What is a heritage place?
You might think cultural heritage is only about the grand, old 'house on the hill'. But it's much more than that. It can also be the rough and ready cottage, the bent and broken bridge, a landscape of spiritual importance, or even a modern building.While older places might be significant because of their rarity, age is only one criterion. The Brisbane City Council Carpark in Brisbane's Wickham Terrace, for example, was built during the 1950s and is known for its creative, technical, architectural, and engineering design. It also symbolises the emerging importance of the car at that time.
Cultural heritage creates special meaning for us as individuals or members of a community. It includes historical sites, buildings with a distinctive architectural style, or even a rare natural feature such as a rock formation.
Definitions and examples
A place of cultural heritage significance can include a:
- landscape
- place of worship
- railway bridge
- picture theatre
- house
- park
- structure
- machine
- site of historical, mythological, or spiritual importance
For example, a cast iron Gas Stripping Tower in Brisbane's West End is of cultural heritage value because it's the only one remaining in Australia. The tower was used to remove tar and ammonia from raw coal gas in the early 1900s.
The Jebbribbillum Bora Ground on the Gold Coast Highway at Miami is of cultural heritage significance because it was a traditional Aboriginal site used for dances, ceremonies, and meeting, and is the only one remaining on the Gold Coast.
Why it's important
Cultural heritage is an essential part of our lives. It establishes our identity as both Queenslanders and Australians.
Significant cultural heritage places evoke special meaning and reflect particular customs and beliefs for us as individuals or members of a community.
Last updated: 28 November 2003
