Heather Holmes-Ross

2018 candidate for City of Mitcham.
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)?
   Most definitely. The changes in planning policy threaten the council's (and therefore the community's) ability to preserve and protect local heritage and also to determine and maintain the character of an area. However, the identification and protection of local heritage places needs to be funded by state government to help prevent it becoming a victim to council cost cutting.

2. In your opinion, has the current system of local heritage protection served your community well?
   I don't know enough about the current state of affairs to answer this question. It will require further investigation

3. Should councils reject proposals to list local places of historic merit simply because an owner objects?
   No. However, the criteria for historic merit should be made clear to prospective owners when property is purchased and the merits of each proposal should be assessed individually. Working with owners to manage places of historic merit is likely to be more successful than imposing restrictions and could potentially prevent both disappointment and costly litigation.

4. Should neighbours of local heritage listed buildings have a right of appeal on development applications that propose demolition?
   All development applications should have a right of appeal (through predetermined criteria) but this is very unlikely to be the case within the new planning policy. Again, the criteria for historic merit should be made clear so that owners of properties are aware of possible limitations to development.

5. Should buildings listed as Contributory Items in your council area receive better protection?
   Possibly. Each situation requires individual assessment on it's merits.

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?
   I agree that proposed listings require review. If DPTI are found not to be capable, or are biased in their findings, then an alternative body should be investigated.

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

8. What are your personal suggestions for improving the way your council handles policy and planning?
   I need to investigate further before I can form an opinion.

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