Mark Eric Hamilton

2014 candidate for Adelaide City Council.
Heritage survey responses.

What do you think Council's role is in protecting and conserving heritage?
To lead by example. To debunk the myth that heritage listing stops the progress of development, when it does not. To be pro authentic Adelaide, encouraging the re use of heritage buildings for a "vibrant" city atmosphere. At the Australian Heritage conference in April 2013, it was demonstrated that the impact of heritage listing has without except, been neutral or positive. To remind the public that many cities have preserved their heritage and had respectful new development. Surveys show overwhelming support for saving the States heritage buildings, and yet the state government needs to be forcibly reminded of this by the Lord Mayor and Council of the City of Adelaide. The current government does not value the preservation of the states heritage. Encourage the re-use of heritage buildings and facilitating the process with introductions between Owner/Council/Developer/potential end user. We need to showcase our heritage. I have in mind the under-utilised Adelaide Gaol& surrounding degraded parklands. Also I think we should be reusing the upper stories of Rundle Mall heritage buildings for cafes, bookshops, bars, tech centres, and to do that we will need to give financial incentives and adjust building codes. Have an independent heritage consultant to advise Council and ratepayers of options.
What measures and incentives do you support to protect and conserve local heritage?
I would seek the creation of a separate building code for heritage and special character buildings. I want the 450 unlisted buildings of heritage value in the square mile of Adelaide, North Adelaide & the Parklands, many of which the public reasonably assume are listed, to be listed, and I would work tirelessly to that end. Seek urgent reinstatement of, and absolute demolition protection for, the 148 local heritage CBD items removed from the protection list by the minister for planning, in 2012. Financial incentives to be increased to encourage building owners to seek Council support for the conservation of their properties. Increase the financial incentives currently offered. Comprehensive communications and media strategy plan, to possibly include a heritage demolition watch and Facebook campaign. Take steps to stop "demolition by neglect" the melbourne city council has a strategy of penalty rates which we could look at introducing.
What is the most important heritage protection issue in your local government area?
listing of unlisted 450 buildings of heritage value. 250 unprotected buildings in the CBD 50 in the Adelaide Parklands, 75 in South Adelaide, and 75 in North Adelaide. reinstatement of buildings removed from the heritage register by the state government, and no longer protected from demolition
What policies and programs will you advocate to protect and conserve heritage in your local area?
see above answers
Do you support local Councils retaining development approval powers for projects over $3m in value?
Yes
Do you have any other thoughts about the protection of heritage in your Council area?
Heritage assets can generate economic value through re purpose. The tourism Commission states that a strong consumer perception about South Australia is our heritage ambiance. This should be more widely acknowledged. Real estate value can be achieved with the heritage ambiance of a neighbourhood. We have to turn around the negative thinking about heritage retention. Cities like Barcelona Prague Bordeaux treat their heritage stock as a major asset and exploit it for tourists.