NEW interpretive signage recently installed by Indigo Shire Council in Beechworth’s Historic Precinct has sparked an outcry from some community members.

Information conveyed to the community via the council’s website on 12 June indicated the vibrant signage upgrade was to enhance visitor experience with immediate recognition of the precinct’s heritage buildings and their unique significance.

Council also said signage had been developed in consultation with Heritage Victoria and cultural heritage specialists.

Indigo Shire Council CEO Trevor Ierino has addressed community feedback regarding the new signage.

“We recognise that the blue colour used on the signage frames has not met community expectations and requires adjustment,” he said.

“The colour selection was intended to acknowledge the precinct's significant role as a justice and administrative headquarters during the gold rush era and align with the ‘police blue'.

“However, we accept that the final colour outcome does not align with our original vision or Heritage Victoria's understanding of the approved design which anticipated a deeper tone rather than the brighter blue that was implemented."

Heritage Victoria, which granted the permit exemption for this project, has confirmed that the current colour does not accord with what was agreed to in the approval process.

“We fully accept this assessment and take responsibility for the discrepancy,” Mr Ierino said.

He said council is committed to working closely with Heritage Victoria to reach an agreed outcome and implement necessary changes.

“Our priority is ensuring the signage frames are sympathetic to the precinct's heritage character and serve to enhance this nationally significant site,” he said.

The new interpretive signage has been designed to celebrate the Beechworth Historic Precinct's National Heritage status and rich local history.

The signage provides visitors with clear building identification, historical context, and orientation maps to help them explore and connect with the site's remarkable stories while ensuring immediate recognition of the precinct's unique significance.

Last year Beechworth Historic Precinct Partnership was formed between Beechworth History and Heritage, business advocacy organisation Beechworth Inc and Old Beechworth Gaol to work with the community, Indigo Shire Council and federal and state governments to shape priorities for the precinct following its National Heritage Listing in August 2024.

“We’re collaborating to ensure the community can be fully engaged in the development and activation of plans for Beechworth’s colonial-era heart,” said partnership convenor Jamie Kronborg.

“We established the partnership specifically as a vehicle for broader community consultation on projects and story-telling in the precinct.

“The council is well aware of this and has welcomed our approach.

“OBG contributed content to a sign describing the gaol site.

“But the council did not consult the partnership on design and content for the rest of the signage for the historic buildings facing Ford Street.

“We remain open to work with the council and encourage it to take up the offer so the community truly is represented in these decisions."

Beechworth’s Darren Pope from Indigo Shire Creatives – a local artist network – questioned community consultation undertaken by council.

A Council spokesperson said the blue shade for the signage had been drawn from the Beechworth Historic Precinct Brand Guidelines in use since 2021.