Independent umpire rules on Highgate Hill homes

The Queensland Government has acknowledged the decision of the Queensland Heritage Council (QHC), not to list three Highgate Hill buildings in Brisbane in the Queensland Heritage Register.

The Heritage Council, which is independent of the Queensland Government, is the key decision-maker regarding whether places have Statewide cultural significance and therefore deserve to be entered into the Queensland Heritage Register.

Heritage Protection Minister Dr Steven Miles in February issued a stop work order on 18, 20 and 26 Jones Street, so the Queensland Heritage Council could make a ruling upon the heritage significance of the housesbefore any demolition commenced.

Dr Miles acted in response to serious concerns from residents about the demolition of the properties.

“As the Minister for Heritage, it is my role to ensure important heritage places are protected,’ Dr Miles said.

“The fact is buildings can’t be un-demolished.Taking some time for a proper assessment is the right thing to do,’ he said.

To be entered on the state register, properties must demonstrate the evolution or pattern of Queensland’s history; and / or have a special association with the life or work of a person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland’s history.

“The properties had never been considered by the Queensland Heritage Council, which is the State’s independent advisor on heritage matters,’ Dr Miles said.

“Whether the buildings have local cultural value is a matter for the Brisbane City Council to determine,’’ he said.

Deputy Premier and State Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said she was disappointed the homes couldn’t be saved.

“As the Member for South Brisbane, I endeavoured to stop these houses from demolition on behalf of my local community, but they meet the Brisbane City Council heritage threshold (set by the Quirk administration themselves) not the State threshold.  The independent and expert Queensland Heritage Council made their determination,” Ms Trad said.

“I'm very disappointed, particularly in the fact that the Brisbane City Council has spectacularly failed on this occasion to ensure their own heritage protections applied to these houses.”

While the QHC ultimately had the final decision, the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection recommended against listing the buildings as they did not satisfy one or more of the cultural heritage criteria under section 35 of the Queensland Heritage Act.

As part of their assessment EHP officers inspected the buildings, undertook extensive historical research, and reviewed submissions made by the owners and members of the community.

ENDS

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