(last modified 30/04/2009 10:25 AM)
Anyone can make a submission on a recommendation to include or not include a place or object in the Victorian Heritage Register. Submissions can either support or oppose the recommendation. Submissions must relate only to whether or not a place or object is of cultural heritage significance or to any recommended permit exemption or extent of registration.
Submissions must be lodged within 60 days of the recommendation being publicised.
A submitter may appeal a recommendation by lodging a submission opposing the recommendation. The submitter can request a hearing by filling out a ‘Request to be Heard’ form and lodging it with their submission.
Request to be heard form (Word 280Kb)
The Heritage Council must conduct a hearing into a recommendation if:
- a hearing is requested by the National Trust or a person with a real and substantial interest in the place or object (for example, the owner or nominator of the place or object); or
- a submission is received objecting to the Executive Director's recommendation not to include a place or object in the Victorian Heritage Register.
Registration Hearings are conducted by the Registrations Committee. The Registrations Committee comprises three Heritage Council members. Registration Hearings are public processes that provide all parties with an opportunity to present their views to the Committee before a decision is made. Further information on Heritage Council Hearings can be downloaded here:
General Information about Heritage Council Hearings (pdf 520Kb)
If a hearing is not required or requested by the National Trust or a person with a real and substantial interest in the place or object, the Heritage Council can determine the recommendation without a hearing. This is known as a Registration Meeting.
Registration Meetings are closed meetings conducted by the Registrations Committee. At the meeting the Registrations Committee considers all submissions lodged in response to a recommendation. The Committee has the ability to request further information from any submitter in order to inform itself about the matters being considered.
The decision of the Registrations Committee is binding in both registration processes. Written reasons for the decision will be provided to all parties following a hearing or a meeting.
For further information on registration hearings and registration meetings, contact the Hearings Coordinator on 03 8644 8921 or heritage.council@dpcd.vic.gov.au.