The NSW Government has approved the listing of the Ravensworth Homestead Complex and Setting on the State Heritage Register, a decision opposed by mining giant Glencore.
Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe confirmed the decision following a recommendation from the NSW Heritage Council in November 2023, acknowledging the process took longer than the statutory deadline. She said the complexity of the issues required careful consideration and consultation with all parties.
Located northwest of Singleton, the homestead and outbuildings were built in the 1830s by surgeon and pastoralist Dr James Bowman and are closely linked to the development of Australia’s agricultural industries. The property also has a documented history of frontier violence, including massacres of Wonnarua people, with aspects of its Aboriginal cultural heritage remaining contested among local Aboriginal groups.
The homestead sits above a significant coal reserve owned by Glencore, which previously sought to relocate the main building to enable mining. Those plans were rejected by the NSW Independent Planning Commission in October 2022, largely due to the site’s heritage value. Mining at the nearby Glendell operation ceased shortly after.
Minister Sharpe said the Heritage Council recommended listing due to the significance of the convict‑built structures, archaeology and surrounding landscape.
While noting Glencore does not support the listing, she said the heritage value of the site ultimately outweighed the company’s objections. She added she remains open to discussions about future management options through the NSW Heritage Council.
The decision comes at the State Government today announced the first-ever NSW Heritage Strategy.
The Government says the inaugural Strategy delivers a five-year vision to build a heritage system that is inclusive, adaptable and better supports the people of NSW. They plan to achieve this through a simpler, streamlined approvals process, and easier to follow compliance rules.
