Heritage Buildings

Policy

This policy sets out requirements for schools managing school buildings listed on the Victorian Heritage Register or with a Heritage Overlay.

Summary

• Under the Heritage Act 2017 (Vic) (the Act) principals, as asset managers, must not allow Victorian Heritage Register listed buildings to fall into disrepair or fail to maintain those buildings to the extent that their conservation is threatened.
• Schools must obtain approval before commencing school-led works on Victorian Heritage Register listed buildings.
• Schools do not need approval but are encouraged to liaise with their local council before undertaking school-led works on buildings with a Heritage Overlay.
• This policy falls within the 'Manage' stage of the School Asset Lifecycle.

Details

The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) is committed to preserving places listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and buildings with a heritage overlay. The VSBA supports schools to effectively manage these assets.

Buildings on the Victorian Heritage Register

Under the Act, principals must not allow Victorian Heritage Register listed buildings to fall into disrepair or fail to maintain those buildings to the extent that their conservation is threatened.

A school’s Student Resource Package takes building age and materials (key components of heritage status) into account. This funding helps schools effectively maintain heritage buildings.

In accordance with the Act, schools must obtain approval from Heritage Victoria before commencing school-led works on Victorian Heritage Register listed buildings. Schools may receive this approval as a permit or exemption.

Buildings with a Heritage Overlay

Schools do not require approval to undertake works on buildings with a Heritage Overlay. However, schools are encouraged to consult with their local council before undertaking school-led works on buildings with a Heritage Overlay to ensure the works are consistent with the intent of the heritage overlay.

To nominate a place for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register, schools may prepare a submission via Heritage Victoria. The VSBA will assist schools by providing any data or information held centrally that may support this submission. However, the VSBA will not review school submissions.

Definitions

In Victorian government schools, heritage can apply in the following forms:

1. Victorian Heritage Register listed
2. Heritage overlay

Victorian Heritage Register listed
Buildings that are assessed as being of state significance are included in the Victorian Heritage Register. The Heritage Council of Victoria makes these assessments under powers given to them under the Act.

Heritage Overlay
Places of local significance may be protected by listing them on a schedule to the heritage overlay under the local council’s planning scheme. Local councils identify and protect places under the planning scheme.

Relevant legislation

• Heritage Act 2017 (Vic)

Guidance

There is no further guidance for this topic. For more information, refer to Resources tab.

Resources

Useful websites

• Department of Environment Land, Water and Planning — contains information and downloadable guidelines that councils use to assess planning permit applications
• Heritage Victoria — in accordance with the Heritage Act, schools must obtain approval from Heritage Victoria before commencing school-led works on Victorian Heritage Register listed buildings. This website includes information on Heritage Victoria and the difference between state and local heritage listings. It also contains links to the Victorian Heritage Register
• Heritage Council of Victoria — an independent statutory body that provides legal protection for places and objects that are important to the history and development of Victoria.