Boroondara’s draft Heritage Strategy
Boroondara Council has now drafted a new 10 year plus Heritage strategy and an Action Plan to go with it. The Boroondara Heritage Group encourages as many people as possible to participate in the survey and support this important new initiative.
The benefits of having a Heritage Strategy:
- Only by having an adopted “Heritage Strategy” document can we ensure budget and resources and longer term planning for all the Built and natural Heritage that is so valued by many of us and just as importantly for all aspects of Heritage in the suburbs that make up Boroondara.
- It will also mean departments other than simply Planning and Urban Living will have responsibility for delivering heritage related actions. This will open up opportunities to broaden and deepen heritage related activities and embed the consideration of cultural heritage in much more of Council’s planning and thinking than has been the case to date. For example in their Arts and Communications departments.
- It will mean that their heritage work will now encompassing matters such as heritage communication, education, celebration and promotion and will consider local Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
The draft Heritage Strategy as described by officers comprises four essential components: the story of where we are and how we got here; a definition of ‘heritage’ in the local context and our commitment to heritage into the future; the framework for a holistic response; and the challenges and opportunities posed to local heritage to be addressed.
Here is the link to the survey and more information about the strategy and related documents if you wish to take a look.
https://yoursay.boroondara.vic.gov.au/heritage-strategy
Please participate by 5pm Tuesday 22 July.
As ever, the more people who participate and show support for the strategy, the more likely the strategy is to be adopted and implemented at a vote at council later this year.
Boroondara Draft Heritage Action Plan 2025 – 2029: Protecting our Bluestone Heritage
George Demetrios
Boroondara Council is currently undertaking a study into the heritage significance of Council-owned bluestone and concrete roads and laneways. The study forms part of Boroondara’s Draft Heritage Action Plan 2025–2029 and is the first ever study into the significance of our historic streetscape infrastructure. It is something Boroondara residents have long advocated for.
Community consultation on the plan is now open until 5pm on 22 July 2025. Details on how you can participate are given below. To access the Boroondara Draft Heritage Action Plan, follow this link: Draft Boroondara Heritage Action Plan 2025-2029 .
The Bluestone Heritage Study
A study of Boroondara’s bluestone, brick and concrete heritage is essential for the following reasons:
- Recognition and Protection
A heritage study will systematically identify and assess the historical, architectural, and social value of bluestone, brick and concrete infrastructure across Boroondara.
- Informed Management:
By documenting the extent, condition, and historic value of our bluestone, brick and concrete heritage, the study will guide Boroondara Council decisions on repairs, upgrades, and new works—ensuring reconstructions respect and retain the character of our historic streetscapes.
- Community and Cultural Value:
Bluestone and brick laneways, bluestone kerbs, and channels, and concrete roads are highly valued by the Boroondara community for their contribution to local identity and sense of place. A study will help preserve these tangible links to Boroondara’s past for future generations.
- Aligning with Heritage Best Practice:
Bluestone heritage studies carried out by neighbouring Councils, such as Whitehorse, Glen Eira, Yarra and Monash have successfully identified, assessed, and protected significant historic bluestone, brick and concrete infrastructure within their municipalities. A targeted heritage study in Boroondara would ensure that the City is aligning with heritage best practice and meeting community expectations by systematically recognising and safeguarding our valuable bluestone, brick and concrete assets.
A targeted heritage study in Boroondara would ensure that the City is aligning with heritage best practice and meeting community expectations by systematically recognising and safeguarding our valuable bluestone, brick and concrete assets.
Community Consultations for the draft Heritage Action Plan
Complete the Survey and submit by 5pm, Tuesday 22 July 2025
The survey will only take 10 minutes to complete, and it will ensure that Council will hear your voice in support of protecting our bluestone, brick and concrete heritage by undertaking a heritage study. The Survey can be found via this link: Draft Boroondara Heritage Action Plan 2025-2029.
The two important questions to answer to show your support for our historic bluestone, brick and concrete infrastructure are Question 4 and Question 5:
In your response to Question 5, please include the following information:
Firstly, indicate your support for a study, to be undertaken by an expert heritage consultant, to investigate the heritage significance of bluestone laneways, crossovers and gutters, brick laneways and concrete roads.
Secondly, indicate your support for the four-year timeframe outlined in the plan, with the following provisos:
- higher priority be given to undertaking the heritage study as soon as possible within the 2025–2029 period.
- put on hold the reconstruction of intact original 19th and early 20th century bluestone kerbs and channels, until the municipality-wide investigation into their heritage significance has been completed. This approach will help avoid the loss of bluestone gutters that a completed heritage study may identify as being of historic significance.
Save Boroondara’s Bluestone Heritage is a residents group set up to lobby for the protection and preservation of Boroondara’s iconic bluestone laneways, bluestone crossovers and bluestone gutters. To learn more about Boroondara’s bluestone heritage or to join our campaign, contact us via our email at saveboroondarasbluestoneheritage@yahoo.com
George Demetrios is Convenor, Save Boroondara’s Bluestone Heritage