Managing the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

UNESCO World Heritage listing

The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens (REB&CG) was inscribed in the World Heritage List in 2004. It shows how the great International Exhibitions of the nineteenth century were important all over the world. These exhibitions helped spread new technology and increased international trade.

World Heritage Management Plan

The 2025 World Heritage Management Plan (WHMP) for the REB&CG ensures that it is managed to preserve its world heritage values. The plan consists of:

• three site-wide plans (parts 1-3) that provide information and guidance for the management of the entire site, and
• two area plans (parts 4 and 5) which are targeted at specific areas of the site.

World Heritage Strategy Plan

The 2025 World Heritage Strategy Plan was prepared for the World Heritage Environs Area (WHEA). The WHEA is the protective 'buffer zone' around the REB&CG. This Plan sets out strategies for the appropriate use and development in the WHEA. It was implemented by Planning Scheme amendments VC251 and GC287. The Plan will protect the world heritage values of the REB&CG by managing and controlling development within the WHEA. Other parts of the Plan which fall outside the planning system will be addressed by local councils.

Implementation Plan

The Implementation Plan consists of projects designed to implement the above plans. It was developed by Heritage Victoria and the Working Group to the Steering Committee.  It is a living document and will be updated annually. The implementation projects are designed comply with the requirements and guidance of:

• The UNESCO World Heritage Centre,
• The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment Water, and
• Heritage Victoria.

Managing the Property

The Royal Exhibition Building is managed by the Victorian Government through Museums Victoria. The City of Melbourne manages the Carlton Gardens.

The World Heritage Steering Committee was established in 2004. The Committee prepares the World Heritage Management Plan for the property and reviews it every seven years. Members are appointed by the Minister for Planning. Heritage Victoria's Executive Director chairs the committee. It meets up to four times a year. Members are:

• Steven Avery, Executive Director, Heritage Victoria (Chair)
• Lynley Croswell,  Chief Executive Officer & Director, Museums Victoria
• Julian Edwards, Director Planning and Building, Strategy, Planning and Climate Change, City of Melbourne
• Uncle John Terrick, Wurundjeri Elder and Director and Deputy Chairperson of the Board of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
• Samantha Westbrooke, Executive Manager, Conservation & Advocacy, National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
• Kate Yuncken, Senior Adviser, City Heritage, City of Yarra

The World Heritage Steering Committee is supported by a Working Group. A staff member from each organisation represented on the Steering Committee is a member of the Working Group. The Working Group meets regularly to undertake tasks identified by the Steering Committee. Currently, the main project for the Working Group is the Implementation Plan.

Contact the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee welcomes your feedback. Email us about the conservation of the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. The Steering Committee will review matters raised.

Page last updated: 19/10/26