A Local Heritage Survey, previously referred to as the Municipal Inventory and Municipal Inventory of Heritage Place, provides a record of the City's heritage places and helps inform future heritage planning - as well as supporting local conservation and community education.
As the City’s existing Municipal Inventory is an amalgamation of the place records from the City of Geraldton, the Shire of Greenough and the Shire of Mullewa the City is reviewing each place record to ensure it is up to date – as well as ensuring the consistency of the heritage classification and document format. It is also a great opportunity to catalogue the rich local heritage of our community which is why we are seeking community feedback.
1. Read the place record for the heritage place in which you have any interest.
2. If you then have additional information on the history or local significance of a heritage place, you can share that with us here
3. If you have any feedback relating to your personal experience of the heritage management processes in the City, please contact the team email here
What is a Local Heritage Survey
A Local Heritage Survey provides a record of the City's heritage places and helps inform future heritage planning - as well as supporting local conservation and community education.
In addition to an overview of the history of our district (and the key themes in that history), the Local Heritage Survey includes a place record for each of the heritage places. Although the place records are updated with the latest information for the location, the overview document remains the same.
Previously, the Local Heritage Survey has been referred to as the Municipal Inventory and Municipal Inventory of Heritage Places.
Why is a Local Heritage Survey being conducted?
The Heritage Act 2018 requires local governments to identify and record places that are, or may become, of cultural heritage significance within their district. The Local Heritage Survey is also a great opportunity to catalogue the rich local heritage of our community.
As the City’s existing Municipal Inventory (see above) is an amalgamation of the place records from the City of Geraldton, the Shire of Greenough and the Shire of Mullewa, we are reviewing each place record to ensure it is up to date – as well as ensuring the consistency of the heritage classification and document format.
What does the Survey involve?
- Reviewing the City’s existing heritage information and records
- Identifying and assessing places of potential local heritage significance
- Preparing or updating heritage place records
- Consulting with property owners and the community
- Assigning a heritage classification reflecting the level of each place’s local heritage significance
Heritage Place Records
A heritage place record is a document that records information about a heritage place, including its history, description, cultural heritage significance, photographs, and heritage classification. It provides a consistent record of why a place is important to the local community.
How can I see the proposed heritage place records?
Please click below and then select the locations that interest you:
Link to the index of place record PDFs
How do I know if my property is a heritage place?
All owners of a heritage place will receive a letter from the City. The letter will contain the information for their specific property and will explain any proposed changes to the classification of their property.
You can also:
- View the proposed Local Heritage Survey place records:
Link to the index of place record PDFs
- Contact the City's Strategic Planning team for assistance:
Link to the general enquiry form
How can I view the City's current heritage places?
The City's current heritage places can be viewed through:
Which heritage places are on the City’s existing Local Heritage List?
As a legacy of the amalgamation of the place records from the City of Geraldton; the Shire of Greenough; and the Shire of Mullewa Currently, all of the heritage places on the City’s existing Local Heritage Survey (categories 1-5) are also on the Local Heritage List.
The City’s Local Heritage List, which will be updated in 2027 - once the Local Heritage Survey has been completed.
Heritage Classifications
What are the heritage classifications?
To ensure consistency in the way that heritage places are recognised, and the importance of the contribution that they make, Local Heritage Surveys in Western Australia commonly use the following classifications:
| Level of Significance to the Local Area |
Classification |
Description |
| Exceptional |
Category 1 |
Essential to the heritage of the locality. Rare or outstanding example. |
| Considerable |
Category 2 |
Very important to the heritage of the locality. |
| Moderate |
Category 3 |
Important to the heritage of the locality. |
| Some |
Category 4 |
Important to the heritage of the locality. |
Who decides the classification for each heritage place?
Classifications are based on an assessment of the place against recognised heritage criteria. Assessments are being undertaken by suitably qualified heritage professionals and considered by the City. The final Local Heritage Survey is adopted by the City following consultation and consideration of community feedback.
Will any classifications change?
Yes. One purpose of reviewing the Local Heritage Survey is to ensure heritage information remains accurate and reflects current heritage assessment standards. Some places may receive a different classification, be added to the survey, or be removed if they no longer meet the criteria for local heritage significance.
How will I know if the classification of my property changes?
As part of the consultation process, property owners will receive a letter from the City that explains any change. Once the review is completed, the updated Local Heritage Survey will be publicly available through the City’s website - and then the State's inHerit database.
How might inclusion in the Local Heritage Survey affect my property?
Inclusion in the Local Heritage Survey only ensures that a property’s cultural heritage significance is accurately reflected in the City's heritage records.
There are only implications when a heritage place is included in a Local Heritage List. Inclusion on a Local Heritage List may mean that changes to the property need development approval.
The City already has an adopted Local Heritage List, which will be updated in 2027 - once the Local Heritage Survey has been completed. See below for further information.
Heritage Survey Inclusions
How might inclusion in the Local Heritage Survey affect my property?
Inclusion in the Local Heritage Survey only ensures that a property’s cultural heritage significance is accurately reflected in the City's heritage records.
There are only implications when a heritage place is included in a Local Heritage List. Inclusion on a Local Heritage List may mean that changes to the property need development approval.
The City already has an adopted Local Heritage List, which will be updated in 2027 - once the Local Heritage Survey has been completed. See below for further information.
Are trees included in the Local Heritage Survey?
Yes – but the inclusion of trees in the Local Heritage Survey must be based on their cultural heritage significance, rather than their amenity or environmental value.
Is Aboriginal cultural heritage included in the Local Heritage Survey?
Yes - where they meet the heritage significance in the classifications explained above, places of significance to Aboriginal communities may be included in the Local Heritage Survey. Significant places that relate to Aboriginal tradition or culture are also protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act (1972).
Useful Resources
Where can I find out more about heritage in the City of Greater Geraldton or Western Australia?
The City of Greater Geraldton website and heritage planning information: Municipal Inventory of Heritage Places » City of Greater Geraldton
Heritage Council of Western Australia: Heritage Council of Western Australia
The State's inHerit online heritage database: inHerit - State Heritage Office
The Heritage Act 2018 and related heritage guidelines: Heritage guidelines, publications, strategies and policies
Project Timeline
Individual property owners and members of the community can provide feedback until 5:00pm on Monday 26th October
The team at the City will consider that feedback and respond to any specific queries
In late 2026, the Local Heritage Survey will then be considered by Council
Next Steps
Once the Local Heritage Survey is adopted by Council, in 2027 a Local Heritage List of those places that make a significant contribution, and may also benefit from additional statutory protections, will be developed.
To enable feedback, this Local Heritage List will be shared with property owners and the wider community. After the feedback has been reviewed, a Local Heritage List will be considered by Council for adoption.
As part of its consideration, Council will assess the City’s existing Local Heritage List in the context of:
- The completed Local Heritage Survey
- Feedback from property owners
- The wider community’s heritage priorities
- Council’s vision for heritage protection and development