Page | 1

1 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

Recommendation of the Executive Director and assessment of cultural heritage significance under Part 3 of the Heritage Act 2017

Current Name Stone Mileposts Proposed Name Stone Mileposts – Glenelg Highway Location Glenelg Highway; Smythesdale, Smythes Creek and Delacombe Date Registered 20 August 1982 VHR Number VHR H1701 VHR Category Registered Place Hermes Number 1014

Stone Mileposts, Glenelg Highway (June 2020)

This recommendation report has been issued by the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria under s.37 of the Heritage Act 2017.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE HERITAGE COUNCIL: That the Heritage Council amends the existing registration of VHR H1701 in accordance with s.62 of the Heritage Act 2017 by:

1. Including additional land under s.49(1)(d)(ii). 2. Determining categories of works or activities which may be carried out in relation to the place

for which a permit is not required (permit exemptions), under s.49(3).

STEVEN AVERY Executive Director Recommendation Date: 13 July 2020 Advertising Period: 17 July 2020 – 15 September 2020

Page | 2

2 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

REASONS FOR REGISTRATION IN 1982 The State level cultural heritage significance of the Stone Mileposts was recognised in 1982 by their inclusion in the Register of Government Buildings. This registration recognised the place’s association with the development of Victoria’s road networks and modes of travel in the nineteenth century. It also recognised the significance of the mileposts as good examples of the stonemason’s art and their rarity as a group of surviving mileposts.

AMENDMENT APPLICATION MADE ON 26 JUNE 2020 On 26 June 2020 the Executive Director made and accepted an application to amend the registration of the Stone Mileposts (VHR H1701) by including additional land and permit exemptions to ensure that they are consistent with current practices under the Heritage Act 2017.

AMENDMENT RECOMMENDATION REASONS The Executive Director recommends that the Heritage Council amend this registration in accordance with s.62 of the Heritage Act 2017 because under s.32(1) of the Act he considers that—

b) the proposed land for inclusion in the Register is important to the protection or conservation of the place and contributes to the understanding of the place.

WHO ARE THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS/REGISTERED ABORIGINAL PARTY FOR THIS PLACE? Under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, the Registered Aboriginal Party for the land on which the Stone Mileposts are located is the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation.

Page | 3

3 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

RECOMMENDED EXTENT OF REGISTRATION All of the places shown hatched on Diagram 1701 (a-e) encompassing parts of the road reserves for Glenelg Highway, and Smythes Road.

Page | 4

4 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

The extent of registration of the Stone Mileposts – Glenelg Highway in the Victorian Heritage Register affects the whole place shown on Diagram 1701 including the mileposts and their foundations, land, roads, trees, landscape elements and other features. The recommended extent is the same as the nominated extent.

AERIAL PHOTO SHOWING RECOMMENDED EXTENT

A

B

C

D E

Page | 5

5 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

A:

B:

C:

D:

E:

Page | 6

6 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

RATIONALE FOR EXTENT The recommended extent of registration comprises each of the five known mileposts plus a buffer of land around each milepost. This land comprises a section of road reserve measuring 20 metres either side of each milepost. This will enable each milepost to be clearly identified. Including this land in the extent of registration is important to the protection and conservation of the place (s.32b).

CHANGE OF HERITAGE CATEGORY No change of category.

CHANGE OF NAME It is recommended the name of the place in the Victorian Heritage Register is changed from ‘Stone Mileposts’ to ‘Stone Mileposts – Glenelg Highway’ to more clearly distinguish it from the other collections of stone mileposts included in the VHR.

CONDITION Overall, the place is in fair condition. Individual mileposts vary in condition. Most are in good condition with limited evidence of damage and weathering. A few are in poor condition having been damaged, evidenced by chips and knocks (June 2020).

BACKGROUND WHAT IS AT THE PLACE? The Stone Mileposts – Glenelg Highway comprise five stone mileposts located along the Glenelg Highway between the town of Smythesdale and Delacombe on the outskirts of Ballarat. The mileposts are constructed of basalt and are uniform in size and shape. All are approximately 1200mm high with substantial foundations of quarried bluestone, a roughly dressed triangular post and sloping top. The rear of the posts is rounded. Distances to Ballarat are marked in miles on the angled top of the mileposts while distances to Scarsdale, Smythesdale and Linton are inscribed according to the direction of travel. Most are painted white with letters picked out in black. The locations and inscriptions of individual mileposts are as follows:

Identifier Location Inscription

A Within road reserve, opposite the junction of Lords Road.

Ballarat 13 - Scarsdale 2 - Linton 8 – Smythesdale 1

B Within road reserve, in front of 5 Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road, approximately 65 metres north of the junction of Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road and Glenelg Highway.

Ballarat 12 - Smythesdale 0 - Scarsdale 3 - Linton 9

C Within road reserve, in front of 1439 Glenelg Highway.

Ballarat 11 - Smythesdale 1 - Scarsdale 4 - Linton 10

D Within road reserve, on the west side of exit to Delacombe Town Centre car park, Glenelg Highway, Delacombe.

Ballarat 4 - Smythesdale 8 - Scarsdale 11 - Linton 17

E Within road reserve, on the corner of Panorama

Drive and Smythes Road, Delcombe.

Ballarat 3 - Smythesdale 9 - Scarsdale 12 – Linton 18

Page | 7

7 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE PLACE? Victoria’s road network expanded following its separation from New South Wales and the gold rushes of the 1850s. Shires or local district road boards were largely responsible for building and maintaining local roads across Victoria. In the 1860s, the Shire of Grenville managed roads south-west of Ballarat. While the railway came to Ballarat in 1862, travel by coach was critical for travel between and beyond railway stations into more remote areas of western Victoria. In May 1864, the Victorian Roads & Bridges Office requested that the Shire of Grenville erect milestones along its major shire roads including the road to Hamilton which was a popular coach route. In 1866, the Shire called for tenders for the mileposts and appointed local mason James Overend to produce mileposts for the section of the road between Pittong and Sebastopol. Many mileposts, including these, were removed or buried on Government order in preparation for a possible Japanese land invasion following the entry of Japan into World War II in 1942. Some of the mileposts were re-erected following the war. While the mileposts were initially unpainted, they were painted by the Country Roads Board toward the end of the twentieth century.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT? The five nineteenth-century basalt mileposts located along the Glenelg Highway between Smythesdale and Delacombe. HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? The Stone Mileposts – Glenelg Highway are of historical significance to the State of Victoria. They satisfy the following criteria for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register.

• Criterion A Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.

• Criterion B Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history.

• Criterion D Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects.

WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? The Stone Mileposts – Glenelg Highway are historically significant for their association with the development and use of the road transport network in Victoria in the mid-nineteenth century. Road construction accelerated in Victoria following the gold rushes of the 1850s and the mileposts, likely erected in the 1860s, represent a rationalisation of the road system in a rapidly developing area of the colony. They are significant for their ability to demonstrate a popular coach route and requirements of travel by road in the era. As a collection of mileposts, they allow the use of the road network in mid-nineteenth century Victoria to be better understood than most other places or objects with the same association. They are a highly visible and intact reminder of the experience of travel by road in rural Victoria in the mid-nineteenth century. (Criterion A). The Stone Mileposts – Glenelg Highway are historically significant for their association with the preparations in Victoria for a potential land invasion during World War II. After the fall of Pearl Harbour in 1942, most of the mileposts were buried a few metres behind their original location to limit navigation and wayfinding information available to a potential invading force. Most of the mileposts were subsequently re-erected following the war. (Criterion A) The Stone Mileposts – Glenelg Highway are significant as a rare surviving example of a group of 1860s mileposts that follow a popular nineteenth-century transport route. Stone mileposts were once common throughout western Victoria but were gradually replaced by cast iron and cast concrete alternatives, or

Page | 8

8 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

otherwise lost or damaged. Although there are other individual examples of stone mileposts, there are few examples of roads that retain multiple mileposts (Criterion B). The Stone Mileposts – Glenelg Highway are a notable example of roadside mileposts. Demonstrating construction techniques and materials of the 1860s, they encapsulate a key evolutionary phase in the development of the class. They are fine, being substantial and highly visible. Their placement allows the role of the class of mileposts to be easily understood. They demonstrate the skill of the stonemason’s craft in their sturdy construction and lettering (Criterion D).

Page | 9

9 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

INTRODUCTION TO PERMIT EXEMPTIONS

Preamble The purpose of this information is to assist owners and other interested parties when considering or making decisions regarding works to a registered place. It is recommended that any proposed works be discussed with an officer of Heritage Victoria prior to making a permit application. Discussing proposed works will assist in answering questions the owner may have and aid any decisions regarding works to the place. The extent of registration of the Stone Mileposts – Glenelg Highway in the Victorian Heritage Register affects the whole place shown on Diagram H1701 including the mileposts and their foundations, land, roads, paths, verges, median strips, trees, landscape elements and other features. Under the Heritage Act 2017 a person must not remove or demolish, damage or despoil, develop or alter or excavate, relocate or disturb the position of any part of a registered place or object without approval. It is acknowledged, however, that alterations and other works may be required to keep places and objects in good repair and adapt them for use into the future. If a person wishes to undertake works or activities in relation to a registered place or registered object, they must apply to the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria for a permit. The purpose of a permit is to enable appropriate change to a place and to effectively manage adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance of a place as a consequence of change. If an owner is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that Heritage Victoria be contacted. Permits are required for anything which alters the place or object, unless a permit exemption is granted. Permit exemptions usually cover routine maintenance and upkeep issues faced by owners as well as minor works or works to the elements of the place or object that are not significant. They may include appropriate works that are specified in a conservation management plan. Permit exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.38 of the Heritage Act) or after registration (under s.92 of the Heritage Act). It should be noted that the addition of new buildings to the registered place, as well as alterations to the interior and exterior of existing buildings requires a permit, unless a specific permit exemption is granted. Disrepair of registered place or registered object Under s.152 of the Act, the owner of a registered place or registered object must not allow that place or object to fall into disrepair. Failure to maintain registered place or registered object Under s.153 of the Act, the owner of a registered place or registered object must not fail to maintain that place or object to the extent that its conservation is threatened. Conservation management plans It is recommended that a Conservation Management Plan is developed to manage the place in a manner which respects its cultural heritage significance. Aboriginal cultural heritage If works are proposed which have the potential to disturb or have an impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage it is necessary to contact Aboriginal Victoria to ascertain any requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. If any Aboriginal cultural heritage is discovered or exposed at any time it is necessary to immediately contact Aboriginal Victoria to ascertain requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

Page | 10

10 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

Other approvals Please be aware that approval from other authorities (such as local government) may be required to undertake works. Archaeology There is no identified archaeology of state level significance at the place. Cultural heritage significance Overview of significance The cultural heritage significance of the Stone Mileposts – Glenelg Highway lies in the physical fabric of the mileposts themselves, as well as their locations and relationship to the Glenelg Highway.

CATEGORIES OF WORKS OR ACTIVITIES (PERMIT EXEMPTIONS) RECOMMENDED UNDER S.38 The following permit exemptions are not considered to cause harm to the cultural heritage significance of the place.

Notes

• All works should ideally be informed by a Conservation Management Plan prepared for the place. The Executive Director is not bound by any Conservation Management Plan, and permits still must be obtained for works suggested in any Conservation Management Plan.

• Nothing in this determination prevents the Heritage Council from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions.

• Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits where applicable.

General Conditions

• All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place.

• Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place are revealed which relate to the significance of the place, then the exemption covering such works must cease and Heritage Victoria must be notified as soon as possible.

Specific Permit Exemptions Road maintenance

• Maintenance and repair works to existing roadways, pathways, shoulders, medians and verges including works to the road surface, kerbs and channels, road line marking, fire hydrants and drains.

• Maintenance and repair of safety critical infrastructure including barriers of all types. • Maintenance to or removal of existing underground and overhead utilities. • Repair and maintenance of light masts and road signs. • Removal or replacement of existing signage provided the size, location and material remains the

same.

Page | 11

11 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

Temporary structures

• The installation and/or erection of temporary elements associated with road works for a maximum period of six months after which time they must be removed and any affected areas of the place made good to match the condition of the place prior to installation. This includes: o Temporary protective barriers surrounding the mileposts during roadworks for a period no

longer than six months. o Temporary security fencing, scaffolding, hoardings or surveillance systems to prevent

unauthorised access or secure public safety during roadworks. o Temporary built or mobile structures such as portable toilets. o Temporary infrastructure, including wayfinding/directional/instructional signage, lighting, public

address systems, and the like in support of roadworks which do not require fixing into the ground within 10 metres of the milepost.

Landscape

• The processes of landscape maintenance including slashing and mowing. Protection is to be provided for the mileposts during this work.

• Installation of physical barriers or traps to enable vegetation protection and management of vermin such as rats, mice and possums.

• Like for like repair and maintenance of driveways where the location is unchanged.

• Removal of tree seedlings and suckers without the use of herbicides.

• Management and maintenance of trees including formative and remedial pruning, removal of deadwood and pest and disease control.

• Emergency tree works to maintain public safety.

• Removal of environmental and noxious weeds in a manner which does not disturb the foundations of the mileposts.

Page | 12

12 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

ATTACHMENT 1 EXISTING REGISTRATION DETAILS

EXISTING CATEGORY OF REGISTRATION Registered place

EXISTING EXTENT OF REGISTRATION 1. The entire collection of stone mileposts on the Glenelg Highway between Scarsdale and Ballarat, including all the structures' foundations, as marked B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5 on diagram 602339 held by the Executive Director, within a 100 metre radius of Australian Map Grid co-ordinates YD354292 (B1), YD368301 (B2) and YD378310 (B3) on 1:25 000 map sheet number 7622-4-2 and YD465359 (B4) and YD481358 (B5) on 1:25 000 map sheet number 7622-1-4. [Victoria Government Gazette No. G25 25 June 1998 p.1630]

Existing Statement of Significance

The bluestone mileposts along the Glenelg Highway between Scarsdale and Ballarat were installed prior to the 1870s and are linked to the development of the Cobb & Co routes. The bluestone mileposts predate the first cast iron posts and are an intact and visual reminder of the imperial measuring system previously operating in Australia. The posts consist of triangular bluestone posts with a shaved top and all have been painted in recent years. The rear face of the posts is rounded. The stone mileposts read (B1): Ballarat 13 - Scarsdale 2 - Linton 8; (B2): Ballarat 12 - Smythesdale 0 - Scarsdale 3 - Linton 9; (B3): Ballarat 11 - Smythesdale 1 - Scarsdale 4 - Linton 10; (B4): Ballarat 4 - Smythesdale 8 - Scarsdale 11 - Linton 17 and (B5): Ballarat 3 - Smythesdale 9 - Scarsdale 12 - Linton.

The stone mileposts on the Glenelg Highway between Scarsdale and Ballarat are of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria.

The stone mileposts on the Glenelg Highway between Scarsdale and Ballarat are of historical significance for their association with the development of early Victoria. Road construction was accelerated following the

Page | 13

13 Current Name: Stone Mileposts VHR number: VHR H1701 Hermes number: 1014

economic boom of the gold rushes in Victoria and the mileposts were a direct response to this, trying to rationalise the road system of a developing colony. The stone mileposts between Scarsdale and Ballarat assist in a greater understanding of the development and impact of 19th century economic activity in the State and the resultant need for transport systems. The mileposts on the Glenelg Highway between Scarsdale and Ballarat are a visual reminder of the evolution of Victoria's infrastructure and the past imperial system of measurements and weights. The mileposts are of historical importance for their ability to describe transport routes and requirements of the 1870s.

The removal of the mileposts, and their respective re-instatement, is of historical significance. After the fall of Pearl Harbour in 1942, most mileposts were dug up and buried a few meters behind their original location; most were re-instated into their original locations in 1946. The mileposts were removed or hidden in an attempt to thwart enemy forces in the event that Australia was invaded. This act symbolises what was a national psychological response to a major world crisis and a reaction to particular events outside Australia's national boundaries.

The stone mileposts between Scarsdale and Ballarat are architecturally significant as good examples of stonemason's art and their simple but elegant shape is aesthetically pleasing. The structures are typical of a vernacular stonemason's tradition. The mileposts are among a group of rare surviving examples of stone mileposts in Australia.

Existing Permit Exemptions

No permit policy or permit exemptions are included as part of the registration.