchy grew rapidly. The gold mining activity of the 1850s gave rise to the main towns of Stawell and St Arnaud as well as other smaller towns.

Agricultural activity continued in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries including winemaking and other activities such as tourism in the Grampians. The activities have left many items of heritage throughout the shire.

In 2004 a heritage study of the shire was completed. The study included over 1000 items of heritage significance. The heritage study can be inspected at council offices and the items are now available through the Heritage Victoria database (see link below).

Victorian Heritage Database

A small number of Places of Heritage significance are protected on the Planning Scheme Heritage Overlay.

Heritage Overlay

Schedule to the Heritage Overlay


Heritage Consultant

Northern Grampians Shire Council employs a Heritage Consultant to assist with the protection and conservation of places within the shire. The Heritage Consultant is available to assist building owners with advice free of charge.

Should you have any suspicion that you own a place of Heritage and plan changes, you should discuss the need for a Planning Permit with the Heritage Consultant.

Contact the Planning Department on 03 5358 8700 to make an appointment.