Studies
Several studies have already taken place over the past few years however there may be more. The DSWAA is keen to develop a comprehensive record of relevant Australian research reports, papers and publications. Listed below are studies of which we are aware. If you know of other publications on the topic, we would be pleased to hear from you at enquiries@dswaa.org.au Comprehensive details of the studies of which we are aware and their relevant links can be found here.
Research publications
Victoria
1989 Australia ICOMOS Historic Environment, vol. V11 2 (1989) The Drystone Walls of Victoria’s Western District. Rod McLellan http://www.astoneuponastone.com/coranga.html
1990 An historical and archaeological survey of the Dry Stone Walls in Melbourne’s Western Region: Gary Vines
1991–94. If These Walls Could Talk: Corangamite Dry Stone Walls Conservation Project. Corangamite Arts
2000–04. Development and Touring of the Exhibition A Stone Upon A Stone. Raelene Marshall
2004–06. Dry Stone Walls Study, for the Shire of Melton. Jim Holdsworth, David Moloney and Raelene Marshall
UNESCO e-journal ‘Creative Communities, Cultural Vitality and Human Rights’ Raelene Marshall
New South Wales
2000 Conserving the Dry Stone Walls of Kiama. Warwick Mayne-Wilson
2002 Dry Stone Walls of Lennox Head. Malcolm Milner
Dry stone walls and formal recognition and protection in Victoria
In March 2007, an Advisory Committee appointed by Victoria’s Minister for Planning released its “Review of Heritage Provisions in Planning Schemes”.
Among the Review’s many recommendations was one that proposed that the Victoria Planning Provisions (part of all municipal planning schemes in Victoria) be amended so that Clause 52.37 Post Boxes and Dry Stone Walls includes dry stone walls. The overall purpose of the clause is to conserve historic post boxes and dry stone walls.
Some 22 Victorian municipalities have dry stone walls and 12 have included this control in their planning schemes. They are Baw Baw, Glenelg, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Indigo, Mount Alexander, Moyne, Pyrenees, Surf Coast, Warrnambool, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges.
In those municipalities, a permit is required to demolish, remove or alter a dry stone wall constructed before 1940. In assessing an application, the Council has to consider such factors as the significance of the dry stone wall, any applicable heritage study or statement of significance and conservation policy, whether the proposal will adversely affect the significance of the dry stone wall, and whether the proposal will adversely affect the significance, character or appearance of the area.