11 Steps for Places Under Threat
1. Is the place significant?
If not – no further action
2. Determine whether the place is listed on any of the following:
- Register of National Estate – Australian Heritage Commission
- Subject to Conservation Instrument – Heritage Council of NSW
- In REP Heritage Schedule – Department of Planning
- In LEP Heritage Schedule – Local Government Authority
- National Trust Register – The National Trust of Australia (NSW)
- Other Listings (eg, Institute of Architects, Institute of Engineers, State Rail)
- Detailed description of threatened item or place, including exact address
- Summary of the situation (issues & concerns), steps already taken and results
- Any historical information (contact Local Historical Society, local library records)
- Current photographs and/or slides
- Copies of any documentation – title deeds, site sketches, architectural drawings, historical photographs
4. Is the threat immediate?
- Demolition in progress – apply to Heritage Council for Section 136 Order
- Current threat – apply to Heritage Council for Section 130 Order
5. Is a Federal Government department or instrumentality involved?
If no – Australian Heritage Commission (AHC) has no statutory role
If yes – lobby/provide advice to AHC
6. Is item on your CounciI's Local Environmental Plan (LEP) Schedule?
If no – request Local Council to include the item on the LEP Schedule
If yes – lobby Councillors not to grant inappropriate development consent
7. Apply to Heritage Office for a Conservation Order:
The Heritage Council may recommend Orders on items of State Significance
8. Contact Owner:
- Attempt to gain the owner's appreciation of your concerns
- Owners can contact the Trust for advice on alternative, more sympathetic options
9. Write to local member of parliament/Minister:
Individual letters to local members can be very effective
10. Brief local press
11. Review – is the issue worth pursuing?
Reproduced with permission of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au
