Lindy Taeuber

2014 candidate for City of Mitcham.
Heritage survey responses.

1. What do you think Council's role is in protecting and conserving heritage?
   Council - as the 'grass roots' tier of government - has a key role in protecting and conserving both the natural and human environment. In collaboration with other stakeholders Council's role must be driven by a sound Heritage Development Plan which provides strategic direction.

2. What measures and incentives do you support to protect and conserve local heritage?
   - working closely with the community so that heritage is known and valued - working with individuals, groups and business to resolve conflict in regards to heritage - identifying and supporting both public and private heritage sites - providing opportunities for community education - providing appropriate library resources - celebrating heritage - supporting community initiatives which enhance heritage - providing grants to support heritage projects.

3. What is the most important heritage protection issue in your local government area?
   The final resolution of flood mitigation works for the Brown Hill Keswick Creeks is by far the most important heritage protection issue currently faced by the five councils involved - Mitcham, Unley, Burnside, Adelaide, West Torrens. Within Craigburn Ward, the State Govenment owned and managed Wittunga Botanic Gardens, which was flagged for sale a few years ago, is a significant local heritage issues. Opportunities to support and enliven this valuable local garden should be explored.

4. What policies and programs will you advocate to protect and conserve heritage in your local area?
   The continued implementation, management and refinement of the City of Mitcham's Heritage Development Plan. Support of Council and community participation in a broad range of activities and events as part of the About Time Festival - South Australia's History Month. Support of community heritage initiatives.

5. Do you support local Councils retaining development approval powers for projects over $3m in value?
   I do not feel qualified to answer this question at this stage.

6. Do you have any other thoughts about the protection of heritage in your Council area?
   Opportunities to educate and engage with youth regarding heritage are vital. To this end in 2014, as the Convenor of the Blackwood Action Group's history subcommittee, I have worked closely with the two district secondary schools to provide opportunities for students to research and write historical articles for the local newspaper as part of the centenary of the 1914 Blackwood Magazine. This group also recognises the power of working collaboratively with both the Coromandel Valley and Districts National Trust and the City of Mitcham's 'Mitcham Heritage Research Centre' to provide good outcomes for the community. In 2014 I have personally presented history talks to CVNT and the local community as well as participating in the 'About Time Festival' community event 'Historic Bar Yarns at the Edinburgh Hotel'. My valuing of heritage also extends to natural heritage and I am an active member of 'Friends of Shepherd's Hill Recreation Park' and participated in a community forum regarding the Sturt River Linear Park. I have a demonstrated passion for heritage and if elected to Mitcham Council by the residents of Craigburn Ward I will strengthen my knowledge of local government's role and strongly advocate to support the goals of the National Trust.