The Victorian Government has announced its commitment to review the Victorian Heritage Act 1995 in an examination of the many amendments that have been made to the Act over the last 20 years.

Heritage Victoria Executive Director Tim Smith said the goal of the review will be “to improve the protection of Victoria’s important heritage places and objects.”

Minor amendments have been made to the act over two decades, leading to the view that a more comprehensive update is needed to simplify and improve the process of preservation and protection of heritage locations and objects.

According to Heritage Victoria, the review will seek to:

• Ensure higher level protection for State significant heritage place and objects
• Simplify key statutory processes to reduce regulatory burden
• Provide clarity and certainty for users of the Act including owners of heritage places and objects
• Provide an appropriate fee structure for heritage approvals, appeals and penalties.

Heritage Victoria invites comments on any changes or improvements to the Act. Consultation will occur between June and August 2015 and written submissions are required by 31 August 2015.

For further information consult the Heritage Victoria website or call on (03) 9208 3059.