Towns like Port Fairy or Maldon are famous for their neat, well-maintained heritage properties which attract thousands of tourists keen to step back in time. The heritage theme gives them a distinct point of difference to places which have failed to retain their historical links.

Foresight by the local communities and civic leaders put in place sensible planning protection to prevent demolition or inappropriate developments. The restrictions no doubt would have been controversial when proposed, but in hindsight were wise.

Warrnambool is still fine-tuning its heritage protection with the second stage of a major review of outdated provisions from 1983. 

After putting 26 precincts covering about 2000 properties into an amended planning scheme there is another list of 54 individual places proposed for inclusion.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy will be asked to authorise the draft list which will then be open for feedback and possible challenges.

There is unlikely to be much opposition to the inclusion of well-known places like the former Fletcher Jones factory workers’ houses, former Nestle factory manager’s residence and offices, the cemetery sexton’s office, an old trough and three road milestones, but for owners of  the many private properties nominated it involves responsibilities, restrictions and future costs.

The reasons need to be clearly explained rather than just a bureaucratic  order.  

There should also be provision for owners to receive grants if major repairs are needed to preserve buildings in need of  renovations.

 It can be a financial burden to maintain an ageing structure which doesn’t have the durability  of modern structures.

If authorities want history preserved for future generations then maybe the owners should be able to get a bit of  help in fulfilling their responsibility.