Tim Hein

2014 candidate for City of Mitcham.
Heritage survey responses.

1. What do you think Council's role is in protecting and conserving heritage?
   A city often as beautiful as its oldest buildings, if properly maintained. Council has a role as a custodian on behalf of residents past, present and future to conserve our essential heritage, in as much as that serves the community of Mitcham.

2. What measures and incentives do you support to protect and conserve local heritage?
   Council should have proper and sensible legislation to conserve the character of unique buildings.

3. What is the most important heritage protection issue in your local government area?
   The highest profile is the ongoing question regarding housing in the various parts of Mitcham. This is quite diverse including suburbs, for example, like Col Light Gardens, St Mary's and Blackwood. There is always a tension in many suburbs about development, and Mitcham is viewed as cautious and conservative in it's approach, guarding the character of it's various neighbourhoods.

4. What policies and programs will you advocate to protect and conserve heritage in your local area?
   I think it is very helpful when the community itself expresses a passion for the heritage, and gives voice to specific buildings and spaces that deserve greater recognition. I think Council should listen to that.

5. Do you support local Councils retaining development approval powers for projects over $3m in value?
   Yes.

6. Do you have any other thoughts about the protection of heritage in your Council area?
   To be honest, I think we must walk the careful line between the essential work of conservation of heritage buildings, and the frustrating stalling of some projects where the house owner can sensibly be allowed to build or adjust their property. As I noted, Mitcham is cautious in this regard, and on occasion I would like to see home owners being given greater freedom to develop their home - whilst not having a frees-for-all on major development which can injure the overall character of the area. This is a fine line.