Councillors For The Community
Local governments have long played an important role in the protection of local heritage, and are often the authority that makes decisions concerning the demolition of heritage buildings, or the cutting down of urban trees.
That is why the National Trust of South Australia and the Conservation Council of South Australia surveyed 1,000 council candidates, in the largest-ever survey of council candidates.
Years of changes to planning laws and policies have diminished not only the rights of individuals, but the ability of local councils to protect local natural and built heritage.
It is more important than ever that we vote for candidates who are committed to protecting our built and natural heritage, and to advocating for the restoration of rights for local residents and councils.
We need Councils that will put Community – and the things the community cares about, like open, green space, and protection of treasured local heritage and character – first.
Candidates from every South Australian council have been surveyed, with questions about built heritage, urban planning, protecting and growing our urban canopy, and other local matters. See their responses here.
So disappointed only 173 out of 1,000 candidates found time to respond to this set of questions on an incredibly important issue, one that most ratepayers would rate as their #1 concern. It’s certainly an eye-opener to see who responded and how, and those who didn’t. My own Woodlands Ward of the City of Marion had no candidate for councillor give a response, except one candidate for Mayor, who subsequently has gained my vote.