FAQs - New heritage controls for Maldon historic central area

We created these FAQs to give the Maldon community clear, easy‑to‑understand information about Amendment C102malx. The FAQs answer common questions, explain the process in simple terms, and help everyone stay informed and involved throughout the project.

Click on each question to expand the section and see each answer.

Amendment C102malx is a proposal to update how the Maldon Historic Central Area is described and protected in the planning scheme.

It puts into action the work done through the Maldon Historic Central Area Review (2023–2025), which included extensive community engagement and was adopted by Council.

Key themes raised by the community during this engagement include: corrections/inaccuracies, heritage criteria, levels of significance, trees, gutters, streets, the public realm, statements of significance and proposed exclusions/inclusions.

This amendment makes the heritage information more accurate, clearer, and easier to understand.

Maldon is one of Australia’s best‑preserved gold‑mining towns, with many buildings dating from the 1850s - 1870s.

The area is strongly valued by locals as the heart of the town. It is a place to meet, shop, socialise and enjoy Maldon’s character.

The update is needed because:

  • Development pressure is increasing, and Council needs clear and reliable heritage information.
  • Some boundaries and listings were unclear or outdated.
  • This is the first full heritage citation ever prepared for the Maldon Historic Central Area.
  • Clearer information helps Council make consistent decisions on planning applications.
  • The update helps protect the look, feel and history of Maldon for future generations.

No.

No new heritage overlays are being added to private properties.

Some existing heritage information is being corrected, clarified, or updated, but the level of heritage protection is not increasing.

The changes include:

  • Clear boundaries for the Maldon Historic Central Area (these were unclear before).
  • The churches to the northeast and Bill Woodfull Reserve are now included because of their cultural importance.
  • Each property is now rated as Significant, Contributory, or Non‑Contributory, which is standard practice across Victoria.
  • Outdated or duplicated heritage listings have been removed.
  • Errors in maps and descriptions have been fixed.
  • The heritage descriptions now explain what, how, and why the area is important, in a clearer, more complete way.

A Significant place is important on its own, not just because it’s part of a heritage area.

A place is considered Significant when it:

  • Has strong historical or cultural value
  • Shows an important style or period of architecture
  • Is well‑preserved
  • Has meaning to the whole community

Example:
A landmark building, a church, or a highly intact historic shop that helps tell Maldon’s story.

What this means:
The place is important in its own right, and extra care is taken when changes are proposed.

⭐ Contributory Place

A Contributory place helps make the whole area feel historic, even if it’s not a landmark on its own.

A place is considered Contributory when it:

  • Fits in with the older buildings around it
  • Helps create the historic streetscape
  • Adds to the character and feel of the area

Example:
A simple older cottage or shopfront that adds to Maldon’s overall look and history.

What this means:
The place is valued because it contributes to the heritage area as a whole, even if it isn’t individually important.

The amendment covers all properties within the Maldon Historic Central Area precinct, including parts of:

  • Main Street
  • High Street
  • Templeton Street
  • Camp Street
  • Church Street
  • Edwards Street
  • Fountain Street
  • Francis Street
  • Reef Street
  • Spring Street
  • Tobin Street
  • Templeton Street

A full property list and map are available on this page.

From 2023 to 2025, Council prepared the Maldon Historic Central Area Review.

This included community engagement such as:

  • Public notices (including the Tarrengower Times)
  • Emails to community and heritage groups
  • Drop‑in conversations
  • Online updates
  • Council reports and adoption processes

The current exhibition period is the next opportunity for the community to have a say.

Public exhibition is when Council releases the amendment for anyone in the community to read and comment on.

It is required by law and ensures transparency.

This is your chance to:

  • Support the amendment
  • Suggest changes
  • Raise concerns
  • Ask questions

Your voice matters in this stage.

  • On this Shape page
  • On the Council website
  • At the Council office (27 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine)
  • On the Department of Transport and Planning website

After 22 May, Council officers will:

  1. Read all submissions
  2. Make changes where needed
  3. Report the outcomes to Council

After that, the amendment may be reviewed by an independent Planning Panel.

These later steps do not need further community consultation.