Huntly in focus for heritage study

A DRAFT Stage 2 Heritage Study for the former Shire of Huntly, which covered areas including Ascot, Bagshot, Drummartin, Elmore, Epsom, Fosterville, Goornong, Kamarooka, East Bendigo and Longlea, is open for public consultation until Sunday 18 May.

Stage 1 of the study was completed in 2021, when people shared their local knowledge about the northern suburb, providing photographs, stories and records that have helped fill in details for places or precincts with potential historical significance.

Details provided during that phase included events confirming the significance of building periods within the area, the establishment of community and social infrastructure, and the development of distinct phases of housing.

City of Greater Bendigo strategic planning manager Anthony Petherbridge said the second draft goes further and includes thorough assessments of places and precincts that were identified during Stage 1.

“This draft study makes recommendations for applying the Heritage Overlay to places found to be of local significance, and one place which may meet the threshold for state significance,” he said.

“Community members and businesses are invited to attend one of three engagement drop-in sessions to provide feedback, (which) will help the City understand if any changes are needed before the draft is presented to a future council meeting for adoption.”

The drop-in sessions will take place on Thursday 1 May at the Elmore Community Hub, Thursday 8 May at Huntly Memorial Hall, and Monday 12 May at Goornong Memorial Hall.

Feedback on the Heritage Study can be provided via the Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo website.