Joanne Blesing

2014 candidate for City of Burnside.
Heritage survey responses.

What do you think Council's role is in protecting and conserving heritage?
i like this paragraph of Burnsides Heritage plan: It is not the intention of Council to prevent change occurring to Local Heritage Places. You will not be required to maintain your property beyond normal expectations, nor will the public have any rights of access to your property.
What measures and incentives do you support to protect and conserve local heritage?
i believe that our heritage should be procted and preserved in all ways possible. Without exception is my preference. I would like to encourage society to be empowered to maintain our heritage. It is what makes our societies. imagine if the houses in venus were demolished due to water dampness. education, understanding, assistance, consulting - these things enable and encourage conservation.
What is the most important heritage protection issue in your local government area?
the most important for Burnside is the diversity of heritage buildings. Burnside is an extremely old council and therefore age, grace and beauty in its architecture.
What policies and programs will you advocate to protect and conserve heritage in your local area?
I would encourage policies that do not attack or hinder the heritage site. Even for accessibility requirements. There is always a way around a problem, with a well informed team. do we see a ramp on the ifal tower? We can build around, adjacent and on top of heritage -but don't lose our heritage. a consultation could be made on each property, and a consulting service should be implemented. Again I reiterate educate and offer solutions. financial costs should be to the state.
Do you support local Councils retaining development approval powers for projects over $3m in value?
no -it should be project to project
Do you have any other thoughts about the protection of heritage in your Council area?
I am extremely passionate about architecture and our built environment, due to me profession and background. 1985-1988 Bachelor of Design - Human Environments, South Australia SACAE 1988-1995 Interior Architectural Designer Consultant - Melbourne Australia 1996-2009 Started own interior architectural design and Project Management Business - Melbourne and Adelaide Australia. • These positions involved design problem solving, Client and Project Management, Business Management and Practice Development, Quality Control Procedures, Contract Writing and Negotiating, Staff Management, Recruitment, Interaction and Management Of Building Sites and Their Trades people, TV and Media Interviews, Consultation with High Profile People including Members Of Parliament due to publicity surrounding high profile projects ie Australian Consulate Residence in Japan, MP's offices interstate. I am a highly efficient and organised professional with extensive experience in: • Design problem solving and creative solutions (22 years) Melbourne Vic • Client & project management (18 years) Melbourne Vic • Business management & practice development (13 years) Vic & SA • Disability care co-ordination & management, including Self Managed Funding (5 years) SA • Voluntary lecturing in universal & disability design & guest motivational speaker (3 years) SA • Sole creation, hosting & management of a large charity event & disabled fashion parade.SA • Creating work of the highest quality, for local, and international clients; • My greatest skill: creative problem solving and leadership, in both Melbourne and Adelaide. I am resourceful and strong and after I was diagnosed with Secondary Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 2004, I have become mentally stronger innovative and resilient. Despite having very limited movement, I have needed to use all of my career background skills and develop new skills and understanding to manage the disease and disability system,