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Local Heritage

Goldfields Weir Hotel c.1917 (Source: Mundaring and Hills Historical Society)

The Shire has a rich and colourful history. Local heritage needs to be understood, and is vital to the community’s sense of place and wellbeing.

The original inhabitants of the area were the Noongar Aboriginal people. The name 'Mundaring' is thought to come from an Aboriginal word meaning "a high place on a high place".

European settlement dates from the late 1820s with the land initially being used mainly for timber cutting, quarrying, vineyards and orcharding. Many of the early industries have been replaced by the arts, eco-tourism, small businesses and hobby farming.

The Munda Biddi Trail starts here, and Railway Reserve Heritage Trails stretch almost the entire length of the Shire from west to east.

The rich history of the Shire is embedded in the fabric of the many heritage buildings and places. The Shire of Mundaring is committed to conserving and promoting its local heritage to ensure that its history is preserved for generations to come.

The Shire:

  • Has a Heritage Strategy, a Heritage List, a Local Heritage Survey and a Heritage Requirements for Planning Proposals Local Planning Policy.
  • Provides financial support to the Mundaring and Hills Historical Society,
  • Staff support a Cultural Advisory Group, which includes Heritage representatives.

In accordance with its Heritage Strategy, the management of heritage within the Shire is based upon the themes Knowing, Protecting, Supporting and Celebrating.

This site is your opportunity to provide input on current heritage-related Shire projects, and obtain information on general heritage matters. Please check this page to keep up to date with the Shire’s heritage news and projects.

Updates on heritage related Shire projects are provided in the Latest News sectionbelow when necessary.

We thank you for your interest and valuable contribution. If you have any queries please contact the Shire's Planning Services on 9290 6740 or via shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au

Draft Heritage List

Draft Heritage List

At its Ordinary Meeting held on 11 March 2025, Council resolved to endorse the draft (revised) Heritage List (HL) for advertising. The minutes from this meeting can be viewed here

The Planning and Development (Local Planning Scheme) Regulations 2015 require local governments to establish and maintain a HL to identify places in the district that are of cultural heritage significance and worthy of built heritage conservation.

A HL is an instrument that is afforded powers under the Planning and Development Act 2005 and therefore carries statutory weight when determining planning outcomes for heritage places. The Shire in considering an application for planning approval is to have due regard to the conservation of any place which is included in the Shire’s HL.

The consultation period for the draft HL concluded on 24 October 2025, thank you to everyone who made a submission. Updates will be provided on this site when necessary.

Should you have any queries please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section on this site, or contact the Shire’s Planning Services on 9290 6740 or via shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au

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Local Heritage Survey

Local Heritage Survey

At its meeting held on 28 January 2025, Council adopted the Shire's Local Heritage Survey (LHS).

In accordance with the Heritage Act 2018, the LHS identifies places that in the Shire's opinion are, or may become, of cultural heritage significance. The LHS is important as a first point of identification of heritage places and is used, among other functions, to inform the preparation of a heritage list.

The Shire in considering an application for planning approval is to have due regard to the conservation of any place which is included in the Shire’s LHS. Other Shire decisions which could be informed by the LHS include activities to interpret or promote heritage places, or provide material for information or education.

A copy of the LHS can be viewed under the Document Library section of this site, or on the Shire website here

Should you have any queries please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section on this site, or contact the Shire’s Planning Services on 9290 6740 or via shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au

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The Shire of Mundaring is committed to conserving and promoting its local heritage to ensure that its history is preserved for generations to come, therefore, it is preparing (or has completed) the projects below (the Council meeting minutes regarding which can be viewed here).

  • Heritage Strategy

    Adopted by Council in July 2024
  • Heritage Requirements for Planning Proposals Local Planning Policy

    Adopted by Council in September 2024
  • Local Heritage Survey

    Adopted by Council in January 2025

Document Library

Useful Links

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Mundadjalina-k ngala kaditj Noongar moort nidja Wadjak boodjar-ak kalyakool moondang-ak kaaradj-midi.
Ngala Noongar Moort wer baalabang moorditj kaadidjiny koota-djinanginy.
Ngala Noongar wer Torres Strait Moort-al dandjoo koorliny kwaba-djinanginy.
Koora, yeyi wer kalyakool, ngalak Aboriginal wer Torres Strait birdiya wer moort koota-djinanginy.

Shire of Mundaring respectfully acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, who are the traditional custodians of this land.
We acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the region.