Apply for Oral Representation to the Heritage Council

NOTE: this information is only applicable to supporters who completed a written submission to the Heritage Council in February 2025 in support of our application to add Victoria Park North (the Herston side) to the State Heritage list

URGENT: Request for Oral Representation to the Heritage Council Before Tuesday 20 May 2025

Background

A few months back, we reached out requesting that you write letters of support for our application to have the Herston side of Victoria Park added to the State Heritage List. Although this side of the park is already protected through City Council Heritage, a State Heritage listing offers even more protection and is one additional way we can demonstrate the historical and ecological significance of the northern/Herston side of the park. 

If you made a written submission to the Heritage Council, you would have received an exciting email this week notifying you that the chief executive who reviewed the application and submissions has now recommended the northern part of Victoria Park to be entered into the Queensland Heritage Register. This is a huge win and shows the significance of the park beyond just green space. The final decision now sits with the Queensland Heritage Council, who are considering the recommendation. If you wrote a letter of support earlier this year, and feel that you are well informed about Victoria Park, you are now eligible to make an oral representation at the Council’s meeting on 13 June 2025.

If you choose to make an oral representation, our biggest tips would be -

  • Be informed: make sure you respond to the specific criteria for state heritage listings (avoid focusing on generic/broad reasons, such as Victoria Park should be heritage listed because it's a great family park for locals)

  • Be focused: it's more impactful if you pick something specific about the park that is important to you and focus on that in your oral presentation. (But again, make sure it meets the state heritage criteria). There is no need to cover all the reasons why Victoria Park is special and deserves heritage listing.

How to Make a Request for Oral Representation

To make a request for oral representation - 

  1. You must make your request before Tuesday 20 May 2025

  2. Review the oral representation face sheet below

  3. Fill out the application form below and email it to heritage.council@des.qld.gov.au 

  4. If you would like to make a request for oral representation but would like to talk to someone first, you are welcome to reach out to Dr Neil Peach who wrote the heritage application. He is happy to be contacted on neil.peach@gmail.com or 0417 774 037