I am concerned with the motivations behind this proposal for Millers Point which has been hastily put together. This proposal may actually result in the opposite to the intended protection and preservation of the area. There are already more than adequate heritage controls in place to achieve the desired outcome. In fact, Millers Point has some of the strongest heritage protection in the state. In 2003, Millers Point Heritage Conservation Area became one of the first areas to be entirely listed on the State Heritage Register.
There are currently many vacant properties in need of restoration. These properties will be sold but the existing planning regulations and heritage conditions are adequate to achieve the required outcome. More important is to develop a streamlined and uniform approach to the deal with the number of development applications which will occur in a short time frame. The issues of conflict between heritage verses building regulations need to be resolved as they will be applicable to multiple DA’s.
I make the following comments:
Millers Point needs renewal. Most buildings currently sit empty. We need to encourage renewal and not to over regulate to the extent the opposite will occur. A consistent streamlined process using existing regulations will achieve the same outcome.
I will be voting against this motion tonight and will be writing to the Minister to ask that she reject this proposal.
Edward MandlaNovember 2014