Lindy Taeuber

2018 candidate for City of Mitcham.
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)?
   Likely yes. The very title'Local Heritage' strongly indicates that these places are of significance to the local community & as such best identified by & advocated for by the local community. Having said that, it could be of concern if a local self interest group (developer or other) did not value historical assets resulting in loss. Some input from a State level may mitigate against this.

2. In your opinion, has the current system of local heritage protection served your community well?
   To some extent and largely due to the passion & advocacy of the community. The dilution of Councillor representation on the Council Assessment Panels has significantly reduced local input into planning. I support members of the CAP being a more balanced mix of independent & local representation than the current 1:4 ratio at Mitcham.

3. Should councils reject proposals to list local places of historic merit simply because an owner objects?
   A place of historical interest is just that with consideration being the merit of the place for future generations. Such merit is beyond current ownership objections which should not automatically trigger rejection of consideration of historical listing .

4. Should neighbours of local heritage listed buildings have a right of appeal on development applications that propose demolition?
   Certainly. It is essential that the community has the ability to shape their neighborhood.

5. Should buildings listed as Contributory Items in your council area receive better protection?
   I would need to have better understanding to answer this question.

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?
   My preference is for an independent expert.

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 believe City of Mitcham was or is a member? I checked NT web site to ascertain but could not see a Council listing.

8. What are your personal suggestions for improving the way your council handles policy and planning?
   1. Councils must be proactive in responding to changes at the State level. Identify areas for incremental change & no change. 2. Having a stronger understanding of how other Councils approach heritage.

9. Should councils actively encourage individuals to nominate places for consideration as local heritage?
   Yes. An eg at Mitcham has been the community input into the development of a register of all the smaller items (1mile post, slate gutters...) that are valued & can then go onto a maintenance register.