Geoff Eaton

2018 candidate for City of Onkaparinga.
Heritage survey responses.

1. Do you agree that the identification and protection of local heritage places is best done by local councils rather than DPTI (Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure)?
   I prefer that it is done through the state government with support through local government.

2. In your opinion, has the current system of local heritage protection served your community well?
   I believe that it is working well. For example the Watchman's House at Coromandel Valley is a council asset and those using the centre received local government, state and federal government support.

3. Should councils reject proposals to list local places of historic merit simply because an owner objects?
   No, it is necessary to consider the history of the location, particulary if it reflects a particular style of architecture. But then there are issues as to how the owner looks after the premises. The old plumbing shop on the corner of Payneham Road, Magill Road and Fullarton Road is a perfect example of how a historic building can fall into disrepair.

4. Should neighbours of local heritage listed buildings have a right of appeal on development applications that propose demolition?
   Yes. and the community as well.

5. Should buildings listed as Contributory Items in your council area receive better protection?
   Yes, look at my previous comment.

6. Do you agree that places proposed for listing by your council as Local Heritage or Contributory Items should be subject to review by DPTI? Or would reviews be more appropriately conducted by an independent source of expert advice?
   If DPTI has the responsibility then they have the overall state responsibility.

7. Would you like to see your council work more closely with the National Trust of SA in protecting heritage, for example, by signing up as one of the Trust's Civic Partners?
   Yes, but this also gets back to funding. Local government has a range of services that it must provide to the community and needs to better manage its finances and reduce debt.

8. What are your personal suggestions for improving the way your council handles policy and planning?
   Community consultation and better building these costs into the budget each year and balance that against all their other responsibilities.

9. Should councils actively encourage individuals to nominate places for consideration as local heritage?
   Yes.