Council urged to save historic house

Headlie Taylor. Picture: Museum Victoria

National Trust Victoria has called on Brimbank council to abort any plans to demolish a historic house in Sunshine.

Star Weekly revealed last month that objections had been lodged against an application for a demolition permit that threatens the home of famous Australian inventor Headlie Taylor, creator of the header harvester which revolutionised the grain industry around the world.

The Durham Road property has a general heritage overlay as part of the McKay Housing Estate precinct, requiring a permit before any of its buildings can be altered or demolished. But the house does not have an individual heritage overlay.

National Trust community advocate Felicity Watson said Headlie House was an important part of Sunshine’s social history and should be protected.

City development director Stuart Menzies said the council had not made a decision.