Chris Crabbe

2018 candidate for City of Holdfast Bay.
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 think local councils are better placed to do so as they are closer to the communities and places they represent. I think DPTI has a role to play but local councils should lead the way on this issue.

2. In your opinion, has the current system of local heritage protection served your community well?
   Not as well as it should. I have witnessed a number of occurrences where local heritage places have been destroyed for the benefit of commercial development e.g. the Wallis Cinema in Glenelg. I think to dismantle or reduce local heritage places for short term financial gain is shortsighted and robs current residents and future residents of a beautiful and historically rich asset.

3. Should councils reject proposals to list local places of historic merit simply because an owner objects?
   No. But the list of historic places should be developed in consultation with the community and owner. Council should support the owner in recognising and appreciating the benefits of such listings and bring them into the process rather than enforcing such measures without effective collaboration.

4. Should neighbours of local heritage listed buildings have a right of appeal on development applications that propose demolition?
   Yes. I think there is a greater role for our community to play in the planning process and too often the community are either not consulted or are ignored in the planning phase.

5. Should buildings listed as Contributory Items in your council area receive better protection?
   Yes. Again I think we need to protect the beautiful, historic and significant residential buildings we have in our community to preserve the character of the area and ensure it is there for future generations to enjoy.

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 would prefer to see an independent body perform the reviews. I am not convinced that DPTI would act impartially for the greater benefit of the local community.

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?
   I would certainly like to explore this opportunity and would strongly advocate for it.

8. What are your personal suggestions for improving the way your council handles policy and planning?
   Incorporate people into the planning process, have genuine and thorough consultation phases and take a long term approach to respecting our heritage.

9. Should councils actively encourage individuals to nominate places for consideration as local heritage?
   Yes. The process should ensure authenticity and residents should have their voices heard.