Proposed Changes to Heritage Legislation

The Property Council has made comment to the exposure draft of the Heritage Bill 2015 (the Green Bill).

The Green Bill aimed to clarify the types of places that will be considered for entry on the State register, and the key features that contribute to cultural heritage significance through the definition of place that is consistent with national and international standards.

The Property Council looked for the Green Bill to provide improved certainty and predictability for property owners and developers.

The Property Council made the following recommendations:

• Any changes to Heritage legislation must be consistent with the Heritage objectives outlines in the State Strategic Plan Perth and Peel @ 3.5 million, which expressly identified the need to revitalise heritage areas through adaptive reuse.
• The final composition of the Heritage Council reflects a diversity of professional qualifications and perspectives.
• A single assessment, consultation and decision-making process of new heritage registrations must meet strong criteria before a nomination can be eligible.
• The registration and decision-making must have the opportunity to register an appeal prior to permanent entry.
• Formalise safeguards must be introduced and followed prior to a repair order being issued.
• The State Administrative Tribunal must have the power to review a repair order.

The exposure the exposure draft of the Heritage Bill 2015 can be read here.