The listing of buildings and places on statutory heritage registers and planning instruments places obligations on owners with regard to retention and maintenance and so must be allied with appropriate government assistance. At all levels of government, policies and funding are inadequately delivering the potential benefits to the broader community of heritage conservation initiatives.
The Institute recommends that Governments pursue:
• A more rigorous process for the listing of heritage items. Listing must be based on well researched significance
• The creation of new organisations and processes within the Commonwealth, States, Territories and local government to responsibly manage important heritage properties. These may include public/private ventures which secure the property, while enabling effective use, maintenance and a degree of public access. Several possible models exist in New South Wales.
• The provision of adequate funding and tax incentives for important buildings and places
• Increased funding for the provision of adequate training for heritage conservation, specifically for architects
• The involvement of appropriately skilled architects in relevant decision-making regarding the conservation of listed heritage buildings and places