Heritage Buildings

The Tasmanian Heritage Register is a register of those places in Tasmania that are of historic cultural heritage significance. These places are important to Tasmania and Tasmanians because of their contribution to our culture and society. They are also important as part of the cultural fabric of the State that is so much a part of our tourism industry. The Register is maintained by the Tasmanian Heritage Council under the Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995.

There are several thousand places entered on the Tasmanian Heritage Register because they have been judged as being significant by the Heritage Council. Some of these places may also be on one of the following Registers:

• The Register of the National Estate which is maintained by the (Commonwealth) Australian Heritage Commission;
• The Register of the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania); or
• Break O' Day Planning Scheme 1996

Being on the Register will have little or no effect on most property owners. All that being on the Register means is that the issue of the significance of the place will be considered when the time comes for any modifications to be made to the place. This will be considered as part of any normal Building or Development Application that are lodged with the Local Council.

When thinking of doing some work on a registered place, please consider contacting one of our Heritage Professionals for free on-site advice on heritage and conservation issues.

What happens if an owner applies to do work and it is not approved?

The owner may appeal to the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal that is the same process to use if the owner were dissatisfied by a decision of the Local Council upon an application to do work on the property.
It is rare that the Heritage Council refuses an application. Sometimes it imposes conditions of approval designed to preserve the heritage values of the place. The Heritage Council has had much success with property owners who sought its advice prior to lodging a works application.

Does the Act restrict an owner's use of the registered property?

It will not restrict it in any way if the use does not require modifications to the significant elements of the property. The best thing for an historic property is for it to be used. The Heritage Council's task is to assist not hinder this usage.

What are the benefits to the owner?

• The owner may qualify for one of the grant or loan programs available to heritage property owners. Please ring the Heritage Council for details.
• If the place is used for community purposes (like religious or recreation uses) the owner may be able to establish a tax-deductible restoration fund. Contact the National Trust for more information.
• The owner can talk to the Heritage Council about a "heritage agreement". This could give such benefits as the waiver of government charges. The owner may also be given special considerations in the approval processes.
• The owner can ask the Heritage Council for free architectural or conservation consultation on-site. Ring to make an appointment with our heritage advisor.

See Section 14 Heritage Code of the Break O' Day Planning Scheme for further information or visit the Tasmanian Heritage Council website at www.tasheritage.tas.gov.au. Contact Council's planning department on 03 6376 7933 to see if this effects your property, as the register is growing each week with newly listed properties it is important to check before submitting your proposal for development. To obtain an application for Heritage Works please contact the Tasmanian Heritage Council on 03 6233 2037.