Proposed legislation risks destruction of Tasmanian heritage

The Tasmanian Parliament this week could approve a legislative amendment that risks destruction of some of Tasmania’s unique heritage.

A community organisation concerned with maintaining historic buildings and streetscapes has urged Tasmanian parliamentarians to review the impact of the proposed Legislative Council amendment to the Historic Cultural Heritage Bill.

President of the Battery Point and Sullivans Community Association Margaret Reynolds said it was unclear why the amendment had been proposed but clearly its potential to allow demolition of heritage buildings was not fully understood.

The amendment effectively removes the capacity of government to prevent demolition. This power entrusts responsibility for protection of heritage to government, and is fundamental to heritage legislation both within Australia and indeed internationally.

Tasmania’s built heritage must be protected for future generations. This can only be assured by parliamentarians recognising the value of our heritage to current and future generations, and continuing the commitment to its preservation.

Clearly this amendment would harm the government’s capacity to retain our significant historic cultural heritage. Therefore it must be rejected outright or at the very least fully reviewed to assess its potential impact.
Battery Point Sullivans Cove Community Association Inc.