Support for Local Government

• Introduction
• Role of Local Councils
• Heritage Advisory Services
• Financial Assistance

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Introduction

For general information about heritage, why we conserve it, and how it is managed in South Australia see Overview of Heritage in SA.

Role of Local Councils

Local Councils have an important role in heritage management in three main ways:

Heritage surveys - engaging qualified consultants to undertake a survey of the Council area, with a view to identifying places of local heritage significance, potential Historic (Conservation) Zones/Policy Areas, and contributory items. Surveys are often undertaken in conjunction with the Department for Environment and Heritage (Heritage Branch) and identify potential State Heritage Places at the same time.

Heritage Plan Amendment Reports - amending the Development Plan to formalise the protection of identified State and Local Heritage Places, Historic (Conservation) Zones/Policy Areas, and contributory items.

Development Assessment - under Council's statutory role as planning authority, applying the relevant sections of the Development Act and Development Regulations, as well as heritage conservation policy within the Development Plan.

Heritage Advisory Services

The Heritage Advisory Service in South Australia provides professional heritage and conservation advice to local Councils and communities. The Heritage Advisers are experienced heritage practitioners jointly funded by the Department for Environment and Heritage and local Councils.

Heritage Advisers can:

• advise Councils on development proposals affecting State and Local Heritage Places
• advise the Local Heritage Advisory Committee (usually as a member of the committee)
• assist local Councils to develop local heritage policy, carry out heritage surveys, and establish and manage Historic (Conservation) Zones
• help create local awareness and responsibility for the care of heritage places
• assist local Councils to implement heritage programs (eg main street studies, heritage incentives schemes and heritage trails) and promote heritage through interpretive signs, publications and cultural tourism initiatives.

More information about which councils currently operate a Heritage Advisory Service. For information about establishing a Heritage Advisory Service contact the Heritage Branch

Financial Assistance

As part of the Heritage Directions funding initiative, the State Government has allocated approximately $580,000 additional funding over four years (2004/05 - 2007/08) specifically to assist local Councils to:

• carry out or review local heritage surveys
• undertake Heritage Plan Amendment Reports
• establish Council local heritage incentive schemes

To find out how to access this funding see Local Government Heritage Directions Funding Assistance.

To find out more about the Heritage Directions strategy see Government Heritage Directions or download a copy of Heritage Directions (500Kb PDF).