Community consultation is underway on Barunga West Council’s proposed new planning rules and will remain open until 1 March 2024.
A Community Information Session was held on 14 February 2024 at the Port Broughton Bowling Clubrooms, with more than 50 people attending to find out more about the proposed planning changes and have their say.
The proposed planning rules aim to protect the area's local heritage, with Barunga West the first council to utilise South Australia’s new Code Amendment process for this purpose.
A total of 46 sites have been proposed for local heritage listing under the Local Heritage Places (Barunga West) Code Amendment.
This amendment seeks to recognise and safeguard the cultural and historical significance of these sites, ensuring they are preserved for future generations.
Currently, there are no heritage sites listed at either a local or state level within the jurisdiction of the Barunga West Council. By proposing these changes, Council is setting a precedent for acknowledging local heritage, drawing attention to significant sites throughout Barunga West.
Under the proposed changes, owners of a Local Heritage Place will need to obtain approval from Council to undertake changes to the external appearance of their building. Owners will not be required to maintain their properties beyond normal expectations, nor will the public have any rights of access to the properties.
Owners of properties listed as Local Heritage Places are eligible for Council support, including pre-development advice to navigate regulatory requirements and preserve heritage value.
Council also will help owners access government grants for maintenance and upkeep of heritage-listed properties.
Importantly, adjoining landowners are not required to mirror the heritage properties.
When planning developments, such as extensions or boundary walls, adjoining landowners are encouraged to be mindful of the heritage character and value of nearby heritage-listed properties. This consideration does not necessitate replicating the heritage property but rather ensuring that any development is sympathetic to the overall heritage context. Council will help.
These measures aim to support the preservation of local heritage sites and maintain our region’s unique character and beauty, enhancing local identity, potentially increasing property values, and promoting tourism.
A two-page information sheet to help guide the community consultation period has been uploaded to Council’s website, ensuring all interested parties can easily access it online. For those who prefer or require a hard copy, these will be available at the Main Council Office in Port Broughton.
Council appreciates the community's input and is committed to ensuring that all residents have timely access to important information regarding these proposed new planning rules.
The wording of the Full Code Amendment and the proposed properties to be listed as Local Heritage Places are also available on Council’s website.
All submissions will be reviewed, and recommendations will be made to add/keep/remove properties to Council before they are submitted to the State Planning Commission for a final determination by the Minister for Planning, Nick Champion.
For more information please contact:
- Shanti Ditter via email: CodeAmendments@planningaspects.com
- Barunga West Council: 08 8635 2107 or PO BOx 3 Port Broughton SA 5522