2011 Advocacy Agenda
In its independent role to protect the places and objects of heritage significance in NSW, the National Trust has launched an inaugural Advocacy Agenda, detailing its campaign priorities for the year ahead.
The agenda outlines nine principles that will shape future advocacy efforts and highlights six of the many places where there is unresolved tension between the recognition of heritage values and market forces in NSW.
Heritage protection in NSW had been weakened due to legislative and government administrative changes. Under the Heritage Act amendments, owners of significant properties are now allowed to rationalize neglect of listed heritage sites on the grounds of undue financial hardship.
Similarly many mid to late twentieth century buildings designed by eminent architects are being demolished as a by-product of the new complying development codes. Unlisted houses are afforded little protection.
Of most concern is the growing subservience of heritage values to competing land use agendas in this state. State Heritage Listings have been deferred pending consideration of development applications.
The National Trust would like to see accelerated decision-making that complements best practice.
The National Trust Advocacy Agenda 2011 maintains that the heritage significance of a place or item is independent of its commercial value. Planning and administrative reform is urgently needed to help protect heritage.
Click here to view the full version of the National Trust’s 2011 Advocacy Agenda.
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