Katrina Hudson

2014 candidate for City of Mitcham.
Heritage survey responses.

What do you think Council's role is in protecting and conserving heritage?
The Council plays a substantial role in maintaining and protecting local character building whilst ensuring new developments respect the local character (built form and environmental heritge). These values and responsibilities are reflected in the City of Mitcham's Strategic and Development Plans and sets measures and targets for Council responsibilities.
What measures and incentives do you support to protect and conserve local heritage?
I support the continuing the active role the City of Mitcham undertakes in supporting heritage conservation and promotion public awareness of the value and benefits of maintaining built and environmental heritage. The Council do this week through a number of methods ie: Communication and promotion of heritage events and display of open days etc supported by a great number of local volunteers. In addition the Council supports heritage conservation through development of Policy and supported through administrative processes ie: recently approving the Mitcham Heritage Development Plan Amendment (DPA) to the Minister for Planning following the meeting held on 12 August 2014. Whilst not fully adopted, as an interim measure the Council has adopted the following steps to support Heritage conservation: 1 Expand the boundary of the Residential (Central Plains) Historic (Conservation) Policy Area 15 to the east and south 2 Update and replace some existing heritage related policies within the Metropolitan Wide and Council Wide sections for the Development Plan with those found within the Heritage Places Better Development Plans Policy Module 3 Update and replace some existing heritage related policies within the Residential (Central Plains) Historic (Conservation) Policy Area 15 4 Create one new Historic (Conservation) Policy Area along / around a section of Adey Road in Blackwood 5 Expand the boundary of the Historic (Conservation) Zone Mitcham Village to include the remainder of Mitcham Reserve within the zone 6 Add additional buildings to the local heritage list, together with amendments to selected existing Local Heritage Places and the removal of one Place from the list 7 Insert a Table of Design Guidelines for Heritage Places and development within Historic (Conservation) Zones and Policy Areas 8 Provide subsequent miscellaneous amendments required to rectify cross-referencing associated with the above amendments Revised mapping to reflect changes above.
What is the most important heritage protection issue in your local government area?
To ensure that whilst existing built and environmental heritage is conserved, all new development does not destroy the historic aspects of the area, those same characteristics that make the area unique.
What policies and programs will you advocate to protect and conserve heritage in your local area?
Residential development does not destroy or adversley impact on the existing rich built and environmental heritage of the area. Environmental zones such as the Hills face are not completely lost to residential development. The council increase its efforts to reduce bushfire risk to life and property including fire risk from freight trains. Ensure that road infrastructure does not negatively affect built and environmental heritage. Effort to improve community facilities such as multi purpose sporting facilities are developed in partnership with state and federal government to ensure the community has access to community facilities and services without having to "leave the area".
Do you support local Councils retaining development approval powers for projects over $3m in value?
Yes. Developments of this cost are often large developments such as shopping and sporting infrastructure and the Council must have approval powers for local developments. But I believe the Council must consult the community and manage these approvals competently so must be bound by good governance processes and procedures.
Do you have any other thoughts about the protection of heritage in your Council area?
Whilst existing built and environmental heritage must be preserved to ensure the area remains distinct and unique, a large percentage of the dwelling in the area in 2050 are yet to be built. Careful consideration must be taken when planning approval is undertaken and administered by the Council. Surburban infill and hammer head style developments will make up the majority of residential development within the City of Mitcham (except for 400 new dwellings in Craigburn Farm) which will place additional pressures on existing infrastructure and challenge the "character" of the existing area. Access to public space, and community places will ensure residence of the area remain connected, and in turn volunteer back into the community when they are able to spend time to do so. These issues are vital to ensuring the health and well being of the community.