FAQs
What is the role of the Heritage Council of WA?
The Council is the State Government’s advisory body on heritage matters, with functions and powers under the Heritage Act 2018. It is charged with compiling the State Register of Heritage Places.
The Council’s role is to determine the State significance of a place and make a recommendation to the Minister for Heritage, who makes the final decision on whether a place is entered in the State Register.
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage supports the Council and the Minister for Heritage.
What is the State Register?
The State Register of Heritage Places is a statutory list of places that represent the story of Western Australia’s history and development. Entry in the Register is reserved for places that have been assessed as being of State cultural heritage significance. The Register is focused on places dating from, and after, European contact and Colonial settlement and includes places to which Western Australians retain a connection. The Register acknowledges the value and importance of a place and helps promote its conservation into the future. At present, there are 1,393 places in the State Register.
What would entry in the State Register mean for Iwanoff House, Floreat?
Registration would recognise the place and its significance to the story of Western Australia, ensuring the story will continue to be acknowledged into the future.
Can changes still be made to the place if it is registered?
Yes. The Council recognises that changes to heritage places are required to ensure a place is used and conserved. Inclusion on the State Register of Heritage Places does not prevent changes being made at the place. It enables the Heritage Council to advise on certain proposals (through the planning process) to ensure that the cultural heritage significance of the place can be understood and appreciated. Many general maintenance and repair works can be carried out without heritage advice.
How can I comment on the proposed registration of Iwanoff House, Floreat?
Comments on the proposed registration can be made online through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage’s Have Your Say, WA! website or by email to HCWAregistration@dplh.wa.gov.au.
What happens next?
Once the period for comments has closed, the Council will consider all submissions and decide whether to recommend registration to the Minister for Heritage, who will make the final decision on whether a place is entered in the State Register.
Does registration affect ownership/public access?
No. Registration does not affect ownership, nor require owners/leaseholders to give public access to their property.