Moving towards better protection
and management of our cultural landscapes
The Heritage Branch believes that there is increasing recognition within the general community that the special cultural landscapes that surround our cities and towns are highly valued resources which provide a range of experiences and add to our quality of life.
Carcoar Anglican Church set amongst scenic landscape
Photo courtesy of David Beaver |
The Heritage Branch recognises that the issue of achieving a sustainable future is not restricted to natural resources but extends to the conservation and enhancement values, which can be made tangible through heritage, including cultural landscapes.
Cultural landscapes include such places as the scenic valleys of South Coast, the ornamental plantings of the Southern Highlands, the remnant farm estates of the Colonial Landscapes of Western Sydney and the beauty and experience of the Blue Mountains are critical to the lifestyle of Sydney's population.
Similarly, the contribution of the distinctive vineyards, alluvial flats and the rugged grazing lands of the Hunter are well recognised by the people of Newcastle and the Region. |
The Heritage Council of NSW has identified the depletion of cultural landscapes as an important issue threatening the cultural values and lifestyle of our cities. They have requested that the Heritage Branch address this issue.
| As part of developing its strategy and policy on sustainability, the Heritage Branch, intends to explore and develop co-operative measures to facilitate the protection of these special places.
To assist in this task the Heritage Branch held one-day think tank or charette to debate the issues, identify constraints and opportunities and to make recommendations on the preferred options to achieve this objective. |
Cultural Landscapes at Canowindra
Photo courtesy of David Beaver |
The charette included over 50 professionals from local, state and federal government, as well as expert consultants, and community representatives.
The following documents were developed to engage participants in the cultural landscapes debate.
 Cultural Landscapes and Heritage: Background Paper prepared by Victoria Coleman, Heritage Branch
Annexure A: Change in rural landscapes – concepts for development, building and conservation by Meredith Walker, Heritage Futures
Annexure B & C: Cultural Landscapes currently listed on the State Heritage Register (as at September 2003); Cultural Landscapes currently listed on Local Environment Plans (as at September 2003. Annexure C is not considered a comprehensive list, but merely a preliminary list).
Key representatives were also invited to share their expereinces at the charette. Download their PowerPoint presentations below.
Expert Consultants Views on Cultural landscapes & their management by Meredith Walker, Heritage Futures
Heritage Victoria & Cultural landscapes by Kristal Buckley, Heritage Victoria
Campbelltown Cultural landscapes by David Beaver, Natural Heritage Advisor to Campbelltown City Council
You can't see the presentations Download PowerPoint Viewer here.
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