Australian Heritage Council - Periodic Report 2007-2010

Letter to the Minister

The Hon Tony Burke MP
Minister for Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population and Communities
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600

Dear Minister

Australian Heritage Council: Periodic Report

Established in 2004, the Australian Heritage Council (Council) provided its first Periodic Report in 2007. This report outlined Council's activities and achievements from March 2004 to February 2007 and was provided under section 24A of the Australian Heritage Council Act 2003 (Cth) which allows for Council to prepare a report for the Minister. This second Periodic Report covers March 2007 to May 2010 and coincides with the conclusion of my term as the inaugural Chair of the Council.

This report notes that some significant progress has been made on the key issues identified in the first Periodic Report such as the inclusion of a further 47 places on the National Heritage List, enhanced protection and recognition of Indigenous heritage places, and the adoption by Council of an integrated approach to the assessment of natural, historic and Indigenous heritage. However, the report also recognises that there is work still to be done.

The Council firmly believes that the promotion of training in heritage conservation, especially by architects and artisans, is essential to safeguarding the future of Australia's built heritage. The environmental and social value of adaptive re-use of sound buildings over demolition and rebuilding is also important, as is exploring and addressing the challenges presented by rural heritage. I look forward to following Council's progress on these issues.

On behalf of the Council, I have the pleasure in providing you with the Council's second three year Periodic Report.

Yours sincerely

[signed]

Tom Harley
Chair (2004 – 2010)