State Heritage Policy Initiative Welcomed

Since its inception, the History Council has been concerned with the need to protect and adequately fund heritage protection in Western Australia. We have lobbied hard for the protection of heritage, both built, natural and cultural. In Western Australia we are losing significant heritage to the pressures of economic prosperity. We are still seeing a decline in the condition of many significant places and a lack of recognition of and protection for, important aspects of heritage such as landscapes. There is a need for a strong regulatory framework, increased funding for heritage protection and some tougher penalties for heritage destruction, such as demolition by neglect. At present the role of government in conserving our heritage is fragmented, divided between various departments and agencies and there is a need for greater streamlining and coordination of processes.

There have been many reports written on the issues and the previous Minister for Heritage held a Heritage Summit in 2008. We know what is needed to protect our heritage in Western Australia so it is important that we move forward. The National Trust recently invited a History Council representative to a workshop comprising interested groups, to discuss the preparation of a State Heritage Policy, for presentation to the Minister for Heritage.

The meeting discussed the need for and the scope of such a Policy, the definition of heritage and the principles that must underpin effective regulatory processes in the identification, conservation, interpretation and management of cultural heritage values. The workshop was valuable and the History Council is supportive of the initiative. However we do not wish to see yet another document shelved.

The History Council will work to ensure that the State Heritage Policy forms the basis of a broader strategy to update Heritage legislation and ensure that our heritage is recognized and protected for future generations. If you wish to be part of a small group working on this issue, please contact Julia, our Executive Officer by email at office@historycouncilwa.org.au