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Media Releases |
Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 14 May 2009 HERITAGE AMENDMENT BILL 2009 INTRODUCED IN NSW PARLIAMENT Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, yesterday introduced the Heritage Amendment Bill 2009 into the NSW Parliament. The Bill introduces greater fairness for owners of heritage items and a more rigorous heritage listing process through amendments to the NSW Heritage Act 1977. Ms Keneally said amendments to the Heritage Act follow a thorough review of the legislation undertaken by an independent panel of experts. “The panel’s report found that sections of the now 30 year old Heritage Act could be improved to ensure a fairer and more balanced system,” Ms Keneally said. “This Bill represents a comprehensive response to the panel’s report that will protect both the State’s important heritage items and the rights of owners. “The Bill will streamline the system for listing of proposed heritage items and requires local councils to consult with the owners during the local listing process. “Owners will also be given the right to request that councils refer objections to an independent panel.” Ms Keneally said the Bill will also allow the consideration of additional non-heritage issues, such as economic viability and hardship when deciding on a listing or de-listing. “These amendments will allow the de-listing system to mirror the listing system,” Ms Keneally said. “These proposed amendments to the NSW Heritage Act 1977 will ensure New South Wales heritage laws continue to operate effectively and efficiently.” Other proposed changes to the State’s heritage system as part of the reform process include: • Introduction of a standardised set of criteria by which proposals to list local heritage items would be assessed. This will add rigour and consistency to the local listing process, ensuring owners’ concerns and economic impacts are fully considered by councils. • Strengthened powers for the Minister or the Chair of the Heritage Council to issue an interim ‘stop work’ order to protect a listed item that is potentially about to be harmed. • Changes to the membership of the Heritage Council to reduce the membership from 15 to 11. There will also be an emphasis on skills-based membership members having expert knowledge in one or more important areas of heritage.
• Introduction of a thematic rather than geographic approach to the identification of items to be included on each State agency’s Heritage and Conservation Register.
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