Heritage FAQs

When we use the word "heritage", we are talking about natural heritage, Aboriginal heritage, European heritage; and tangible (i.e. an old map) and intangible heritage (i.e. traditional custodians of Lake Richmond).

We define Aboriginal heritage as Aboriginal sites of immense cultural, scientific, educational and historic interest and provide Aboriginal people with an important link to their present and past culture.

We define historic sites as aspects of our past that we want to keep: a site which has played an important part in our history; a building which is special because of its architectural style or association with a person; or a natural feature such as a rock formation, fossil site or landscape – things which we would like future generations to enjoy. 

Heritage is important in understanding the story of both Western Australia and the local community, its history, identity and diversity. We wish to protect these places so that future generations will be able to enjoy a rich and diverse cultural environment and to understand what came before them.

An Aboriginal site can be an object associated with the traditional cultural life of the Aboriginal people, past or present, any sacred, ritual or ceremonial site, or any place which is of historical, anthropological, archaeological or ethnographical interest of importance and significance to the cultural heritage of the State. We have a variety of Aboriginal sites in Rockingham such as Lake Richmond and scar trees in reserves.

An historic site can be a place of "cultural heritage significance" which has aesthetic, historic, scientific or social significance as a place for present and future generations. These are derived from the Burra Charteropens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window adopted by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) as a way of developing an understanding of the theory and practice of cultural heritage management.

These values have been applied in the preparation of the City's Local Heritage Survey, an assessment criteria to evaluate the importance of a place for the local government area.

Heritage lists occur on a world, national and state level. The Federal Government lists places at the national level, and the State Government lists places at the state level. In Western Australia, state-significant places are entered onto the Heritage Council of Western Australia's State Register of Heritage Places.

The Australian Government Heritage websiteopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window includes the following lists:

• World Heritage List
• National Heritage List
• Commonwealth Heritage List
• Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database
• List of Overseas Places of Historic Significance to Australia
• Register of the National Estate

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritageopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window website includes details on Aboriginal heritage.

The State Heritage Office has a useful webpage called inHerit, which is a one-stop portal for information about heritage places and listings in Western Australia. inHerit includes comprehensive information about cultural heritage places listed in the State Register of Heritage Places, the City of Rockingham and other Local Government inventories and other lists, the Australian Government heritage list and others.

Search Heritage Places (inHerit)opens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

There are 10 registered Aboriginal sites in the City of Rockingham, all of which are included on the City's Local Heritage Survey 2025, as follows:

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage websiteopens in a new windowopens in a new window includes details on the State Register of Heritage Places and other types of heritage listings used in WA.

Of the 2,411 State-registered places in Western Australia, six of these are within the City of Rockingham:

(source: Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, September 2025)

The Heritage Act 2018 requires all local government authorities in Western Australia to prepare a survey of places in its district which in its opinion are of cultural heritage significance. The former Heritage Act 1990 used the term "Municipal Heritage Inventory". In 1995, the City's Municipal Heritage Inventory was adopted. The inventory was prepared by a qualified Heritage Advisor in consultation with the City’s Heritage Advisory Committee and was reviewed in 1998, 2008, 2012 and reviewed in 2018.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the Act, the City's Local Heritage Survey assists us to:

• provide a cultural and historic record of the local district
• determine our heritage conservation policies
• provide information about local heritage that may be required under our Town Planning Scheme No.2
• achieve the heritage conservation objectives of town planning in the City.

The City of Rockingham Local Heritage Survey simply provides recognition of a place's importance to the local community. Places entered in the Local Heritage Survey do not have legal protection, unless they are listed in the City’s Heritage List under Town Planning Scheme No.2, or have been entered in the State Register of Heritage Places, or are protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, whether registered, lodged but not assessed, or not yet identified.

All places identified on the City's Local Heritage Survey and Heritage List are of cultural heritage significance. Some places may be more important to the community than others and some places have been lost over time, with only the site remaining. Management Categories recognise the levels of significance and intactness of heritage places and provide recommendations to us as to the kind of care that should be taken for each place.

Each place entered into the Local Heritage Survey is afforded a Management Category between 1 and 4, with 1 being the most significant, 4 being the least significant (i.e. with no remaining structures).

The following Table 1 will be applied by the City as a giude to determine when local heritage places that are worthy of conservation, by being included on the Heritage List.

Table 1 - Heritage Significance and Inclusion in the Heritage List

Establishment and maintenance of the Heritage List is a requirement of the deemed provisions contained in the Planning and Development (Local Planning Scheme) Regulations 2015 (Regulations).  Inclusion in the Heritage List will be based on an assessment of cultural heritage significance of a place and the City’s opinion as to whether it is worthy of built heritage conservation.

The designation of cultural heritage significance for local heritage places will be taken from the City’s Local Heritage Survey (LHS).  The assessment and designation of significance will be carried out in line with the Guidelines for Local Heritage Surveys (Heritage Council of Western Australia, July 2109).

A place may be considered worthy of built heritage conservation irrespective of its current state of repair; ongoing requirements for conservation, care and maintenance; or economic worth.

There are 22 places on the City's Local Heritage Survey (LHS) that are on freehold or reserved land managed by the City of Rockingham, as follows:

Note: Places with a Management Category of '4' are on the City's Local Heritage Survey, but not Heritage List.

The City's Local Heritage Survey link is above or you can access it at any City library or at the City's Administration Offices. 

You can also search the State Heritage Office's Places databaseopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window available on its website, which provides information on places entered on the State Register of Heritage Places, Local Heritage Survey, National Trust List of Classified Places and other heritage lists.

Anyone can nominate a place onto the City's Local Heritage Survey at any time. However, the City will usually advertise in the local newspapers calling for nominations from the public for entry onto the City's Local Heritage Survey as this is more coordinated and cost effective to assess nominations at the same time. If you are nominating a place, please make sure you put your nomination in writing to the City and include as much information as possible, including information sources, photographs with dates and anything you think might be relevant. To assess nominations, the City engages a qualified Heritage Consultant to inspect, assess, and research the place to then make recommendations to the City on whether a place is of cultural heritage significance.

During a Local Heritage Survey and Heritage List review, the City follows a process of consultation with owners of nominated places and invites public submissions and also considers advice from its Heritage Reference Group. The Council will then consider any public submissions received and make a decision on whether to include a place on the Local Heritage Survey. If an owner objects to a heritage listing it does not guarantee that a place won't be heritage listed. Heritage listing will be determined by Council based on whether a place has cultural heritage significance.

No. The place remains the sole property of the owner. Normal access arrangements will remain in place; that is, any person accessing the property without the owner’s consent will be a trespasser.

The Burra Charter was first adopted in 1979, at the historic South Australian mining town of Burra.

The Burra Charter has been reviewed a number of times since, with the current version adopted by ICOMOS in October 2013.

ICOMOS stands for International Council on Monuments and Sites, which is a non-governmental professional organisation formed in 1965, with its headquarters in Paris.

The Burra Charter provides guidance for the conservation and management of places of cultural significance (cultural heritage places), and is based on the knowledge and experience of Australian ICOMOS members.

The Charter is an excellent document for owners of heritage listed properties within the City, as it sets a standard practice for those who provide advice and make decisions, or undertake works to places of cultural heritage significance.  The Charter includes definitions, conservation principles, conservation processes, conservation practices and the Burra Charter Process Flow Chart.

When owners engage a Heritage Consultant they should advise they are familiar with and work within the parameters of the Burra Charter.  The Burra Charter and its guidelines are considered the best practice standard for cultural heritage management in Australia.

A copy of the Burra Charter is available to download from the Australian ICOMOS formed in 1976 as follows:

Burra Charter & Practice Notes, Australia ICOMOSopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

The Australian Heritage Council (AHC) recognise that a place can become a ruin because it lacks a current purpose, is disused, has been abandoned or has been affected by disaster.

Ruins can be a challenge for heritage property owners and managers due to their deteriorated condition and location. Conserving a ruin often appears to be more expensive, time-consuming or requiring specialist skills than conserving other heritage places. The lack of a ‘use’ of a ruin or potential to generate income often makes conservation impractical.

The Australian Heritage Council Ruins, a guide to conservation and developmentopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window is designed to highlight a best practice approach to the management of ruins in Australia.

Ruins are potentially important heritage places and effective management is important to protect their heritage values. It is also recognised that the diversity of types of ruins means there are a variety of management options available.

The Burra Charter provides a sound approach to recognising the heritage significance of a place and how these values can be retained.

There are generally five different management approaches to heritage ruins, as follows:

• Coming alive again
• Returning it to its former state
• Simply maintain
• Letting nature take its course
• When removal is inevitable

There are different conservation management approaches deepending on the type of conservation action. The AHC recommend that a decision as to which approach to take must be guided by careful consideration of the significance of the place, analysis of its social, economic and environmental setting. The management approach where possible should be guided by a Conservation Management Plan.

When there is insufficient evidence to reinstate lost elements of the place, this lack of information about the design, materials and detailing would mean that rebuilding would involve guesswork which is not an acceptable practice based on the Burra Charter.

The City’s Local Heritage Survey 2025 includes the following ruins:

1. Peelhurs (ruin) - managed by the City as a ruin
2. Bell Cottage (ruin) - privately owned
3. Abattoir (ruin) - managed by the City and restored
4. Chesterfield Dairy (fmr) - DevelopmentWA owned

Yes, but development approval is required for alterations, extensions, change of use, external painting (if different colour), or demolition where the building is entered on the Heritage List under the City’s Town Planning Scheme No.2.  Our Heritage Conservation and Development Policy provides further information on making an application for works on a heritage-listed property along with the development incentives that may apply.

Where a place is entered on the Heritage List under the City's Town Planning Scheme No.2, development approval is required for demolition of a building. Our Heritage Conservation and Development Policy provides further information and guidance on the demolition of a heritage-listed place.

You can carry out maintenance work that does not involve removing or altering significant elements on your property or if you are simply replacing like-for-like materials.

General maintenance includes:

• cleaning gutters and downpipes
• repainting using the same colour scheme in accordance with the Heritage Council Policy and Practice Note for Painting Heritage Places as attached.
• cleaning that is low pressure, non-abrasive and non-chemical
• replacing missing or deteriorated fittings or building materials, such as loose roof sheeting, with like-for-like materials.

Maintenance can also involve replacing electrical wiring or other utility services.

Similarly, gardening or landscape maintenance does not need to be referred unless there is a danger of disturbing archeological sites.

Other minor works include installing electronic security systems as long as the works do not damage the building or place.

If you are unsure whether the work you propose to carry out needs to be referred, please contact the City's Planning Team for advice on 9528 0333.

Incentives provided by other organisations, such as grants and tax rebates, may apply for proposals to conserve heritage places. These are offered by the Heritage Council of Western Australia, the Federal Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Lotterywest and The National Trust of Australia (WA). Community groups may also be eligible for funding under our Community Grants Program. Information about the incentive programs is available from the following websites:

• City of Rockingham's Community Grants Program
• State Heritage Office's Heritage Grants Programopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• Lotterywest's Conservation of Cultural Heritage Grantsopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• DSEWPC's Your Community Heritage Grantsopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• National Trust of Australia (WA)'s Heritage Appealsopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window

The impact of a heritage listing on resale value is a common concern for owners and buyers of a heritage listed residential property.

Various studies have shown that heritage listing has no effect on property values in most cases and sometimes improve resale values, which rebuts the common perception. Heritage listed residences with well-maintained heritage features have at times been found to attract a premium price compared to equivalent non-listed places in independent studies. Property value could, however, be affected for a heritage listed building that is being used for a purpose well below the most commercially valuable use permitted by the zoning.

Property values generally for both heritage and non-heritage buildings are determined by many factors including:

• location and condition of property
• its unique features
• prevailing trends in the 'market cycle'
• its zoning and other planning requirements
• lot size
• types of surrounding properties
• level of amenities and services in the surrounding area
• tenancy opportunities
• social profile of the area and
• quality and maintenance of individual buildings.

No one factor determines property value either positively or negatively.

There is also an aspect of rarity and authenticity in heritage places that can't be recreated. Heritage listed buildings are often quality buildings with a special appeal.

Some links to Australian studies, study evaluations and case law has concluded listing has a positive or no effect on property values and economic viability.

The City's Heritage Reference Group is an advisory committee with the following terms of reference:

"To provide a Forum to discuss the conservation and preservation of natural and culturally significant heritage sites within the Rockingham district."

Current composition

• Mrs Sylvia Reed - Community Representative (Rockingham District Historical Society Inc.) (Chair)
• Cr Buchanan, Cr Jones (deputy)
• Mrs Wendy Durant - Community Representative (Rockingham District Historical Society Inc.)

Deputy Community Members

• Ms Carol Durant - Community Representative (Rockingham District Historical Society Inc.) Deputy for Mrs Wendy Durant

Executive Support

• Mr Stephen Carrick, City's Heritage Advisor (Stephen Carrick Architects)
• Mr Mike Ross, Manager Statutory Planning (Secretary)

Minutes of each Heritage Reference Group are included in the Councillor Bulletins which are available on our website under Council and committee meetings (minutes).

Heritage Reference Group and former Heritage Advisory Committee Achievements

• Local Heritage Survey and Heritage List 2025
• Heritage Assistance Grants 2023
• Peelhurst (ruins) Conservation Management Plan & Dig 2023
• Local Planning Policy No.3.3.21 Heritage Development and Design 2023
• Local Planning Policy No.3.3.26 Guidelines to Establishing a Heritage List 2023
• East Rockingham Pioneer Cemetery Conservation Management Plan 2022
• Conservation Management Plan - fmr Rockingham Roads Board (Museum) 2022
• Heritage Strategy 2020-2025
• Houtman and Dedel Plaque (1619-2019) installed
• Updated Website Heritage Section (stories) and revised in 2024
• Heritage Conservation Works of the Old Hillman Abattoir, which included re-roofing and stone repairs to its walls (2020)
• Founders' Memorial (2019)
• Planning Policy No.3.3.21 - Heritage Conservation and Development (2008)
• Municipal Heritage Inventory (1995; 1998; 2008; 2012; 2018)

Other Heritage Achievements - by Owners

• Lucy Saw House (c. 1920) restoration and extension and extension for use as a Single Dwelling; Local Heritage Survey
• Hymus House (1895-1905) restoration and repurposing as an office; State Register of Heritage Places
• Chesterfield House (c. 1855), wall and roof restoration works; State Register of Heritage Places
• Bell Cottage (1868, Ruin), Rockingham Conservation Management Plan (2019); State Register of Heritage Places

Current Heritage Projects 2026-2027

• Update Heritage Strategy 2025

Future Heritage Projects include:

• Heritage Walking Trails and signage
• Heritage Awards and Plaques

The Point Peron Rehabilitation Committee is a non-Council committee which provides a forum for discussion, and input from key government stakeholders.

The Point Peron "K" Battery Restoration Project main goals are to:

1. Create a memorial "sanctuary for reflection" whilst preserving and maintaining the local Point Peron reserve, with upgraded local amenities and protect the history of the area;
2. Preserve the remaining WWII landmarks of the Coastal Defence System at Point Peron in a dedicated museum collection to tell the story of the Australian Coastal Defence network in World War II.

The Committee's terms of reference are:

1. Identify the significant and historical details of the Point Peron Battery.
2. Identify the key elements of this history to be restored/highlighted and the surrounding infrastructure upgrades needed to support this.
3. Oversee the creation of a Master Plan in line with the objectives and outcomes.
4. Advertise the Master Plan for public comment once completed.
5. Make amendments until the Master Plan is satisfactorily agreed upon.
6. Lobby for funds to enact the Master Plan

Current composition:

• Mr Phil Edman (Chair)
• Mr Laurie Smith JP OAM, Rotary Club of Palm Beach WA Inc.
• Cr David Rudman (Representative), Cr Peter Hudson (Deputy)
• Mr Tim Fisher, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)
• Warwick Carter, Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance
• Mr Phil Rowson, Royal Australian Artillery History Society WA
• Department of Defence

Executive Support

• Mr Mike Ross, City of Rockingham

Achievements

• WA Government funding support for Public Toilets coming by June 2027
• Point Peron Rehabilitation Committee websiteopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window
• Secret Fleets and The Forgotten Battlefield books available
• 11/28th Battalion - operation "Sandy Shovel" - Operations Bunker
• Battle for Australia WWII 2017 Exhibition, last WA Museum exhibit and fundraiser gala dinner
• Point Peron Battery K Conservation Plan 2016
• DBCA major capital works including path upgrade, retaining walls, seating, drainage, balustrade and interpretive signage
• Collaboration project with Rotary Club of Palm Beach to reinstate a 155mm M1917/18 Gun.

Heritage Listing

• On 13 October 2019, the Cape Peron K Battery Complex was entered into the State Register of Heritage Places permanently.
• On 24 October 1995, the Cape Peron Battery Complex was entered into the City's Municipal Heritage Inventory

Images courtesy of Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

The Heritage Council's Renewable Energy Systems in State Registered Places guideline has recently been revised to include new parameters for visible installations.

The guideline sets out basic principles on how to approach assessing the impact of new renewable energy systems on heritage places and precincts. It will be used by the Heritage Council, and can be used by other decision-making authorities, when considering such proposals.