Heritage Precincts Project - Round 2

South Gippsland Shire Council is undertaking a heritage precinct review of four key locations: Loch, Fish Creek and Toora town centres, and the Radovick Street residential area in Korumburra. We are proposing to introduce a Heritage Overlay (HO) precinct control to groups of properties in these areas. The goal is to ensure that as our townships grow, the unique history and charm that makes these towns special is preserved for future generations. Without clear planning protections, there is a risk that the character of our streetscapes could be eroded by inappropriate or generic development.

Each of the four townships are located on the Great Southern Rail Trail. Protecting the urban character of our Rail Trail townships will assist in protecting this valuable tourism asset and support economic development.

Council commenced our community engagement in April 2026 with letters to landowners and meetings in each township. Following this engagement, Council and the heritage consultant (Heritage Workshop) have prepared updated and new information for this second round of consultation commencing September 2026. The information comprises (see below links):

• Updated Precinct Boundary Maps for all townships
• Heritage Citation Drafts (statements of heritage significance) for each township
• Planning permit exemptions (Incorporated Plan)

The new Precinct Boundary Maps have been amended to include all of the land in a lot and not just the building footprint which was the approach taken in the first exhibition maps. This change has been made to ensure the planning permit exemptions can work as intended in the precincts.  

It is also to be noted that the Loch Precinct Boundary map has been amended to include all lots adjoining Victoria Road and this includes some properties that were not included in the early exhibited maps. This change was made in recognition that the redevelopment of these lots could impact the heritage values of the surrounding area if done inappropriately.

We understand that heritage controls can concern some people. The most common concerns are discussed in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Heritage information on individual buildings can also be found on the Heritage Victoria website.

Get involved

If you want to get involved in the project and be kept informed of the project stages, please register your interest below.

If you have any queries on the project or how to engage with us, please contact Ken Griffiths, Coordinator Strategic Planning on 5662 9200 or email council@southgippsland.vic.gov.au

If you want to provide any feedback on the exhibition information, please get your submission to us before 5.00pm on Friday 16 October 2026. Previously made submissions will continue to be considered.