Roger Johns

2018 candidate for Yorke Peninsula 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 most definitely.

2. In your opinion, has the current system of local heritage protection served your community well?
   No. Buildings of historic value have not been maintained or protected and some have been demolished, which is such a sad and unfortunate loss.

3. Should councils reject proposals to list local places of historic merit simply because an owner objects?
   The significance of the building needs to be thoroughly researched and evaluated firstly, then there needs to be fair and open discussion between Council and the owners, explaining the value and scarcity of our historic buildings.

4. Should neighbours of local heritage listed buildings have a right of appeal on development applications that propose demolition?
   Yes and there needs to be public consultation. Of course this depends on the state of the building in question and its classification.

5. Should buildings listed as Contributory Items in your council area receive better protection?
   I am not fully understanding of what Contributory items entail, but I would give consideration.

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?
   Reviews would most certainly be more appropriately conducted by an independent source of expert advice (including experienced Heritage Architects, together with accurate Social and Cultural historians) and not the DPTI.

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, definitely work with National Trust of SA in protecting heritage. I would need to gain more understanding about the Trusts Civic Partners.

8. What are your personal suggestions for improving the way your council handles policy and planning?
   Processes need to be transparent, thoroughly researched and fairly evaluated. Consulting with suitable qualified advisers, the relevant groups in our region, together with local knowledge, to gain the best outcomes. Include some pragmatism.

9. Should councils actively encourage individuals to nominate places for consideration as local heritage?
   Yes. I feel attention for this subject has been sadly lacking for a long time in my district, and deserves some incentives and encouragement from council.