The City of Greater Geelong has encouraged locals to share their views on what is important to them as it develops its policies and guidelines for protecting the region’s heritage and culture.
The community engagement period for the new Geelong Heritage Strategy has begun, with the council hoping to release a draft form of the document in early 2025.
The strategy is intended to guide the council for the next decade and will replace the City’s previous heritage strategy, which has not been updated since 2017.
The first phase of the engagement period will focus on gathering data on the community’s perceptions of heritage values and management issues.
The City will conduct a series of public sessions through August and September to hear locals’ stories about existing or potential heritage places, with an online survey also available until Monday, September 16.
In addition, the council will engage with cultural groups including Traditional Owners, post-war migrants, youth and LGBTQIA+, heritage advocacy groups, owners/developers and the City’s advisory committees.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken said the community’s input would help shape the sustainable future of heritage in Geelong.
“We have a wealth of heritage in Greater Geelong, from 25,000 years’ worth of Wadawurrung history, through to colonial and industrial buildings, migrant housing and monuments,” Cr Aitken said.
“We invite you to have a think about the meaning and significance of heritage to our cultural and design landscape, and your views on challenges and opportunities.
“The City wants to hear about our rich and evolving heritage from buildings and experiences, to events, traditions and beliefs.”
Chair of City Planning and Heritage portfolio Councillor Jim Mason said heritage was an important part of Geelong’s social fabric, cultural identity and economy.
“By identifying what is significant to our region and our diverse community, we can deliver a roadmap of medium-and long-term heritage priorities for Greater Geelong,” Cr Mason said.
“Please tell us what’s important to you.”
Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/heritagestrategy to take part in the survey or find out more about the City’s public consultation sessions.
