Omeo Justice Precinct Master Plan

Do local residents realise that the full adoption of this plan which is supposedly Justice Precinct heritage focussed involves the "release" READ HERE DEMOLITION of all of the shire buildings, facilites and hall as shown in E.2 of the plan?
Really !!! - a resource of this size is to be demolished?
There are many flaws that have been detailed in other submissions - scar tree "disappears", inappropriate glamping, commercialisation of site when similar businesses are struggling. It is due to the enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers of the Omeo Historical Society, who have been the custodians of the precinct and associated collections for years, that any initiative is required.
Greater acknowledgement and respect of their actions and suggestions shoule be included.
Deb Squires

🟩 OME0 JUSTICE PRECINCT
Heritage-Led Tourism and Interpretation Proposal

Prepared for:
East Gippsland Shire Council
Prepared by:
Sonia Buckley
Date: 25 May 2026

CONTENTS
1. Executive Summary
2. Strategic Context
3. Proposed Development Concept
4. Design Principles
5. Functional Uses
6. Integration with Broader Tourism
7. Strategic Justification
8. Conclusion and Requested Outcome

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This submission proposes a heritage-led alternative approach to the Omeo Justice Precinct Master Plan that prioritises:
• Interpretation and storytelling
• Cultural tourism experiences
• Integration with emerging tourism sectors
It recommends the development of a purpose-built heritage-style visitor and interpretation facility located within the existing Omeo Depot footprint.
This approach provides a balanced outcome that:
• Activates tourism without compromising heritage significance
• Supports local organisations and community use
• Aligns with established tourism demand for experience-based visitation

2. STRATEGIC CONTEXT
The Omeo Justice Precinct is recognised as one of the most intact nineteenth-century justice complexes in Victoria . Its heritage value represents a defining asset for the township and the broader East Gippsland region.
At the same time, Council has identified a need to:
• Increase visitation
• Strengthen the tourism economy
• Support local activation and economic development
Supporting evidence demonstrates that tourism demand in the region is strongly driven by experience-based activities, including cultural immersion and storytelling experiences that encourage overnight stays .
This creates an opportunity to deliver tourism activation in a way that strengthens, rather than competes with, Omeo’s heritage.

3. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Heritage Visitor and Interpretation Facility
This submission proposes the development of a purpose-built, heritage-style building located on the existing Omeo Depot site.
Key objectives:
• Provide a tourism and interpretation hub for the precinct
• Support heritage storytelling and cultural activation
• Enable new tourism products (including equine and brumby experiences)
• Relocate development away from the most sensitive heritage fabric
Site rationale:
• Utilises an already modified footprint
• Minimises impact on core heritage buildings
• Creates a transition zone between civic and tourism uses

4. DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The facility should be designed to reflect Omeo’s historic character and High Country identity.
Key principles:
• Heritage-inspired architectural form
• Human-scale building design
• Traditional materials (timber, masonry, muted finishes)
• Integration with surrounding landscape and open space
• Visual compatibility with courthouse precinct and historic buildings
The design should draw influence from:
• Historic stable structures
• Early civic buildings
• Traditional High Country architecture
This ensures new development complements rather than competes with the heritage significance of the site .

5. FUNCTIONAL USES
The proposed facility would operate as a flexible, multi-use hub supporting tourism, heritage and community functions.
5.1
• Exhibitions covering: Interpretation and Storytelling Hub
o Gold fields history
o Court and policing history
o High Country and mountain culture
• Orientation space for visitors
• Interactive and interpretive displays
This aligns with the demonstrated visitor demand for interpretive and educational experiences .

5.2
• Dedicated space for: Omeo Historical Society Base
o Collections and archives
o Volunteer operations
o Public display areas
This strengthens the sustainability and visibility of local heritage custodians.

5.3
• Base for: Brumby and Equine Tourism Hub
o Guided brumby and wild horse management tours
o High Country storytelling experiences
• Booking and visitor briefing space
• Interpretation linked to surrounding landscapes and equine activities
This aligns with identified opportunities for equine tourism development in the region, which demonstrates strong market demand and potential to drive overnight visitation .

5.4 Community and Cultural Space
• Flexible venue for:
o Talks, exhibitions Stockman’s hall of fame and workshops
o Cultural programming
o Community events

6. INTEGRATION WITH BROADER TOURISM
The facility would act as a gateway and connector between key tourism drivers in the region, including:
• Existing mountain bike infrastructure
• Emerging equine and brumby tourism opportunities
• Heritage tourism within the precinct
The region already benefits from increased visitation linked to tourism infrastructure, with opportunities to expand this through complementary experiences .
This approach positions Omeo as a connected tourism hub, rather than a standalone attraction.

7. STRATEGIC JUSTIFICATION
7.1 Heritage Protection
• Keeps major development out of sensitive heritage areas
• Reinforces the primacy of historic buildings
7.2 Sustainable Tourism Delivery
• Focuses on experience-based tourism
• Avoids reliance on large-scale commercial development
• Reduces long-term financial risk associated with major infrastructure
7.3 Community Alignment
• Reflects strong community preference for:
o Heritage-sensitive design
o Cultural and interpretive tourism
7.4 Economic Outcomes
• Supports increased visitation and visitor spend
• Encourages longer stays
• Enables development of new tourism products

8. CONCLUSION AND REQUESTED OUTCOME
This submission recommends that Council:
1. Adopt a heritage-led tourism approach to the Omeo Justice Precinct focused on interpretation, storytelling and cultural experiences.
2. Investigate the development of a purpose-built heritage-style facility within the existing Omeo Depot footprint.
3. Ensure the facility provides:
o Interpretation and visitor orientation space
o Accommodation for the Omeo Historical Society
o A base for equine and brumby tourism operations
o A base for tours of gold mines and walking trails
o Home for the Hall of Fame for Stockman recognition
o Flexible community and cultural use areas
4. Ensure all future development:
o Respects heritage values
o Maintains architectural compatibility
o Supports integrated tourism outcomes

FINAL STATEMENT
The Omeo Justice Precinct presents a unique opportunity to deliver tourism outcomes that are grounded in place, history and identity.
A heritage-led approach centered on interpretation, storytelling and authentic experiences will:
• Protect what makes Omeo unique and capture the cultural history of the district
• Strengthen its tourism appeal
• Deliver long-term economic and community benefit
without compromising the integrity of one of Victoria’s most significant heritage precincts.

END OF DOCUMENT

I wish to provide feedback on some of the recommendations in the 3 reports, but also around the steps and community engagement the Master Plan process has taken. Also, will Council endorse these 3 reports and adopt the recommendations and findings? Is Council satisfied with level of community engagement undertaken by Lovell Chen?
I was involved in the 1st lot of community engagements/consultation, however it was not well done as many important members of our community were not involved. Thankfully, members of the Omeo Historical Society, local BTA members and some community members attended these meetings and took the consultants and Council staff, through the OJP. In my view, the consultation process did not meet the needs of many members of our community who are unable to attend meetings due to work commitments, age, ability, difficultly coping with these face to face meetings or distance. People also know that their concerns will not be heard or remembered. A letter box drop or questionnaire to the whole community would have captured more information and insight from all important stakeholders in our community, who also have a deep understanding and connection to the Omeo Justice Precinct and our District. A visit to the many local Community Centres was overlooked too.
I don’t recall any specific community engagement occurring locally where the Market Assessment was released and discussed. In fact, I was unaware the Market Assessment document existed up until last week when I saw it at the Omeo Hub. I have indeed been onto Council’s Have Your Say web page regularly, only to find 2 documents there, only recently. Now I hear that public comment closes May 25, today. The completion date of this report was October 2025. Is it getting rushed through now so the bill can be paid?
I am glad to read all of the comments on this page though.
I am disappointed that the Omeo Historical Society is not mentioned in any of these 3 reports enough. In the Analysis document, the Omeo Historical Society receives a mention on pages 29 and 34. Given the work they have done to upkeep, upgrade, preserve and keep the buildings safe, network, upskill, travel, apply for funds, protect and record community artifacts and documents and to even provide tours to bus groups, which were up and running for many years. They are doing much of what are suggested in these reports.
Lovell Chen refer to some of the buildings as unwanted or of little significance, including the Penders Court Hut, the mechanics shed, the Scar Tree and Water Wheel. The stories behind these structures or the equipment housed within them tell the story of how our community became what it is today. It seems these items and equipment might be looking for new homes outside of, what was our District’s museum.
Council would have spent a fair bit of money engaging the City based consultants Lovell Chen to write these reports, but I would like to know what the total investment would be to undergo all of the proposed works, including the redevelopment of the Council building in Day Avenue, the renovations to the Old Police Residence into Boutique Accommodation and glamping, totally inappropriate. It all sounds wonderful, but we can’t even fix the Nicholson Street Mall. Had Council employed a Curator (or multiple Curators) I believe more fitting recommendations would have been reached.
Please don't compare us to Bright. We are a unique community and District. Tourists who come here say they like what our District offers and that Bright has become too commercialised and overpriced.
The recommendations to relocate the Omeo Historical Society to the 1890’s Court House, then to another building after it is built is also very confusing.
What is Council’s next step?

Pleased to see that there is work to support the reopening of the justice precinct.
However ...
- Glamping in the beautiful reserve is an absurd proposal. We have a fully functioning caravan park along the creek wiht glamping options, and any proposal should be consolidated in that area not the justice precinct.
- Opening the courthouse to the hospitatility venue takes away from the historical aspect of the town. Omeo already has a number of hospitality venues for sale and no potential owners have come forward - unlikley to be a success.
- Offering space for commercial offerings for "bike and wellness lifestyle offerings" is an unnecessary inclusion and doesn't fit within the precincts historical value. There is alreayd a number of empty shops within town that these buisnesses could utilise and would be better placed in the main street. Keep the precinct as a historic, education museum.
- Bike servicing as part of the precinct is an unnecessary addition as there is already a number of locations in town that have servicing tools available to the public

I comment on the Master Plan as a resident and rate payer of East Gippsland, and a regular but infrequent visitor to Omeo (2-4 times a year), with strong family ties to the district.
It has been very instructive to read the existing comments of residents and organisations, and I would like to add my voice by expressing my respect and support for the work of the Omeo Historical Society over many decades.
I find the Master Plan very confusing to read, and struggle with its "evidence based" claim when the Plan contains almost no evidence.
For example, its recommendations to add "accommodation" to the Court House is very difficult to assess.
In general, as I walk down the main street and am surrounded by advertising for a variety of short stay accommodation, I have no evidence that there is a shortage that would require an additional (3 or 20?) beds to be attached to an intact and complete heritage building.
I can understand that the Master Plan might need to be a short summary, but it feels as if its transparency is being limited by this brevity.
Of course, the absurd Glamping proposal suffers from the same criticism, Glamping seems to be a major focus at the Caravan Park, so why have a little bit more in a location that "should be a botanical garden'?
Does the plan include the evidence of the big picture of the surrounding facilities and businesses? I am sure it does, but I have no "evidence" of this "evidence".
Despite the fulsome acknowledgement on the front page, the total lack of comment on First Nations issues, uses and possible contribution seems a glaring omission. Though described in the Lovel Chen Report, the "scar tree" is a tiny uncoloured dot on the initial plan, and silently disappears after that, not even given the grace of a grey circle to mark its potential for removal. This shocking replication of colonial bias should be completely unacceptable in 2026. It is the only reference to First Nations issues or elements until a consultation process is proposed in 2029, can that be satisfactory? Of course, there could have been extensive consultation already, but once again, no evidence.
I find that the document leaves me with more questions than answers. The timeline provided, whilst giving me a sense of the process, does not give me any confidence in what the project will be in the end.
It is extremely disturbing to see comments in the online feedback, about the inadequacy of some of the community consultations that have occurred so far.
The timeline suggests that there will be a Council CoM in place until 2032, thereafter a Community CoM is established, with Community and First Nations Consultations in 2029. Will that Community CoM be presented with a large fait accompli agenda that is the product of this Master Plan? If so, then this Plan needs to be much more transparent as it could be too late for major changes then.
Some rationalisation of existing "Folk Museum" elements is reasonable or unfortunate depending on your view. This means there is the need for a genuine conversation between the two sides of the question, not an unquestioned decision without rationale given by a consultant.
Heritage sensitive maintenance of the existing significant elements is to be welcomed.
Supporting the ongoing work of the Historical Society would appear to be the best way to achieve these goals.
Gaining some clarity on the future role of the Historical Society seems central to understanding how this will all work. If a significant change in their role is envisaged, then a clear discussion needs to happen now. Decades of volunteer, free labour should not be brushed aside in a single sweep of a non-transparent Master Plan.

The sites proximity to the school is unmentioned in this plan. But surely there would be educational opportunities that could be developed if an educational centre was developed. Surely this would be a normal function of any museum. What an astonishing asset for local schools, but also a magnet for school excursions, school camps from Victoria and southern NSW. It would also be more fitting to the heritage goals than the unnamed commercial developments.

Andrew Morrish, Orbost
25/5/26

This Master Plan is still very light on detail, however it does provide a way forward to consider what is important to the Omeo Region and the future for the Omeo Justice Precinct (OJP). The historical heritage analysis also requires more consideration and analysis which would be fleshed out in an updated Conservation Management Plan, as recommended. There are still many questions to be answered:
1. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and the association with the site, including the significance of the Scar Tree.
2. A detailed Landscape and Site Analysis to establish levels, water coursing, drainage issues, site lines etc. There appears to be an assumption that the North view is the most important. If the final analysis comes into being with the removal of the Civic centre it will open up the views from the west exposing the new toilet block, 1893 Courthouse additions and infrastructure. All intrusive features to the precinct from that aspect. Modelling will assist to inform future design.
3. An Archaeological analysis to establish areas of sensitivity with recommendations for management.
4. An Interpretation Plan that is considered and avoids the "signs on sticks" as recommended. There are many subtle and creative ways to tell the important story of the place.
5. The recommended use of the Police Quarters avoids the recommendations for the Omeo Historical Society location and ongoing purpose. The OHS have been the caretakers and gate keepers of the Precinct for decades with limited resources and support. I strongly recommend that they remain in their current location to the final stage of the plan so there is an ongoing presence on site for maintenance, security and until an alternative agreed location is found for this integral community group and their collections.
6. the recommendation for the removal/relocation of B6 1893 Outbuilding is in opposition to the Victorian Heritage Register listing. It is noted as a contributing element to the site. It retains features that are original in its footprint, form and joinery and with considered conservation will continue to contribute to the heritage values of the place.
The recommendation for the removal of items provenanced to the Courthouse off site will lose continuity and context. The items, once conserved must be store in the building to retain connection.
7. the continued intensity of climate driven events such as extreme storms, intense wildfires, flooding etc are all potential impacts for the Precinct. A Disaster Risk Management Plan would help inform future plans for the Precinct and protect the identified heritage values.
In summary I believe the Master Plan must be informed by the above planning recommendations before it can progress to make the recommendations presented. The Precinct has been identified in its listing in the VHR for possessing State significance and therefore deserves a more rigorous analysis.
I hope these recommendations help a very difficult process and one that has begun an important conversation. East Gippsland Shire and the consultants must be commended for the work to date which is just the beginning.
Jo Lyngcoln 25/05/2026

Removed by moderator.

A word of warning for any town trying to create nice walks/trails and establish any kind of native gardens or re-vegetate land previously effected by human activity, don't bother if you have invited the mountain bike community in. Everything becomes a pedal playground and no amount of signage or bollards or hundreds of km's of constructed trails will be enough. Rate payers money will be wasted repairing the damage and the enjoyment for any walkers will be negated by the risk of being struck by a bike rider. Go and visit other towns that have suffered the same fate.

A Response to the Omeo Justice Precinct Heritage Analysis: Summary of issues and opportunities.
And the Omeo Justice Master Plan.

Firstly its good to see another comprehensive report on the site ,however the site and its surround’s are on Jaithmathang peoples country not Gunaikunai .
2.2 Statement of Significance .
The reason the heritage buildings i.e the Penderscourt Laundry ,Blacksmithy and water wheel that were gathered to this site by the Omeo Shire council and Omeo Historical Society was for preserving them for future Generations to enjoy. Just as an example , the Zulu creek water wheel was removed from its second working site on Zulu creek and reassembled in the1970s in what was to later become the Precinct area .The new court house [1893] had in its archives until recently The Original copy of the Mining Lease application and survey of its original site in Zulu creek 130s years of connection with the new courthouse and 10 more years with the old courthouse.
The EGSC and Heritage Victoria needs to liaise with the Omeo Historical Society with the view of retaining these Buildings i.e the Penders court Laundry ,the Blacksmithy machinery shed and its locally and Gippsland significant artifacts and the Native Youth Water wheel from Zulu creek. It was purposed in in the 2003 Interpretation Plan By Robert J Kaufman that these buildings do not detract from the site as they are placed on the North East side of the Precinct.
Please note that had the wheel and machinery been left on site in Zulu creek it would have been destroyed by 2 bushfires by now.
2.3 I find the use of the word demolition in this Heritage Analysis an offensive word not just to myself but to the community at large who donated buildings and artifacts in good faith.
2.3.1 Permit Exemptions. The relocated buildings and machinery should not be removed.
2.4 Heritage Victoria engagement.
It should be considered that the Precinct\Park Area is not Bushfire Proof ,so any choice of trees and shrubs to be planted at the site should be considered carefully.
3.0 Understanding the place.
Please note that the Tongio Road was the main road south in the very early days of Omeo or Livingstone as it was called.
The Precinct \Park area should be joint managed by the EGSC the OHS and local community , with the OHS retaining the right to occupy the Old Police residence as well having the right of veto on matters in the Heritage Folk Museum area .
The Aboriginal scar tree was placed in the Park in or around 1985 please note it has been preserved from bush fire.
The Pioneer women’s monument was unveiled in 1935 to commemorate 100 years of settlement in the Omeo region and should be retained.
5.2 establish an on going regime of cyclical maintenance .
.To include the Heritage Folk Museum area .

5.3 Use
As preposed in the Draft Interpretation Plan 2003.There is a great opening to build a suitable Museum \Heritage Centre adjacent to the precinct in the old shire depot. This would not only enhance the Omeo Region’s deep and rich early settlement and diverse gold mining history it would also help create the best access to the Precinct \ Heritage park area as per the 2003 DIP by Robert Kaufman. In this plan you would start in the Middle of the park by elevation and walk mostly down hill to view the area instead of from the bottom up as it is not flattest place in Omeo..
5.5 Collections and moveable items.
The OHS ‘s collection is extensive and will continue to grow with the need for a world class building to be built sooner rather than later. Please note the OHS has been involved in the recognition and development of many Heritage sites though out the Omeo Region over the years ie the Hinnomunjie bridge, sharps hill on the GAR ,the wombat and saltpetre cemeteries and the dogs grave just to name a few. These are all sites of the social fabric of the region ,it should be noted that there were 9800 people in the Omeo region in 1900 as per the Peterson report 2001.The potential for family descendants to visit there grass roots in the region is a hugely under valued resource .With such a vast number of descendants out there in the larger community it is crucial that OHS remains grounded on site and involved in all decision making in the Park\ Precinct.
While the EGSC seems to be hanging all there hopes on the success of the MBT the bigger picture may be developing other Heritage sites in the Omeo region ; ie the Jirnkee water race, the King Cassilis rock vat stands [one of 2 sites in the world ], The Cassilis GMC hydro electric mine site and the extensive Charlotte’s spur stone work , All of these places should be national heritage must visit sites in our Beautifull Alpine Region.

Yours sincerely Brett Lee .

Hi there,
I think the new updates sound great, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, put a fence around that playground! I have written three letters so far(two emails and one letter in the mail) to Jeff at the Omeo historical society - who has been running the courthouse area for a while now,. When my kids were little, and the playground was also new, around 2007, I couldn't work out how a playground was put in, on a very busy main road, and no fence around the park at all. My son turns 21 next month, and most of that time I've been trying to convince Jeff to put up some sort of fence, to aleast slow the kids down anyway.
I don't normally contribute to anything, but would feel terrible if something happened and I didn't say something. Also, I would have have thought that putting a playground beside the main road, would require some type of barrier or fence - more so now with parents on their phones and not really watching their little people anyway.
Kind regards from Tahnee 😀

The section 4.0 Final Masterplan - 4.1 implementation Roadmap - stage 1
I agree with the need for paths throughout the Justice Precinct to facilitate the pedestrian traffic and for disabled mobility. The Court House (new) should only be used for weddings, photo shoots and tours of this amazing facility. The Police residence (front section) should be used as a representation of "the way they lived and worked" in the past. The back section used as offices and storage for the Omeo Historical Society Research Group. Perhaps in the council depot, the elevated platform can be sectioned off and opened out into the Justice Precinct to allow their machinery artifacts from the area to be displayed and removed from the Justice Precinct Park, along with the "Penders Court Wash-house" as it contains historic value including the shingle roof. The Police Stables would also compliment this area adjacent to the Goal with appropriate displays. The idea of "Glamping accommodation" within the Justice Precinct Park is very unusual and is not part of the concept of 'Justice'. Perhaps the vacant Police Paddock behind the park could be utilised for this type of accommodation with benching out the land and then adding the Yurts, thus allowing the path network for visitor accommodation. I believe the Commissioner's Gully can be ulitised as a Botanical garden with perhaps plants being sold in the Cafe section of the implementation plan. This area (I have been led to believe) has an overlay as a protected aboriginal sacred site, so care should be taken. Also, the Magistrate stables are unique, heritage classified and after spending rate payers' money ($24,000) on preserving it, care should be taken when someone decides it's no longer needed and a 'hospitality venue'' be installed. In the final outcome of all the ideas, projected income areas, glamping, we should never lose sight that this Justice Precinct Park is the only one in Victoria still in its original area and whole. It should be given protected immunity from developers. The ideas of restructuring the front of the Omeo Shire Offices looks on paper absolutely fantastic with the cafe at the south end viewing the 'new' courthouse'. New toilets are a 'must'. Footnote: The 'old Courthouse' should always remain as a museum with displays and cared for by the Omeo Historical Society Research Group. Also, the Zulu Waterwheel display should be completed and opened to the public.
Cheers Mike & Marg Henry

Removed by moderator.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Justice Precinct Master Plan
1. The Master Plan's greatest omission is the lack of recognition of the value of the Justice Precinct as a centre for telling the stories of Omeo district's history. Greater consultation with the Omeo Historical Society would have revealed far more than some "paper based records'. The history of the area has value now and great potential as a tourist attraction and that should be the highest priority for any "development" of the Justice Precinct. That history and its records are of value to the state and nation not only locally with possible inclusion in the Heritage Goldfields Trail. Opportunities like this should be included in any planning decisions.
Because of the work undertaken by the Historical Society over many years and the extensive collection of records and artefacts, facilities for their work, displays and story telling should be highest priority in the area as it is best suited, and should be seen as an active living museum. The Police House is not needed or appropriate as accommodation, but should remain as the centre for Omeo Historical Society. Other buildings on the site and the Shire sheds can be the exhibition sites for history and stories.
2. The proposed glamping along Commissioner's Gully is not an appropriate use of that site. The caravan park already offers glamping, and there are other sites around Omeo that could be used if there is a demand for such accommodation. The Gully can be enhanced with indigenous and other native planting, a walking path and possibly children's play equipment rather than the plastic playground proposed for the corner of the Pearson Park. Marysville has a lovely example of play activities and equipment incorporated into gardens and walking paths.
3. The proposed commercialisation of the site will do nothing to enhance the valuable heritage buildings especially the new courthouse which should not be altered or extended for such a purpose. Existing local businesses should be supported and if there is need for other food outlets there are currently other buildings of historic interest close by that could be re-purposed.
4. The Shire Hall serves as a community centre and venue for events now as it has done for well over 100 years and certainly should not be demolished or have the services and facilities re-located. That is the centre of town, convenient to locals and visitors.
5. The recommended improved lighting, pathways, access through the site are great suggestions - the sort of work that should be undertaken as soon as the heritage conservation works are completed.
6. I no longer live in Omeo, but I grew up there and visit regularly. As visitors, we (and extended family) use the the Pearson Park, nearby food outlets and other facilities. We are like many other visitors to the town - not there for the bike riding, but looking for walks, and other activities. The Justice Precinct and co-located history museum can cater for that tourist market and add another dimension to Omeo and the region.
Ann Fagan

The commercialisation and glamping of the historic courthouse precinct is offensive to the community.
Affixing accommodation to an historic courthouse, is disrespectful to the heritage design. Glamping next to a childcare centre and primary school is inappropriate, appealing only to the most hard-nosed of developers.
Omeo Historical Society have been painstakingly taking care of this site and its priceless contents for over 50 years, FOR FREE. Hours and hours of conservation work donated by VOLUNTEERS. They are an integral part of this precinct and must be consulted, included and listened to. Yet this ‘developers’ plan excludes them, excluding our very place-based historic knowledge. Another case of consultants and bureaucrats riding rough shod over the community.
Contrary to Mayor Cr. Ashworth’s Shire media release, ‘business opportunities are (NOT always) indisputably good for a community’. What is good for a community is recognising the tireless work and dedication of community volunteers. A local resource no business plan can buy!

Any revamp plan MUST include Omeo Historical Society and provision of the resources they need to support their valuable conservation work and ensure that this precious collection can be maintained and preserved ON SITE.

Opposition to a Commercial Building Behind the Courthouse
I oppose the construction of a commercial building behind the courthouse. I instead support changes that preserve and strengthen the historic character of the site and the surrounding buildings.
Preferred Improvements to the Site
· Improve the existing gardens to enhance the area's appearance and character.
· Upgrade the hall facade in a way that honours its heritage and reflects the period of the courthouse and Soldiers Memorial Hall.
· Ensure all improvements complement, rather than detract from, the surrounding historic buildings.
Proposed Historical and Visitor Information Building
I support the development of a historical and visitor information building that highlights the Omeo Region's history and promotes the visitor experience.
Email has been forwarded with my proposal to EcoDev & Council Officers.
Tracey Ah Sam

1. It is possible that the Omeo Justice Precinct will be included in the Victorian Goldfields Trail World Heritage listings. When operating as a museum The Omeo Justice Precinct already attracts significant visitors. There is absolutely no need to commercialize the Omeo Justice Precinct. We need a better entry system into the museum spaces, including the newly conserved new courthouse. It is a really impressive conservation job and the Historical Society cant wait to be open again.
2. Without the Omeo Historical Society there would be no Omeo Justice Precinct; we have been part of the site for over 50 years. We need to stay in the Old Police residence as our Archive and Research Center helping hundreds of people discover their heritage. The building is heritage listed and accommodation is not compatible with World Heritage Listing.
3. Glamping in Commissioners Gully is totally inappropriate. It is Heritage listed. It should be a botanical garden. The Park is already a beautiful place to sit, remembering it has been closed since COVID for conservation work which is almost complete.
4. The council yard should have heritage purposes in mind with its redevelopment.
5. The Omeo Memorial Soldiers Hall and Shire Offices should never be demolished; it is already the civic heart of the town.

In response to the Omeo Justice Precinct Master plan. Firstly I would like to take issue with the statement that they had "Undertaken community and Stakeholder engagement , including local residents and the OHS and Key agencies". To my knowledge this meeting was woefully advertised and organized , no consultation as to time, date or place, poorly attended and conducted and the Shire representatives came with a " predetermined outcome". This was evident by their briefing to the consultants which wasn't factual.
I object to the commercialisation of the OJP , this is a heritage site and it doesn't need to be turned into a "Circus".
And finally the OHS has been involved with the Heritage site for many many years and l fully endorse the submission presented by the Omeo Historical Society.
Peter Sandy

Attachment to submission from Helen Martin
OMEO JUSTICE PRECINCT H1536 –
REVISED STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE (3 January 2023)
What is Significant?
The Omeo Justice Precinct, Omeo, containing six significant buildings: log lockup/gaol (1858) with stockade fencing (1985 replacing that of 1882-83) and attached police cookhouse (1882-83); first courthouse (1859-61); police residence (1882-83); police stables (1882-83); outbuilding (1982-83) containing magistrate’s stable and toilets; and the second courthouse (1893), designed by the outstanding government architect A.J. Macdonald. The original fixed and non-fixed furniture of the 1893 courthouse and the court-related document collection it contains are objects integral to the significance of the heritage place.
How is it significant?
The Omeo Justice Precinct is of historical, architectural and technical significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies 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.
Criterion E
Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.
Criterion F
Importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period.
Criterion H
Special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in Victoria’s history.
Why is it Significant?
The Omeo Justice Precinct is historically, architecturally and technically significant as the most intact example of a nineteenth century police and court complex known to survive in Victoria. Its components, including buildings, document collection, and original fixed and non-fixed furniture demonstrate the development of law enforcement in a remote goldmining community over a period of several decades.
The log lockup/gaol (1858) is architecturally and historically significant as a rare example of primitive log construction, a vernacular building style seldom used in Victoria. It is unusual in having three cells and in retaining its internal doors and log walling between cells, so that its original function can be seen clearly. Although not the earliest, it is the most intact log lockup in the State and the earliest known to remain on its original site. It gains added significance in its context in a remarkably intact example of a nineteenth century justice precinct. The attached police cookhouse (1882-83) is historically significant as a rare example of a police building that demonstrates nineteenth century practices in the use of a central cookhouse for single police and their prisoners.
The first courthouse (1859-61) is architecturally and historically significant as a rare and intact example of a small country goldfields court of the 1850-60s. It was a symbol of the extension of the power of the colonial government to impose justice on a small and remote goldfields community and demonstrates in its fabric part of the story of Victoria. Its strong association with police magistrates Alfred Currie Wills and, particularly, Alfred William Howitt adds to its historical significance. This association is clearly documented in Howitt’s papers in the State Library of Victoria, describing the way he lived and worked in the two small back rooms, as well as in Howitt’s 1864 notebook and other documents from the time included in the courthouse collection.
The police residence (1882-83) is historically significant as a representative and intact example of a nineteenth century timber police house and station, which demonstrates the importance of the police presence in a remote mining town.
The police stables building (1882-83) is historically important as a representative and intact example of a timber stables, which demonstrates the way of life of nineteenth century police officers and their reliance on horses for transport.
The outbuilding (1882-83) containing the magistrate’s stables and toilets (internal and external) is included in the original plans for the new court complex and shares design features with the courthouse. It shows how the court functioned in the late nineteenth century, with a non-resident magistrate visiting at regular intervals, on horseback or by light carriage. It also helps to demonstrate how the separation between prisoners/police, magistrates/court officials, jurors and the public was maintained.
The second courthouse (1893) is architecturally significant as a fine and rare example of the work of A.J. Macdonald, whose small but remarkable output for the Public Works Department during his brief architectural career was influenced by H.H. Richardson of Chicago and many other styles, such as the Arts and Crafts movement. The 1893 Omeo courthouse is particularly significant as a rare example of a courthouse in the Federation Romanesque style in Victoria. Its fabric demonstrates important innovations in building techniques for the period, including the use of concrete base walls and the ventilation system for the courtroom, where air is carried in galvanised iron ducts and expelled through ‘spare’ flues in the chimneys rather than roof vents. The courthouse is historically significant as a major element within the Omeo Justice Precinct, a testament to the increased judicial workload which required more space and better working conditions.
The original furniture, fixed and non-fixed, and the court records in the 1893 courthouse are integral to the significance of the heritage place. The documentation, which extends from Howitt’s time (1864) to the 1940s, allows the Omeo Justice Precinct to be read, understood and appreciated for its role in maintaining law and order and dispensing justice, as well as demonstrating the connections between the significant buildings that make up the heritage place. The documents also enable an understanding and appreciation of the social, legal and economic dynamics experienced by a community largely defined by both gold rushes, two of the defining periods of nineteenth century Victoria, and the intervening and succeeding periods of reduced population and economic activity.

Omeo Justice Precinct Masterplan – Comments
The executive summary of the Omeo Justice Precinct Masterplan claims that it ‘provides a strategic framework to preserve and improve the site’s historic assets.’ This is a worthy ambition but is not supported by the Masterplan or the background documents. It also notes that ‘The future management of the OJP must balance conservation in accordance with its cultural significance with the imperative for a sustainable and viable future use’ and ‘Future uses must be compatible with the Precinct’s assessed values, meaning they should involve no, or minimal, impact on cultural significance.’ The proposals in the Masterplan seem to lean much more to commercial viability than to preserving heritage significance.
My major disappointments with the Masterplan are:
• It treats the Justice Precinct as a secondary space, only valuable as a potential adjunct to the Mountain Bike trail complex, rather than recognising it as the Crown jewel of Omeo in its own right.
• It fails to acknowledge the importance of the contribution of the Omeo Historical Society over 50+ years to the preservation, maintenance and management of the Precinct. Without OHS, there would now be nothing much on the site capable of being conserved or enhanced. Instead of celebrating and supporting their achievements, the Masterplan seems to be determined to erase OHS from the Precinct. (Further commentary on this issue is provided below.)
I agree that the Precinct is currently underutilised, but this is primarily due to the delay in completing the latest round of conservation works on the two courthouses. Previously, even allowing for the state of repair of the courthouses, there were frequent bus tours – guided by OHS members – and numerous individual visitors. The major conservation works were always intended to create new possibilities for the Precinct.
I do not agree that ‘many of buildings are in poor condition’, nor am I clear what is meant by ‘recent additions detract from the site’s authentic character.’ The consultants perhaps do not know that most of the site was gazetted in 1973 as a Public Purposes Reserve (Folk Museum) and the rest as Public Gardens Reserve. The buildings introduced in the 1970s-80s are consistent with the folk museum purpose. The Omeo Historical Society voluntarily moved the Penders Court laundry from the centre of the site ca 2003 to a location on the south-east near its other buildings, to ensure that it did not detract from the State-significant core.
There are numerous errors in the Heritage Assessment, including:
• It doesn’t recognise the sequence in which the parts of the precinct were gazetted. The area containing the Police assets (house, stables, log-lock up and cookhouse) and the separate title containing the old courthouse were gazetted in 1973 as Public Purpose Reserves (Folk Museum), along with AM Pearson Park – to the north of the new courthouse – as Public Gardens Reserve. The 762 m2 gazetted in 1992 – also as Public Purpose Reserve (Folk Museum) – refers only to the inclusion of the new courthouse, once the Justice Department surrendered ownership of it.
• The report claims that the Omeo Justice Precinct was registered on the Victorian Heritage Register in 1991. This is not correct. The VHR statement of significance indicates that there was a previous registration in 1982 (which would have been on the Historic Buildings Register or the Government Buildings Register). I haven’t been able to confirm what this covered, but it was likely either the log-gaol or the old courthouse. (Both were included in the Register of the National Estate – the gaol in 1978 and the old courthouse in 1991). The full extent of the current Omeo Justice Precinct was not included in the VHR until 1999, when the new courthouse and other significant buildings (Police house and Police stables) were recognised for the first time.
• The discussion of the adjoining Shire building recognises some of its uses, but completely fails to acknowledge that it incorporates the original 19th Century Omeo Shire offices (though with a considerably altered facade) and the historic Memorial Hall, which is celebrating its centenary later this year.
• There is a brief comment on the conservation works done in the Precinct in 2001 (funded by Heritage Council and Heritage Victoria). These were managed on East Gippsland Shire’s behalf by Andrew Fullard and Chris Radford (not carried out by them), from 2001 to 2003. They included: roof & guttering repairs to both courthouses; stormwater management around old courthouse; repair of brickwork on old courthouse; conservation assessment of records in new courthouse & improvements to storage; repairs to court furniture; and security upgrades. Later works, by the EGSC carpenter, included replacement of severely damaged timbers in both courthouses.
• Records. The courthouse document collection has remained in situ since the Justice Department left. It is not (at present) ‘held by the Omeo Historical Society’, but rather by East Gippsland Shire as Committee of Management. It was recently assessed for its significance by History at Work and found to be of State and potentially National significance. The report assumes all the court records will be removed to the Public Records Office of Victoria, but this is not the case. Some (perhaps most) are likely to be retained in Omeo and should continue to be stored in the new courthouse, to maintain their role as objects integral to the significance of the place.
1893 Outbuilding
The heritage report and the other documents state that the 1893 outbuilding (B6) is potentially able to be relocated or demolished. The executive summary claims it ‘makes little contribution to the Precinct’s historical significance, due to extensive modification’. The VHR listing identifies the building as ‘contributory’, which is not the same as non-significant. Also, I am unaware of what evidence the consultants have that it has undergone extensive modification. The building is shown in the original plans for the 1983 courthouse. It provided a stable for the magistrate’s horse and buggy and had two ‘toilets’, one facing inward for the magistrate and court officers and the other opening outwards for the public. There was a timber screen on the outside to provide privacy for users. Recent work by Period Building Conservation Pty Ltd during conservation activity has indicated that the 1983 Magistrate’s stable is very little altered from its original construction and plan (other than now having flush toilets). Greg Owen, of PBC, recommended that it should be upgraded to ‘significant’. It should not relocated or demolished.
Reassessment of heritage significance
The heritage report recommends a reassessment of the site’s heritage significance to align with contemporary understandings and Heritage Council’s Criteria & Threshold Guidelines.
A revised statement of significance was prepared in 2023, taking into account the significance assessment of the courthouse document collection (History at Work) and advice provided by Period Building Conservation Pty Ltd on discoveries during conservation works of technical innovations in the new courthouse and the significance of magistrate’s stable. I prepared this document in consultation with the Omeo Historical Society, Greg Owen (PBC), Emma Russell (History at Work) and Natica Schmeder, the heritage consultant for the ongoing conservation works. (A copy is attached.)
At the request of East Gippsland Shire, we delayed submitting an application to vary the statement of significance in the VHR listing until the issue of the ownership of and responsibility for the courthouse document collection had been resolved. This has now occurred.
Council depot
The Council depot is definitely an opportunity for development that is compatible with the Justice Precinct, but I believe its uses should be quite different from those outlined.
The market analysis quotes selectively from the 2003 Concept Masterplan for the Justice Precinct, but fails to mention that this document recommended redevelopment of the Council depot site to provide a local history centre for conservation and display of artifacts and documents relating specifically to the history of Omeo (as opposed to the State and potentially National) significance of the courthouse collection.
It also ignores all the other heritage structures in Omeo, which collectively give the town its character. These include the VHR listed Post Office.
Other issues:
• Interpretive signage. The Precinct already includes interpretive signage, installed in 2004 (funded by a grant to Omeo Historical Society). Any further signage should be co-ordinated with the existing panels. The cluster of locational and directional signs on the corner of Day Avenue and Short Street should be rationalised.
• Bike maintenance and parking. I see no reason why bike maintenance facilities should be included in the Justice Precinct. Bike racks at the entrances make some sense, though it is unlikely that mountain bike riders will make up a major component of visitors – more likely their family members who are not riding.
• Playground. The masterplan seems to assume the retention of the cheap and nasty playground at the NE corner. It should be relocated out of the Precinct.
• New public toilets are not required within the Precinct. Those at the western end of the Council building (& the former maternal and child health room) should be redeveloped instead.
• The proposal for a new civic space on Day Street overlooks the fact that the Public Gardens part of the Precinct was traditionally known as Civic Square. It would make much more sense to retain and enhance this area, rather than cutting it up with a serpentine pathway. Improved disabled access to the Precinct could be provided from Tongio Road.
• Glamping in Commissioners Gully appears to me to be inappropriate.
• Using the Police House for short-term tourist accommodation should only be considered after a new display and storage facility has been provided for Omeo Historical Society – preferably on the Council depot site, to retain links to the Precinct.
• The so-called ‘High-intervention’ strategy which involves demolition of the Shire offices and the Memorial Hall is completely unacceptable.

Helen Martin
25/5/26

Surely, there are empty commercial venues in Omeo , so we don't need to create more in the historic precinct. Maintaining & beautifying the historical site is all that is needed for it to remain a valuable tourist destination.