‘Back to the Future’ Report on Heritage

Media release – Madeleine Ogilvie, Minister for Heritage, 24 February 2023

Multi-million dollar investment in world class heritage sector

Tasmania’s iconic heritage assets will be supported with an extra $4.5 million in a move to further recognise our historic properties’ important contribution to our economy by driving visitation to the state.

Minister for Heritage, Madeleine Ogilvie, said the Rockliff Liberal Government recognises the rich cultural heritage of our state and understands its contribution to the Tasmanian brand.

“As the largest single owner and caretaker, private or public, of listed heritage assets in the state, the Tasmanian Government is initiating discussions to leverage the sector’s full potential,” she said.

“Today, key heritage sector representatives gathered at Callington Mill Distillery in Oatlands to identify collaboration opportunities and share experiences withing the heritage community at the inaugural Historic Heritage Summit.

“The summit provided the opportunity for individuals to come together and identify priorities within the heritage sector. Presenters from Brand Tasmania and Tourism Tasmania highlighted the important role heritage has in the State’s visitor economy.

“As the Minister for Heritage, it is my great pleasure to facilitate this gathering and embark on a journey of being a champion for this key sector.

“Today, we released the Back to the Future: Situational Analysis of the Historical Heritage Ecosystem in Tasmania report. The report highlights key opportunities for the sector in areas such as collaboration and leadership, funding, community engagement, asset management, tourism and local government.

“This report will serve as a foundation of our discussions moving forward. By identifying the challenges and opportunities, we can set a sustainable path forward to preserve and showcase our cultural heritage.

“The Rockliff Liberal Government will invest $4.5 million over the next three years to support our unique heritage properties that will drive visitation to the state.

Summit representatives will be invited to reconvene annually to review progress from the meeting and follow up the opportunities identified in the report.

To read the Back to the Future report, visit https://heritage.tas.gov.au/

Report extract – Stenning & Associates, February 2023

Back to the Future Situational Analysis of the Historical Heritage Ecosystem in Tasmania Final Report Challenges and Opportunities

The preparation of this Report revealed the Historic Heritage Asset (HHA) ecosystem faces a range of challenges and opportunities:

Area Challenge /  Opportunity

Collaboration and Leadership

1. To establish a pathway towards developing a representative voice for the disparate ecosystem stakeholders and fostering the leadership necessary to enhance collaboration (state-wide and within mutual groupings).

2. For the Minister for Heritage to be a strong champion for the historic heritage sector within the State Government.

3. To document and widely promote the contribution of the historic heritage ecosystem to the state’s economic and cultural health.

4. To develop a state-wide strategy for recognising, prioritising and advancing the ecosystem’s interests.

Funding

5. To achieve recognition that realising the true value of Tasmania’s heritage assets requires external funding to enable both conservation and diverse usage.

6. To develop programs that will assist in attracting private funding to support HHAs, including attracting funding from corporate or philanthropic sources.

7. To develop programs that will support the systematic refurbishment and divestment of HHAs to ensure their long-term conservation.

8. To develop agreed strategic funding priorities as part of a state-wide historic heritage ecosystem strategy.

Community Engagement

9. To establish ways to heighten and support community engagement within the historic heritage ecosystem – both in terms of improving an understanding of what historic heritage is valued by the community and why, and in helping the community understand its historic heritage and why it should be valued.

HHA Management

10. Support the owners and managers of HHAs to develop/deliver the investment, drive, commitment, skills and expertise necessary to deliver a successful HHA outcome.

Tourism

11. To develop, position and leverage a Historic Heritage Brand within Brand Tasmania that can guide the development of new compelling historic heritage visitor products.

Local Government

12. To ensure that local government maximises its role under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme in conserving and promoting the value of historic heritage.

13. To engage local government to record historic heritage that is valued in its local area.

14. To ensure that the THC and local government have a consistent approach to placing conditions on HHA works.