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In Review: Advocating for Heritage
The National Trust acted as a strong voice for heritage, engaging with communities and government to identify, conserve and protect important built, cultural and natural heritage.
LEGISLATION
Election candidates were called on to make commitments to heritage conservation in the run-up to both the local and federal elections in 2021/22. The National Trust sought to ensure heritage was given a voice through proactive involvement in Legislation Reviews, draft Bills and new State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP). Campaigning aimed to ensure the review of the Heritage Act would strengthen, not weaken, the Act. This included a detailed submission, a response to the submissions paper, meetings with relevant Ministers and Parliamentary members and engagement in the Draft Heritage Bill targeted consultation. Once tabled, the National Trust will review and respond to any changes to the Act. Submissions were also made on the Greater Sydney Parklands White Paper, including the draft Exposure Bill and the Inquiry into NSW Biodiversity Offsets, and also the proposed Design and Place SEPP. Working with the National Trust Branches, key Local Election Heritage Priorities were developed. The branches canvassed support from local candidates on heritage issues and built ongoing relationships with Councillors and Mayors for better outcomes. A national “2022 Federal Election Heritage Priorities Statement” was also developed by the Australian Council of National Trusts. This shared the Trust’s perspective on threats facing heritage and presented solutions to current and prospective governments.
WINS
Championing better natural and built heritage outcomes, the National Trust made over 40 major submissions, multiple letters of support and more than a dozen comments on heritage nominations. Working together with the community, the National Trust’s work has seen a number of wins this year. • An unsolicited proposal for the former Chief Secretary’s building in Sydney was denied following scathing submissions from the National Trust, Sydney City
Council and ICOMOS Australia.
• The NSW Education Department reversed unsympathetic changes to the Fort Street Public School design. • National Parks and Wildlife Services reconsidered the West Head Lookout upgrades to reflect the significance of the landscape. • ‘Glenlee’ on the Georges River was locally listed and is currently recommended for the State Heritage Register in response to an application to demolish the homestead and subdivide the land.
• Treo Resources withdrew its mining application once aware of the Bylong Landscape Conservation Area listing on the National Trust Register, reinforcing the importance of listing significant places, items and landscapes. • NSW Premier responded to calls for heritage to be elevated into the portfolio title, appointing the Hon. James
Griffin MP as Minister for Environment and Heritage.
Standing Committee, Social Issues Inquiry on the Review of the Heritage Act 1977.
Visualisation of potential impact to public views at Central Barangaroo. Source: Millers Point Resident Action Group. Following submissions the proposal for the former Chief Secretary’s building was denied.
LOSSES
In August 2021, despite extraordinary advocacy efforts, the historic Parramatta house “Willow Grove” was demolished. The Trust has been unsuccessful in attempts to advocate against “turning off” the Heritage Act for State Significant Development. The Trust will continue to advocate strongly on this issue and campaign against proposals which damage important places such as Central Station, Central Barangaroo and Bays West.
OUTREACH
The Trust supported regional advocacy, restoration of local heritage items and assisted the community as a trusted source of heritage expertise and assistance. • Branches made more than 70 submissions on local heritage issues. • Formal training commenced with branches, providing advocacy tools, tactics and strategies. • Strategic relationships were strengthened through meetings with associated organisations, government agencies, MPs and industry experts. • Public heritage enquiries (averaging 30 per week) were actioned to assist with listings, advocacy and conservation advice. • More than 270 conveyancer due diligence enquiries were processed in relation to the Trust Register status of properties. • More than 60 Heritage Restoration Appeals were supported, enabling important historic properties to accept tax deductible donations for restoration works.
ON THE LIST
The National Trust Heritage Register remains truly independent, identifying places of significance. New listings this year include: • Cottage, 64 Lawson Street. Mudgee • Cottage, 65 Lawson Street, Mudgee • Huskisson Anglican Church • Canterbury Public Pool • Wadi Shaifa apartments and Kingsford
Smith Gardens, Katoomba • Ellengowan, Parramatta • Lisgar Gardens, Hornsby – update to existing listing • North Sydney Courthouse and Police Station – update to existing listing
The National Trust supported or nominated the following to the State Heritage Register: • Corrimal Coke Works, Corrimal • Glenlee, Lugarno • Kurumbede Homestead Complex, Gunnedah • World War II Aeroplane Hangar, Tocumwal
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Submissions on local heritage issues Heritage Restoration Appeals were supported
