Cassandra Heaton

2018 candidate for City of Onkaparinga.
Heritage survey responses.

1. Do you agree that the identification and protection of local heritage places is best done by local councils rather than DPTI (Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure)?
   Yes, I feel that local councils have a better connection with their area and therefore have a better and more personal understanding of the needs of that area.

2. In your opinion, has the current system of local heritage protection served your community well?
   It is difficult to say - I am a big advocate of increased heritage protection, and while arguably the current system is working okay, I believe the community could be better served by enabling a more highly regarded focus on protection of local heritage.

3. Should councils reject proposals to list local places of historic merit simply because an owner objects?
   No - the history of our area is incredibly important and goes beyond sole owner opinion. A good citizen of our local area would understand that protecting out heritage is highly important, and that much more reason is needed to overrule a proposal to be listed.

4. Should neighbours of local heritage listed buildings have a right of appeal on development applications that propose demolition?
   Yes, a right of appeal by all affected citizens ought to exist. It is a democratic right to appeal, and this is no exception.

5. Should buildings listed as Contributory Items in your council area receive better protection?
   Yes, I firmly agree that better protection is needed.

6. Do you agree that places proposed for listing by your council as Local Heritage or Contributory Items should be subject to review by DPTI? Or would reviews be more appropriately conducted by an independent source of expert advice?
   I believe that reviews would best be conducted by an independent expert, as in my opinion DPTI is often too far removed to fully understand local heritage issues.

7. Would you like to see your council work more closely with the National Trust of SA in protecting heritage, for example, by signing up as one of the Trust's Civic Partners?
   Yes, I see absolutely no reason not to engage more with the National Trust of SA

8. What are your personal suggestions for improving the way your council handles policy and planning?
   I do not have enough information, and would want to do more research and engage with experts before making any suggestions.

9. Should councils actively encourage individuals to nominate places for consideration as local heritage?
   Yes!