Local heritage

A Local Heritage Survey (previously called a Municipal Heritage Inventory) is a list of places which, in the opinion of a local government, are, or may become, culturally significant to the local community.   

The Local Heritage Survey does not have a statutory implication for planning and development. If a place is included in the Local Heritage Survey, there are no changes to the normal development processes and requirements.  

The City’s current Local Heritage Survey (PDF) was endorsed by Council at its 28 May 2024 meeting.
The Local Heritage Survey/Heritage list does not apply to locations of Aboriginal heritage. Information on Aboriginal heritage can be found below.

A Heritage List is a smaller list of only the most significant places from the Local Heritage Survey. Including a place on the Heritage List gives the place recognition and protection under Local Planning Scheme No. 3.  

If a place is included in the Heritage List, this does have implications for owners who propose to demolish, alter, or develop, as development approval is required in order for an assessment to be made on the impact of the proposal upon the heritage value of the place.  

Importantly, including a place on a heritage list does not limit or restrict how a local government is to determine an application or prohibit building works or other development from occurring. 

View the City’s Scheme Heritage List (PDF).

Separate to a local government’s Local Heritage Survey or Heritage List, the State Register of Heritage Places (State Register) is a statutory list of places prepared under the Heritage Act 2018 and managed by the Heritage Council of Western Australia. Inclusion in the State Register is reserved for places of State cultural heritage significance and is the highest recognition afforded at the State level. Heritage places are entered in the State Register after an assessment and registration process which includes consultation with owners, local governments and other stakeholders. 

There is currently one place located within the City on the State Register, being Luisini Winery, Kingsley. 

For more information or to see the State Register, please visit the Heritage Council of Western Australia’s website. 

Aboriginal Heritage and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage refers to the diverse and rich cultural practices, traditions, and history of Aboriginal peoples including but not limited to: in the region. important locations, objects, stories, traditional food and medicine, historical traditions, and spiritual beliefs. 

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage sites are places of significance to Aboriginal people that are protected and documented by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (the Act) and the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 1974. Aboriginal heritage sites are typically identified based on archaeological evidence, and the cultural and spiritual significance of locations and geological features to Aboriginal peoples.
 
According to the Act, DPLH are responsible for enforcing legislation pertaining to Aboriginal heritage and ensuring that significant aspects of Aboriginal history and culture, relating to the period before colonial settlement, are recorded and preserved.  

Under the Act, every person in Western Australia has a duty to protect and preserve Aboriginal heritage whether its presence is known or unknown. The City manages its Aboriginal heritage sites in accordance with legislation and in consultation with Aboriginal people and Traditional Owners.

Concerns regarding Aboriginal heritage can be reported to the City’s Environmental Approvals Officers on (08) 9400 4000. Due to the confidential and restricted nature of some information relating to Aboriginal heritage, the City retains the right to prevent culturally sensitive information from being provided to the public.
To learn more about Aboriginal Cultural Heritage sites visit Find Aboriginal cultural heritage in WA