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 Advice

Should you have any suspicion that you own a place of heritage significance, you can contact Council's Statutory Planning Department to discuss if the property is affected by an existing Heritage Overlay or by an upcoming Heritage Study. They will be able to provide advice about all relevant heritage considerations, including any permits which may need to be obtained for any proposed works/demolition or new buildings you are planning to undertake.

You can request heritage advice using our online portal below: