Heritage Information & Resources
The unique and rich history of the Shire of Northam is reflected in the built fabric of our heritage buildings and places. The Shire recognises the importance of protecting places of cultural heritage significance as a way to enhance the Shire's sense of identity and preserve our history for future generations.
Heritage incentives and assistance
The Shire of Northam offers a range of incentives and assistance measures for owners of heritage listed properties.
Heritage advisory service
Owners of properties listed on the Shire of Northam heritage list, or located within a heritage precinct, may be able to obtain professional architectural advice from a local heritage professional engaged by the Shire as an advisor. To access this service contact the Shire's Planners on 9622 6100 or email [email protected].
Heritage Grants
State listed heritage properties are eligible for funding from the State Heritage Council. For further information visit https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-planning-lands-and-heritage/heritage-grants-and-incentives.
Commercial heritage properties located in the Northam CBD may be eligible for assistance from the Shire of Northam to assist in the maintenance and enhancement of commercial properties. Applications are open all year, however are subject to budget availability. For further information refer to the information sheet and application form below, or contact the Shire's Planning Team on 9622 6100 or email [email protected].
CBD & Heritage Grants Fund Information Sheet
Application Form
Planning incentives in the form of variations to development principles
Schedule 2, Part 3 Clause 12 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Scheme) Regulations 2015 allows Council to grant variations to any requirement of the Scheme where the proposed development facilitates the conservation of a place listed on the heritage list or located within a heritage area.
Refund of planning application fees
Upon application to Council, a full or partial refund of planning application fees for conservation or sustainable reuse of places of cultural heritage significance listed on the heritage list or located within a heritage area may be granted.
Development application requirements for heritage listed places
When a place is listed on the heritage list or located in a heritage area development approval is generally required for most works. Minor works that do not require development approval are identified in the Supplementary Provisions of the Northam Local Planning Scheme No. 6.
Property owners are also advised to contact the Shire’s Planning Services to determine whether any proposed works require development approval.
Heritage Information
Municipal Heritage Inventory
The Shire of Northam Municipal Heritage Inventory (MHI) was adopted in September 2012 and is a survey of heritage places in the Shire of Northam. The MHI provides a basis for the development of the Heritage List for places that are provided statutory protection under the provisions of the Local Planning Scheme No. 6.
A review of the MHI will be commenced in the near future. The community and landowners will be invited to participate in the review to ensure that the inventory reflects the community’s expectations in regards to built heritage.
Download a copy of the Municipal Heritage Inventory
Heritage List
The Shire’s Heritage List was adopted by Council on 19 February 2020 and is a list of properties that are provided statutory protection under the provisions of Local Planning Scheme No. 6. If a property is on the Heritage List, development approval will generally be required for any works or change of use of the property.
A copy of the Heritage List is available by clicking here or visiting the State Heritage Office’s database Inherit.
The draft Place Records for the 2022 Amendment can be viewed here.
There are various levels of heritage listings – National, State and local lists. Development and referral requirements will vary depending on the level of listing.
Further information and database is available from the State Heritage Office’s website.
Burra Charter
The Australia (ICOMOS) Charter for the conservation of places of cultural heritage significance outlines the main principles and practices that guide the conservation of heritage places and has been generally accepted as the standard for heritage practitioners in Australia. A copy of the Burra Charter, as well as further information, is available on the Australia ICOMOS website at www.aicomos.com.
Heritage Specialists Directory
The State Heritage Office has developed a new online directory of businesses offering heritage services across Western Australia. Click here to find a heritage specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Read the frequently asked questions for answers to some of the common queries about built heritage in the Shire of Northam.
Useful links
State Heritage Office WA
Australia ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites
Contact
To discuss the significance of your property or for any other heritage information or advice please call (08) 9622 6100 to speak to the Shire’s Planners or email [email protected].