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FORMER CUSTOMS HOUSE
2 FOORD STREET WAHGUNYAH, INDIGO SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Register
RESIDENCE SOHE 2008
RESIDENCE SOHE 2008
RESIDENCE SOHE 2008
1 customs house cnr ford & mills streets wahgunyah front view jun86
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Statement of Significance

The old Wahgunyah Customs House was erected in 1886 by the Public Works Department and is almost identical to the Echuca Customs House (1884). The single storey structure in exposed polychrome brickwork has a hipped roof clad in slates and surmounted by iron finials. Before Federation customs duties were charged by each of the three colonies served by Murray River traffic, both on goods being imported and on some passing interstate.

This building is a particularly fine example of a colonial border customs house from the pre-federation period of trading between the states, and survives from when Wahgunyah was a busy trading port and river crossing. It reflects the intense rivalry over intercolonial customs that became one of the catalysts for federation, and its redundancy after 1901 is a symbol of the success of federation. It is also a fine example of late nineteenth century Public Works Department design and incorporates the Department's distinctive polychrome motif of polychrome banded brickwork and round arch windows with pointed hood moulds and incised keystones. The fine detailing and workmanship are particularly notable. The building is an essential element of this picturesque town. The building is externally intact and appears to be structurally sound. It now serves as a residence.

[Source: Register of the National Estate]

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    • History

      FORMER CUSTOMS HOUSE - History

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      Permit Exemptions

      FORMER CUSTOMS HOUSE - Permit Exemptions

      General Exemptions:

      General exemptions apply to all places and objects included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR). General exemptions have been designed to allow everyday activities, maintenance and changes to your property, which don’t harm its cultural heritage significance, to proceed without the need to obtain approvals under the Heritage Act 2017.

      Places of worship: In some circumstances, you can alter a place of worship to accommodate religious practices without a permit, but you must notify the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria before you start the works or activities at least 20 business days before the works or activities are to commence.

      Subdivision/consolidation: Permit exemptions exist for some subdivisions and consolidations. If the subdivision or consolidation is in accordance with a planning permit granted under Part 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the application for the planning permit was referred to the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria as a determining referral authority, a permit is not required.

      Specific exemptions may also apply to your registered place or object. If applicable, these are listed below. Specific exemptions are tailored to the conservation and management needs of an individual registered place or object and set out works and activities that are exempt from the requirements of a permit. Specific exemptions prevail if they conflict with general exemptions.

      Find out more about heritage permit exemptions here.

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