$600,000 to support improved heritage protections

The South Australian Government is providing up to $600,000 of funding to local councils who are leading the way to better protect the state’s heritage and streetscapes.

In recognition of their proactive work, Heritage Code Amendment grants of up to $75,000 are being offered to eight councils across the state to improve planning rules that strengthen protections for local heritage places, Historic Areas and Character Areas.

The City of Adelaide, Alexandrina Council, Barunga West Council, City of Prospect and City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters, have received funding offers to match council costs for the Code Amendment process.

The work underway by these councils would introduce or strengthen protections for approximately 93 local heritage places, 458 representative buildings and 15 historic areas.

Three additional councils are also progressing improved heritage planning rules and, subject to Code Amendment initiation, would introduce protections for about 120 properties and a historic area across the City of Onkaparinga, District Council of Yankalilla and Adelaide Plains Council.

These eight councils are the first to act on the State Planning Commission’s three-prong approach to boost character and heritage protections, through elevating Character Areas to Historic Areas, updating Character Area Statements and tougher demolition controls in Character Areas.