nsw heritage grants local government heritage management … · 2015. 6. 29. · oeh 2013/0191 nsw...

OEH 2013/0191

NSW Heritage Grants Local Government Heritage Management Program

Template for Heritage Strategy Annual Report 2012–13

Background

A requirement of the NSW Heritage Grants Local Government Heritage Management Program is that each council must prepare, adopt and implement a three-year heritage strategy for 2011–12 to 2013–14. This strategy must be based on Recommendations for local government on heritage management (Office of Environment and Heritage and the Heritage Council of NSW 2011).

As part of the funding agreement for each council’s heritage advisor, the council must prepare and submit an annual report on the implementation of their heritage strategy to the Heritage Council by 15 May each year. Generally, this report will be prepared by the council’s heritage advisor and heritage officer.

The outcomes and indicators in the Heritage Strategy Annual Report 2012–13 template are based on a standardised heritage strategy developed from Recommendations for local government on heritage management.

Councils must use this reporting template to summarise their achievements throughout the year.

Please complete this template electronically by inserting responses as follows:

1. Fill in the key performance indicator data in the grey areas for each heritage strategy recommendation.

2. Using this data, complete the grey areas for all four evaluation questions for each outcome.

3. If you would like to include extra information about and for your council, please add your comments in the ‘optional comments’ grey area.

The Heritage Council will include this data in their annual report on the NSW Heritage Grants Local Government Heritage Management Program. This report will be made available on the Office of Environment and Heritage’s (OEH’s) website.

Lodging your heritage strategy annual report for 2012–13

As per the heritage advisor agreement, a copy of this annual report must be:

1. lodged with your council for adoption

2. lodged with the Heritage Council.

symonewTypewritten TextAttachment 8.2A

Your council name: Bellingen

I confirm that the total expenditure for the heritage advisor service during 2012–13 (which includes an estimate for the June 2013 visit) was $3898.00 ex GST.

Reporting on recommendations and outcomes

Recommendation 1: Establish a heritage committee to deal with

heritage matters in your area

Outcome 1: Caring for our heritage – increased community

participation, awareness and appreciation of heritage in the local area

Key performance indicators

Heritage committee established

Heritage committee constituted under s. 377 of the Local Government Act 2009

Yes No

Yes No

Optional comments: The Heritage Committee makes a valuable contribution to Council and the community despite occasional difficulties in arranging regular meeting attendance (partly attributable to the review of Council's Committee Structure)

Heritage policy written and adopted by the council

Yes No

Date completed: May 2008

Date/s reviewed and updated:

Optional comments: Revised on the 3 year cycle and due in 2014 on expiry of the current commitments

Heritage committee advice/input to council decision making

Yes No

#9 of pieces of advice/input to council decision making

Optional comments: Minimal economic activity in the area

Local heritage consultants directory established

Yes No

Optional comments: A regional list includes Coffs and surrounds

(Optional) Council website link provided to the OEH website Heritage Consultants Directory

Yes No

Optional comments: Council prefers to advise Property owners directly on specific enquiries

Local services and suppliers directory established

Yes No

Optional comments: A regional list covers Coffs and surrounds

(Optional) Council website link provided to the OEH website Services and Suppliers Directory

Yes No

Optional comments: Council prefers to advise Property owners directly on specific enquiries,

but is considering a direct link from Council’s website.

Evaluation: (social, environmental, economic impacts)

Please add your commentary after each question

1. What do the KPIs show about this outcome? A very quiet year in relation to works in the Conservation Area and on heritage items.

2. What were the key results or achievements for this year? Assistance was provided for the potential adaptive re-use of a permissive occupancy building in Atherton Drive. Valuable discussions held during meetings and increased awareness of heritage issues, particularly on matters relating to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.

3. Were there any challenges or disappointments that had a major effect on results? Briefly describe what actions have been taken to address these. A minimal level of community participation. A reduction in committee meetings (the reduction in Committee meetings has been addressed with the appointment of a new Chairperson and continuation of meetings). The above-mentioned adaptive re-use project may not come to fruition due to potential costs and other complications (ie flood, crown lease etc).

4. What will you do next year? Advice to Council to initiate direct heritage programmes & projects and seek specific community volunteers to drive them. Continue liaison with Council's Heritage Officer to source grants and assist owners of heritage properties to source and submit information. Continue to encourage Committee members to identify and become involved in local heritage issues and to provide assistance when required. Install Council website link to the OEH website Services and Suppliers Directory.

Recommendation 2: Identify the heritage items in your area and list

them in your local environmental plan (LEP).

Outcome 2: Knowing and valuing our heritage – increased knowledge

and proactive management of heritage in your local area


Community based heritage study completed

Yes No

Date completed: 1991

Date/s reviewed and updated: 2009

# of heritage items recommended for inclusion in your LEP heritage schedule

Optional comments: The 1991 study did not recommend a set number of listings.

Aboriginal heritage study completed Yes No

Date completed:


Optional comments: Local Negotiations are long and progress is slow with various stakeholders

although the study would be worthwhile. The OEH is currently reviewing this project.

Number of heritage items included in the existing LEP’s heritage schedule

# 266 of heritage items included in LEP heritage schedule (and 1 Conservation Area, 81 Archaeological Sites)



Optional comments: The SHI is continuously revised and updated as information comes forward

The council has gazetted a principal LEP with model heritage provisions in accordance with the Standard Instrument (LEPs) Order

Yes No

Date gazetted: 2010

Optional comments: The LEP schedule includes gaps according to the historical themes as the review covered only the previously nominated places. Gaps include maritime, urban and rural places

Statement of significance for all heritage items in the existing LEP

Yes No



Optional comments: The SHI includes the full range of data to be used for future full review



1. What do the KPIs show about this outcome? The SHI is a comprehensive record of previous nominations

2. What were the key results or achievements for this year? Use of the SHI to advise property owners of details on the database

3. Were there any challenges or disappointments that had a major effect on results? Briefly describe what actions have been taken to address these. Insufficient resources to complete parts of the SHI such as the historical notes by the Museum & Historical Society. Inconsistencies between SHI data and Schedule 5 of the BLEP 2010 (Council is currently focusing on ensuring that all of the listed items in BLEP 2010 are accurately recorded in the Shire Heritage Inventory with the required detail. This task is close to being finalised).

4. What will you do next year? Encourage volunteers to provide additional data for the SHI – Historical notes

Recommendation 3: Appoint a heritage and urban design advisor to

assist the council, the community and owners of listed heritage items


participation, and proactive heritage and urban design management in

your local area


Site visits Number 1 of heritage site visits undertaken

Optional comments: Reflects a low level of economic activity and use of digital photos to make assessments

Heritage/urban design advisements given Number 1 of heritage/urban design advisements given

Optional comments: Low level activity by Council on civil works

Pre development application (DA) advice given on heritage/urban design issues

Number 5 of pre DA advice given on heritage/urban design issues

Optional comments: Pre-DA advice is most successful in guiding property owners

Advisements on council DAs provided on heritage/urban design projects

Number 0 of advisements on council DAs provided on heritage/urban design projects

Optional comments: A low level of activity in the area



1. What do the KPIs show about this outcome? There is a low level of economic activity in the area. This is also considered to reflect legislative changes permitting minor works involving heritage properties without consent. There are less heritage related DAs, with Council staff now dealing with minor DAs and more enquiries relating to minor works in accordance with cl 5.10(3) of BLEP 2010. With the advantage of experience, education and influence from the Heritage Advisor, current planning staff are also perhaps more capable of dealing with a range of 'minor' heritage enquiries. However the Heritage Advisor's assistance with more complex or larger developments has continued to be invaluable and is perhaps utilised more efficiently. Ongoing liaison with the community and positive outcomes for Council and the community about heritage matters over many years may also have reduced the volume of issues referred.

2. What were the key results or achievements for this year? Good negotiations over the permissive occupancies and one possible adaptive re-use.

Expertise provided and quality outcomes achieved when the nature of development has warranted it.

3. Were there any challenges or disappointments that had a major effect on your results? Briefly describe what actions have been taken to address these. Low level of activity should be a good time to invest in heritage tourism and social capacity – volunteers.

4. What will you do next year? Advise council to assist community groups and to review local heritage interpretation – tourism. Further discussions with Council's Economic Development Officer.

Recommendation 4: Manage local heritage in a positive manner

Outcome 4: Caring for our heritage – proactive heritage and urban

design management in your local area


Heritage development control plan (DCP) prepared by the council

Yes No



Optional comments: An excellent result with study complete and Draft heritage DCP

Urban design DCP prepared by the council Yes No



Optional comments: Included in the heritage DCP

Waive or reduce development application fees

Yes No

Optional comments: Highly valued and appreciated by property owners

Adopt a flexible approach to planning and building requirements

Yes No

Optional comments: Negotiations are important and options are presented to win confidence. The LEP heritage clauses have been very beneficial in achieving good solutions without requiring DA process and this means less DA's for minor works. Helps to maintain positive perspective within the community on heritage management. High hopes for the DCP in giving well-argued advice at Pre-DA stages



1. What do the KPIs show about this outcome? Pre-DA contact and advice wins confidence and shortens the negotiating period. DCP will assist Council staff and developers in the preliminary stages of development.

2. What were the key results or achievements for this year? Completion of the DCP study and Draft DCP

3. Were there any challenges or disappointments that had a major effect on your results? Briefly describe what actions have been taken to address these. None

4. What will you do next year? Review the DCP after public consultation and amend accordingly

Recommendation 5: Introduce a local heritage incentives fund to

provide small grants to encourage local heritage projects


participation and proactive conservation and management of heritage

in your local area


Local heritage fund operational Yes No

Optional comments:

Heritage projects funded with this year’s funding

# 5 of heritage projects funded this financial year

Total project value Total $ 21,256 project value

Total local heritage fund contribution Total $ 8,648 contributed by local heritage fund

Total owner contribution to project Total $ 12,608 contributed by local heritage owner to heritage project

**Heritage projects that contribute to local tourism

# 5 of heritage projects that contribute to local tourism

Optional comments: Projects involved commercial, public and residential properties. 3 are considered to contribute directly to local tourism; all 5 enhance and promote the Shire as a tourist/heritage destination.

**Projects that create paid employment # 5 of jobs created

Optional comments: various tradespeople (painters, joiners, plumbers etc)

**Projects that create volunteer opportunities

# 20 hours of volunteer hours contributed

Optional comments: This year the showground did not utilise volunteer labour for the work. However volunteers for the Showground Trust would have provided approximately 15 hours towards preparing and co-ordinating the project. Likewise, the Museum project was co-ordinated by volunteers (Historical Society).

** These indicators are important NSW Government indicators related to tourism, jobs and employment creation and must be completed.



1. What do the KPIs show about this outcome? Council's Heritage Assistance Scheme continues to assist property owners and volunteer organisations to maintain heritage properties and public facilities for the benefit of the general community. These projects provide flow-on benefits to the local economy and employment opportunities. Three projects have been ongoing and continue with improvements each year. Most projects have scope to consider reapplying for funding in the future.

2. What were the key results or achievements for this year? Good heritage outcomes and positive liaison and negotiation with members of the community on heritage issues (i.e. property owners, volunteers, tradespeople).

3. Were there any challenges or disappointments that had a major effect on your results? Briefly describe what actions have been taken to address these. One project did not proceed due to scale of work and funds required, however applicant has been encouraged to reconsider scale and potential staging of work and reapply. Number of projects slightly down, however program is continuing and is promoted to property owners throughout the year.

4. What will you do next year? Continue to provide and promote fund. Continue to direct information on larger funding opportunities to property owners/managers.

Recommendation 6: Run a heritage main street program

Outcome 6: Caring for our heritage – councils, owners and the

community actively participate in attractive and well managed heritage

main streets


Heritage main street committee operational Yes No

Optional comments: The Heritage Committee & planning staff deal with any issues that arise

Heritage main street study completed Yes No


Date/s reviewed and updated: Overdue

Optional comments: The main street study is due for a review as a range of works have been completed plus there is great potential for infill and adaptive re-use which could be the focus of a new review

Heritage main street study recommendations implemented

Yes No

Date completed: 2000-2012

Optional comments: A range of colour schemes and minor works have been completed by private property owners

Heritage main street program expanded to other main streets in the local government area

Yes No

Optional comments: A study of the Dorrigo main street has been discussed and some work has been done on the Permissive occupancies at Urunga

Evaluation (social, environmental, economic impacts)


1. What do the KPIs show about this outcome? The main streets are not a high priority for Council or for property owners having regard to the limited availability of Local Government and community resources; i.e. finances and personnel.

2. What were the key results or achievements for this year? Work on the Raymond building feasibility study at Urunga

3. Were there any challenges or disappointments that had a major effect on your results? Briefly describe what actions have been taken to address these. Minimal interest in streetscapes and business presentation or heritage tourism potential. As for 1 above. Management and improvements to main streets has been traditionally managed by Engineering Department and would benefit from appropriate financing, staffing and proactive strategic approach.

4. What will you do next year? Advise council to initiate a main street study of the streetscapes with infill potential and heritage tourism possibilities including liaison with Council Engineers, Strategic Planners and Economic Development/Tourism Officer.

Recommendation 7: Present educational and promotional programs

Outcome 7: Valuing our heritage – increased awareness and

appreciation of heritage by the council, owners and the community in

your local area


Heritage information available for local government area, e.g. brochures, website, guidelines

Yes No

Date/s originally set up: 2001-2003

Date/s reviewed and updated: No

Optional comments: Current information is sufficient

Heritage promotional events held (e.g. National Trust Heritage Festival, local heritage festivals, heritage awards scheme, main street festivals)

# 1 of heritage events held in last financial year

Optional comments: Museum activity

Local/regional heritage tourism strategy completed

Yes No



The council has a local/regional tourist information centre

Yes No

Optional comments: The display represents a range of heritage aspects of the area

Heritage trail completed Yes No



Optional comments: A town walking tour brochure is due for a review

Heritage training for staff Yes No

# 2 staff attended training

Optional comments: Operating the SHI

Heritage training for councillors Yes No

# councillors attended training

Optional comments: Not required

Heritage training/workshops for heritage owners

Yes No

# of owners attended training

Optional comments: Direct consultation is preferred

Heritage training/workshops for local professionals

Yes No

# of local professionals attended training

Optional comments: Such an activity shared with Coffs has potential



1. What do the KPIs show about this outcome? A low level of activity in the area

2. What were the key results or achievements for this year? Training on use of the SHI. Provision of quality and timely information from Heritage Advisor for property owners, potential developers and Council staff.

3. Were there any challenges or disappointments that had a major effect on your results? Briefly describe what actions have been taken to address these. Minimal engagement with the community. Limited opportunity for regional training programs.

4. What will you do next year? Advise Council on ways to engage with Professionals through joint activity with Societies and Coffs area. Continue to liaise with local historical societies and encourage involvement with Heritage Committee members.

Recommendation 8: Set a good example to the community by properly

managing places owned or operated by the council

Outcome 8: Caring for our heritage – a council proactively conserves

and manages its heritage assets


Council has an asset management plan with action plans for heritage assets

Yes No

Optional comments: Council properties are well maintained and managed

Council management plans (CMPs) and council management strategies (CMSs) prepared for state significant heritage assets

Number 1 of CMPs/CMSs prepared for state significant items this financial year

Optional comments: Halls and Cemeteries – no state listed assets but management of Council properties is ongoing with commitments in budget.

Annual works budget secured for heritage asset maintenance and repairs

Yes No

Optional comments: Available but used as ?



1. What do the KPIs tell you about this outcome? Works are generally satisfactory with the exception of Cemeteries which demand greater attention. Limited resources restrict the potential for improvements and therefore social and economic benefits.

2. What were the key results or achievements for this year? None. Maintenance of facilities, park and gardens is ongoing.

3. Were there any challenges or disappointments that had a major effect on your results? Briefly describe what actions have been taken to address these. Lack of focus on poor state of civil works and street furniture in Bellingen and Dorrigo

4. What will you do next year? Advise Council to review and develop a 2 year programme for replacement of street furniture in main streets.

Recommendation 9: Promote sustainable development as a tool for

heritage conservation

Outcome 9: Caring for our heritage – proactive heritage and sustainable

development in your local area


Heritage development application (DA) approvals for adaptive reuse works

Number 1 of adaptive reuse DA approvals

Optional comments: Preliminary feasibility study

DA approvals for regeneration and urban design works

Number 0 of urban design /regeneration DA approvals

Optional comments: Low level of activity

Heritage DA approvals for infill and additions works

Number 3 of infill/additions DA approvals

Optional comments: Refers to prevention of a demolition

Pre-DA advice and advice given on sustainable and energy efficient modifications (power, water, waste, carbon neutral)

Number 5 of pre-DA advice and advice given on sustainable and energy efficient modifications

Optional comments: Sustainability advice included within all contacts

Sustainability and heritage awareness courses for councillors, council staff,

Yes No

heritage owners and community Number of people who attended training

Optional comments: Council have separate information sources for advising their community on sustainability



1. What do the KPIs show about this outcome? Sustainability has a high profile in the Bellingen community.

2. What were the key results or achievements for this year? Pre-DA contacts were receptive to advice on solar and green issues

3. Were there any challenges or disappointments that had a major effect on your results? Briefly describe what actions have been taken to address these. Low level of general activity

4. What will you do next year? Advise Council to engage more with business community.

nsw heritage grants local government heritage management … · 2015. 6. 29. · oeh 2013/0191 nsw...

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