For insurers of Queensland heritage places
Heritage places benefit the community.
Owners of heritage places expend time and money in caring for and conserving their property for the benefit of the whole community and future generations.
1. There are different kinds of heritage protection and approvals
In Queensland, a heritage place may be protected by one or more of the following listings. The level of statutory protection differs for each list.
a) National or Commonwealth heritage listing
The National heritage list contains heritage places that have heritage value to the Australian nation. The Commonwealth heritage list contains heritage places that are owned or controlled by the Australian government. Approvals must be obtained from the Federal Department of Environment and Energy before doing work which is likely to have a significant impact on the heritage values of these places.
b) Queensland heritage listing
State Heritage Places are those that have heritage value to the people of Queensland. They are entered in the Queensland Heritage Register and protected by the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. Approvals must be obtained before doing work.
c) Local heritage listing
Places significant to a local government area may be listed in a local heritage register or identified in a local government planning scheme. Contact the local government before doing work as approval may be needed.
d) National Trust listing
The National Trust of Queensland is a membership-based community organisation. It promotes conservation of Queensland’s heritage through advocacy and public education. National Trust listing does not provide statutory protection. Approval is not required before doing work on National Trust places unless they are protected by another listing.
2. Owners are required to maintain State Heritage Places
The Queensland Heritage Act requires owners to do essential maintenance to help prevent deterioration or serious damage to their State Heritage Place.
3. Destroyed heritage places don’t need to be replaced with a replica
If a State Heritage Place is destroyed and its heritage value is lost, the Queensland Heritage Act does not require the owner to replicate the original building.
4. Damaged heritage places need to be repaired sympathetically
If a State Heritage Place is partly destroyed, any rebuilding work needs to be done in a way that is sympathetic to its heritage values. Depending on the work, the owner may be eligible to apply for a Heritage Exemption Certificate. These are simpler and faster than development applications. While there are no hard and fast rules, the use of new, readily available materials will usually be acceptable.
5. Further information
a) National or Commonwealth Heritage Places
For information about National and Commonwealth Heritage Places, see the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website.
b) State Heritage Places
We can provide you with information about State Heritage Places and our approval processes. We can also discuss repair options if you are processing a claim. Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) and ask to speak to an officer in heritage development.
c) Local Heritage Places
Contact the relevant local government.