Neglect of heritage buildings tackled in proposed new laws
Published Thursday, 23 August, 2007 at 02:30 PM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
New steps to discourage neglect of heritage buildings are included in a raft of changes to Queensland’s Heritage Act introduced in parliament today.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the amendments follow an extensive review of Queensland’s heritage framework, the first since the Act was introduced 15 years ago.
“One of proposed new laws calls for owners of places on the Register to provide basic levels of protection from serious damage caused by weather, fire or vandalism but does not require them to renovate or restore their properties.
“The intention is to avoid situations where heritage buildings are neglected to the point where they are only fit for the wreckers,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“As well, interim protection orders will enable nominated properties under threat to be protected by the Heritage Act for 60 days while their heritage significance is assessed, reducing the need for last minute action to save a noteworthy building from being demolished.
“The Bill also includes set timeframes to speed up entry of places to the State Heritage Register and alters the way development on heritage places is assessed.
“Amongst other changes the Queensland Heritage Council will have a greater focus on developing strategies for effective heritage conservation, there will be improved engagement with owners and the community when Register nominations are made and the test for state heritage entry will be a more simple process.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Environmental Protection Agency will decide the majority of decisions on heritage sites consistent with its other development assessment roles, in contrast with the current approach where a sub committee of the Heritage Council approves applications on EPA recommendations.
“Importantly too, local government will be required to keep a register of places of local heritage significance in their area, with registers to be phased in gradually.
“Combined with the Queensland Government’s $2.7 million state-wide survey of heritage places, the new laws will create a more predictable system of protection for Queensland’s most important heritage locations. Owners and commercial property interests will also benefit from more transparent and timely decisions,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the amendments follow an extensive review of Queensland’s heritage framework, the first since the Act was introduced 15 years ago.
“One of proposed new laws calls for owners of places on the Register to provide basic levels of protection from serious damage caused by weather, fire or vandalism but does not require them to renovate or restore their properties.
“The intention is to avoid situations where heritage buildings are neglected to the point where they are only fit for the wreckers,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“As well, interim protection orders will enable nominated properties under threat to be protected by the Heritage Act for 60 days while their heritage significance is assessed, reducing the need for last minute action to save a noteworthy building from being demolished.
“The Bill also includes set timeframes to speed up entry of places to the State Heritage Register and alters the way development on heritage places is assessed.
“Amongst other changes the Queensland Heritage Council will have a greater focus on developing strategies for effective heritage conservation, there will be improved engagement with owners and the community when Register nominations are made and the test for state heritage entry will be a more simple process.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Environmental Protection Agency will decide the majority of decisions on heritage sites consistent with its other development assessment roles, in contrast with the current approach where a sub committee of the Heritage Council approves applications on EPA recommendations.
“Importantly too, local government will be required to keep a register of places of local heritage significance in their area, with registers to be phased in gradually.
“Combined with the Queensland Government’s $2.7 million state-wide survey of heritage places, the new laws will create a more predictable system of protection for Queensland’s most important heritage locations. Owners and commercial property interests will also benefit from more transparent and timely decisions,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004