Carolyn Wigg

2014 candidate for Town of Walkerville.
Heritage survey responses.

1. What do you think Council's role is in protecting and conserving heritage?
   Each Council has a responsibility to manage its own heritage assets, and to identify and protect the heritage in its area through the Council Development Plan and development approval process. Council also has a role in providing advice and support to owners of heritage listed places. .

2. What measures and incentives do you support to protect and conserve local heritage?
   Since I was elected in 2006, I have supported protection and conservation of local heritage. In 2007, Walkerville Council finalised a Heritage DPA listing a large number of local heritage places and has also adopted a Residential Development Plan Amanement that strengthened policy for conservation areas and heritage listed buildings. Walkerville Council also employs a heritage advisor to provide advice to owners, planning staff or the DAP on development applications. At this stage Council has not introduced financial incentives, as this would impact council's budget and increase rates.

3. What is the most important heritage protection issue in your local government area?
   Protection of conservation areas and streetscape character is seen as important by residents.There is also concern about inappropriate development next to historic houses.

4. What policies and programs will you advocate to protect and conserve heritage in your local area?
   Walkerville as one the oldest settlements (1838) has a rich history and heritage. I will advocate for stronger planning policies or design guidelines to protect the character and heritage of the area. If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for protection and conservation of built heritage within the Council area and encourage adaptive reuse, sensitive additions and restoration of listed buildings. I would like to see more community information on heritage, such as plaques and historic walks and also work with local schools to provide some educational material on the history and heritage of the area.. Having worked as a heritage adviser for ACC, administering the Heritage Incentives Program, I am aware of the number of projects generated by the funding over 20 years and the multiplier effect from the funding. I will therefore advocate for a feasibility study to explore costs and benefits of introducing financial and non-financial incentives.

5. Do you support local Councils retaining development approval powers for projects over $3m in value?
   Yes. Walkerville Council has already been impacted by this legislative change.

6. Do you have any other thoughts about the protection of heritage in your Council area?
   Walkerville Council's Civic and Community Centre redevelopment was completed early this year and received the 2014 Australian Institute of Architects David Saunders Heritage Award for the integration of old and new architecture. The project involved restoration of the heritage listed Town Hall with redevelopment of library, community centre and offices for council administration. Conservation of the Town Hall was a high priority in the brief to the architects who employed a heritage consultant to develop a Conservation Management Plan and advise on conservation works required. Council is very pleased with and proud of the restored building.