Striking the heritage balance

Published on 29 July 2026

In Hobsons Bay we are fortunate to have rich and diverse heritage, from our historic buildings and streetscapes to industrial history and natural landscapes. 

Our heritage helps tell the story of who we are, where we’ve come from and what makes our community unique. 

We need to preserve the character and stories of our heritage places while allowing them to remain useful, accessible and fit for modern life. This means finding ways to upgrade heritage buildings to improve accessibility, sustainability and energy efficiency, ensuring they can continue to serve our community for generations to come. 

In my ward of Spotswood, there will be a clear example of striking this balance in the coming years as the Hudsons Road level crossing is removed, with major works taking place to Spotswood Station during this process. 

As this project progresses, I believe it’s essential that the station's heritage significance is recognised and protected. We should be able to deliver safer transport infrastructure and improved connectivity while retaining the historic character and identity of this important place. 

Right now, Council is asking the community to have its say on two important heritage projects; the Heritage Strategy and the Draft Local Heritage Policy and Design Guidelines. 

The Heritage Strategy will provide a 10-year framework for how we identify, protect, support and celebrate our heritage.  

The strategy is multi-faceted with several focus areas, ensuring it includes truth-telling and First Nations perspectives, takes a people-centred approach, manages the risks climate change poses to heritage and finds the right balance between housing and heritage values. 

The Draft Local Heritage Policy and Design Guidelines will give clearer guidance for development within heritage overlays, bringing together existing policies and guidelines, making them easier to understand and use. 

These projects are important because protecting heritage is not about preventing change, it’s about ensuring change is carefully considered and planned. 

I encourage residents to take the opportunity to give feedback through via Participate Hobsons Bay.

By recognising, celebrating and protecting our heritage, while embracing the future, we can ensure Hobsons Bay remains a place where our history is valued and our community can continue to thrive.