Robert Simms

2018 candidate for Adelaide City Council.
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)?
    Yes, I think the heritage system needs to be reformed to strengthen heritage protection. Certainly, local councils and local communities are best placed to identify local heritage.

  2. In your opinion, has the current system of local heritage protection served your community well?
    No, unfortunately the current system has not provided appropriate protection. All too often the views of the community are ignored.

  3. Should councils reject proposals to list local places of historic merit simply because an owner objects?
    No.

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

  5. Should buildings listed as Contributory Items in your council area receive better protection?
    Yes.

  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 think reviews would be more appropriately conducted by an independent body of experts - this way we can ensure the system serves the interests of the community, not those of property developers.

  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 support the National Trust's proposal for a single, integrated heritage statute that includes a strong emphasis on local heritage protection. My approach is to be guided by experts, especially those in the community and not-for-profit sectors whose motivation is in the public interest, not the interests of property developers.

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

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