By Alesha Capone
A study, which has identified 141 places of potential historical significance in Wyndham, has warned that some sites are in danger of being demolished or developed due to a lack of heritage protection.
Wyndham council endorsed the Heritage Review Draft Gap Study Stage 1, which is now available for community feedback, last week.
The study lists a range of locations in Wyndham – including 59 residential places, 27 archaeological sites, 14 infrastructure and transport-related sites and 18 trees – for further research, in the next stage of the heritage review.
The report also recommended six precincts for further investigation: Campbells Cove and Baileys Beach in Werribee South; the Rothwell Residential Precinct in Little River; and four residential areas of Werribee.
The report said these precincts “are not well represented” in existing heritage overlays.
The document warned “the integrity of precincts can be easily lost through demolition/inappropriate development”.
It states that some citations for existing heritage overlays in Wyndham “contain insufficient information, putting places at risk of demolition or inappropriate development.”
Places identified in the study for further historical research include an 1890-1900s paddle steamer berth in Cocoroc; the Tarneit RAAF Bombing Range on Springhill Road; Baden Powell House on Market Road, Werribee; and the Werribee South General Store.
Several sites in Little River are included as well, such as the former blacksmiths shop in River Street, which was built circa 1884.
The St Peter the Apostle Catholic Memorial Church in Hoppers Crossing, which was built in 1972 and dedicated to the fallen of World War II, also features on the list.
Wyndham’s arts, culture and heritage portfolio holder, Cr Tony Hooper, the council had no plans to propose heritage controls or protection on any of the sites, at this early stage.
“Council officers will be speaking to property owners to discuss the potential heritage value of any properties outlined in this study and to get their feedback on the Draft Gap Study,” he said.
The heritage did not examine places of indigenous heritage in Wyndham, and recommended a separate study into this area, in consultation with traditional owner organisations.
See theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/heritage-review by August 23, or contact the council on 9742 0777, to provide feedback on the study.
