Dario Centrella

2018 candidate for City of Unley.
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)?
   Given that you have written 'local heritage' in lower case I am going to assume that you mean heritage in the local council area rather than Local Heritage, as distinct from State Heritage. I havn't been impressed with the state govt on many issues related to planning, transport and infrastructure, let along heritage. They appear to be influenced by too many vested interest groups. The fact that they outsourced the creation of their 30-Year-Plan to the Property Council and KPMG, speaks to their credibility, in my view. Heritage is likely to be better identified by local councils. There are many aspects to protection, however if unencumbered and dare I say, supported by the State Govt, the councils would likely do a better job. Failing that, I would rather choose a body that is either concerned with natural and built heritage and resources, tourism and/or public health and well-being, rather than DPTI.

2. In your opinion, has the current system of local heritage protection served your community well?
   No. The community have had to fight extremely hard for basic protections for local heritage in some cases. The Village Green and surrounding heritage comes to mind. I fought for a solid timeframe for the State Heritage listed Carmelite Monastery to be restored by the current owners three years ago. My calls appear to have been ignored. I also fought for the five-storey Carmelite development to be set back from the creekline and State heritage. As the Department of Water and Natural Resources expressed concern that the new development was too close and would limit the future possibilities of the heritage place. Carramar House on Greenhill Rd is going to be dominated by a highrise, unsympathetic development that will in my view severely limit the future possibilities for the heritage place. Some heritage is being neglected falling into disrepair.

3. Should councils reject proposals to list local places of historic merit simply because an owner objects?
   No.

4. Should neighbours of local heritage listed buildings have a right of appeal on development applications that propose demolition?
   Definately, and be listened to.

5. Should buildings listed as Contributory Items in your council area receive better protection?
   Yes. Both heritage and character play a vital role in the restorative amenity of the area. This includes big trees, the curtilage of properties and the unsympathetic erection of phone towers (they were once disguised and hidden as chimneys, and other large objects).

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?
   As above, I would rather choose a body that is either concerned with natural and built heritage and resources, tourism and/or public health and well-being, rather than DPTI. In my view, DPTI have not proven themselves worthy of this role.

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 need to look more closely into this.

8. What are your personal suggestions for improving the way your council handles policy and planning?
   Listen to the residents. Take a holistic approach, not a short-term one.

9. Should councils actively encourage individuals to nominate places for consideration as local heritage?
   That would be great, yes.