Bruce Holland

2014 candidate for City of Unley.
Heritage survey responses.

1. What do you think Council's role is in protecting and conserving heritage?
   All local Councils have an extremely important role to play in the protection and retention of particularly iconic buildings, sites, parks and native areas, through their local community activities, as well as the wider setting for the continued blend of unique mix of rich early settler and classical buildings and the indigenous heritage that South Australia has. The Unley Council area has some wonderful classic buildings and areas of historical significance which complement those in other Council areas, and so it is important to retain this for the tourist and important links to our heritage. I am a strong supporter of retaining the wonderful mix we have in Unley and the Parkside Ward in particular of classical buildings and environs, such as the wonderful green walkways, this is fundamental to Parkside's charm.

2. What measures and incentives do you support to protect and conserve local heritage?
   While not an expert on the protection procedures and associated requirements for the protection of specific buildings, I will listen to the local community groups, such a FOCUS and the Friends of Unley Museum and other interested groups for the options when it comes to decision making about specific projects. In regard to funding toward the assessment and carrying out remedial work, I will look at each specific project on its merits. I will give support to groups within my Ward which has a genuine interest in retaining our benefits, which is the lovely blend of classical houses and buildings and the greenscape of the local environment.

3. What is the most important heritage protection issue in your local government area?
   My view is the progression toward increasing infill, which needs to be in keeping with the heritage look of Parkside. Ensuring the increased population density and dwelling construction is such that it does not detract from our unique aspects which provides Parkside with its desirable attributes.

4. What policies and programs will you advocate to protect and conserve heritage in your local area?
   As mentioned above, I am a strong supporter for the retention of our heritage sites, as such I will consult with those which have specific contributions to make, such as the groups I mentioned previously, as well as the local community, which will include neighbors etc.

5. Do you support local Councils retaining development approval powers for projects over $3m in value?
   Yes I do. I think this will have some way to go, as I think the State may have created a lot of local issues it will have difficulty working its way through and reconciling its decisions with the views of the local community. State approved developments without sufficient weighted Council and local community contribution may create a lot of angst over time, which may lead to the State revisiting this limit.

6. Do you have any other thoughts about the protection of heritage in your Council area?
   Nothing specific at this time, however, I am of the view that an open minded approach with a focus upon the desired outcomes will assist working through specific heritage issues that arise. Giving due weight to arguments for a specific project Vs the alternatives, but with a balanced outcome, which of course will not always please all the participants all the time. However, please bear in mind, one of the primary reasons for my decision to contest in the Parkside Ward, is that I love the local area, and I want to retain this wonderful balance of classical buildings and our wonderful greenscape.