Inclusion in the Register - After considering the Executive Director’s recommendation and submissions received, pursuant to Section 42(1)(a) of the Heritage Act 1995, the Heritage Council has determined that Barunah Plains is of cultural heritage significance and should be included in the Heritage Register.
Juliette Halliday (Chair)
Penelope Smith
Andrew May Decision Date – 16 August 2016
Introduction
The Place
Barunah Plains (‘the Place’) is a farming complex dating from the 1800s and includes the homestead, stables, dairy and bakehouse, coach house, engine house, farm shed, manager’s cottage, cottage, woolshed, shearers’ quarters, suspension bridge, gardener’s cottage, orchard shed, water tanks, meat houses, rams’ shed and remnant garden.
Nominations
On 25 June 2015, the Executive Director accepted a nomination from Ms Fiona East for the Place to be included in the Victorian Heritage Register (‘VHR’).
On 22 January 2016, the Executive Director recommended that the Place be included as a Heritage Place in the VHR.
One submission objecting to this recommendation was received from the owners of the property, Damian and Jane Canny, and in accordance with s.41(6) of the Act, a hearing was scheduled for 31 May 2016.
Submissions Written submissions were received from; the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria, Ms Fiona East, and Ms Laura Wilks from Golden Plains Shire Council.
The Executive Director submitted that the Place should be included in the VHR for the reasons outlined in his recommendation. The Executive Director also requested that additional permit exemptions be included for the Place.
Ms Wilks submitted that Barunah Plains is covered by a local Heritage Overlay which demonstrates Golden Plains Shire’s recognition of Barunah Plains as a heritage asset.
In her submission Ms East outlined her reasons for nominating the Place and her desire that the buildings and their history be protected.
Adjournment A request for an adjournment was received on 2 May 2016, the Committee determined to grant the adjournment request and set a new hearing date for 26 July 2016.
Withdrawal On 18 July 2016 all parties were notified that Mr and Mrs Canny had withdrawn their objection to the registration. As a hearing was no longer required it was determined to consider the matter at a meeting of the Registration Committee.
Conclusion The Committee finds that, in accordance with s42(1)(a) of the Act, Barunah Plains is of cultural heritage significance to the State of Victoria and meets the threshold for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register under Criteria A, D, E and H.
The Committee determines that the additional permit exemptions, with some minor amendments, should be included as requested by the Executive Director.
The Committee endorses the Executive Director’s recommendation (Attachment 1) with highlighted changes.
