OVERVIEW

The long and tortuous transition to South Australia’s new planning system began with the Planning Development and Infrastructure Act (2016), and has now been implemented and perpetuated in the Planning and Design Code, overseen by the State Planning Commission and the State Commission Assessment Panel.

We are now experiencing the adverse effects of the ill-advised and confusing changes to our planning regulations. Protections for our built and natural heritage have been weakened. The character and status of our historic conservation zones has been eroded. Our open space, greening and community environments have been devalued.

The rights and engagement of individuals and communities in planning processes have been subsumed in Government policies that encourage crowded infill and high rise development to the detriment of the nature and future of the lived amenity we aspire to in South Australia.

It is essential for the public, the media, parliamentarians, and the Government to be reliably informed about the impact of the changes to the planning system on our built and natural heritage. Our campaign aims to disseminate information and to lobby and pressure the Government up to and beyond the State Election to protect our heritage and environment.

The National Trust of South Australia has proposed a five-point plan to provide a platform for a clear and sensible reform of our heritage protection systems.   

1. A single Heritage Act covering all aspects of heritage management
   that strengthens and simplifies protections.
2. An independent Heritage Commission to manage listings and
   development approvals for heritage places.
3. An integrated heritage listing process, with strong local government
   and community participation.
4. Strict demolition controls for all heritage places and areas.
5. Incentives and investments to support heritage property owners and stimulate the restoration economy.
   
   

In addition to these issues around our built environment, there is very real public concern about the related problems of the inexorable loss of green space, mature trees and canopy cover in urban areas and the disposal of construction waste.  Threatened communities and the broader public need to be fully informed about these problems, the potential solutions and the political implications, as well as the risks to their intrinsic right to determine their future lived amenity.

The Protect Our Heritage Alliance creates a cohesive public voice for concerned advocates for our heritage and environment, both built and natural.