Abstract
This thesis examines the cultural heritage management performance in two country towns, Bowraville and Bellingen, on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. As a result of policy changes in the mid-1990s, local government councils have the main responsibility for protecting heritage items of local significance. Because such buildings are mostly owned by private residents, controls on their development must be exercised sensitively.The aim of the research was to discover what are the main factors which influence decisions on heritage at the local level. In each of the two towns, six heritage buildings were selected as case studies and the thesis examines how development proposals over the last decade to alter or demolish those buildings were processed by the two Councils. Although one town could be thought of as “progressive” and the other more “conservative”, the results in terms of heritage outcomes were surprisingly similar.
A comparison of the two towns shows that the main factors influencing heritage outcomes are the level of community involvement in heritage planning and the resources made available to implement those plans. A critique of NSW’s cultural heritage management system suggests that there are risks in devolving most responsibility over heritage to Council level and in subsuming heritage under environmental planning. While these trends are desirable, the risks associated with them must be addressed, if the heritage management system is to retain its value.
The thesis supports authors who have recently stressed the importance of “social value” and public participation in the heritage planning process. It also shows that Councils need expert heritage advice, to guide them in deciding on heritage matters. While State authorities are moving to address these needs, there is a disturbing failure to provide the funds and other resources which are essential to protect the nation’s country towns and Australia’s distinctive character.
| Date of Award | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Brian Egloff (Supervisor) |