New Local Heritage Register proposed for Lockyer Valley

Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s Local Heritage Register is set for a refresh.

Planning and Development Portfolio Councillor David Neuendorf said Council recently engaged a cultural heritage expert to undertake an updated local heritage study – the first for the region as a whole.

“The last heritage studies were completed in 2000 by the former Gatton Shire Council, and adopted into their planning scheme in 2007, and in 2001 by the former Laidley Shire Council, however this was never formally adopted.

“This recent study assessed 307 places within the Lockyer Valley that were identified as potentially having local heritage significance, with the expert recommending a total of 117 places for inclusion on the Register.

“Of those, 65 are currently on the Register and 52 are new places proposed to be entered into the Register, while 66 places are proposed to be removed from the Register,” Cr Neuendorf said.

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.

“Council uses the Local Heritage Register to protect and manage our local heritage places so they can be enjoyed, both now and in the future.

“We have written to landowners of all properties proposed to be added, removed or retained on the Register, with details on how they can make a submission during the consultation period, which runs until 8 August 2025.

“We are also offering landowners one-on-one meetings with our planning officers and our heritage expert to discuss the proposed changes or the details of their property’s citation,” he said.

Cr Neuendorf said there were many myths about what can and can’t be done if your property is listed on a Local Heritage Register.

“Common myths that you can’t make any changes or develop your property, or that you are required to restore or do special maintenance to a heritage-listed property, are simply not true, and we’ve included fact sheets that dispel these common misconceptions and answer frequently asked questions,” he said.

To see the list of proposed changes, visit Council’s Engagement Hub - https://lockyervalley.engagementhub.com.au/local-heritage-study, or view them in-person at the Gatton or Laidley Customer Service Centres.

For more information, email heritage@lvrc.qld.gov.au or contact Council on 1300 005 872.