AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION HERITAGE STRATEGY

Transcription

1 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION HERITAGE STRATEGY FINAL DRAFT Issued 21 st December 2005 NOEL BELL RIDLEY SMITH & PARTNERS PTY LTD 2 McManus Street, McMahons Point NSW Ph Fax ABN

2 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION HERITAGE STRATEGY INTRODUCTION Background Objectives Methodology Definitions Authorship Acknowledgements Copyright MANAGEMENT OF HERITAGE ASSETS Australian Broadcasting Corporation Management Objectives Commonwealth Heritage Management Principles Heritage Management and the ABC s Corporate Plan Responsibilities of Key ABC Personnel Consultation with Other Government Agencies Community Consultation Conflict Resolution Between User Needs and Heritage Significance ABC REGISTER OF HERITAGE PLACES General Compliance with Section 341 of the EPBC Act Commonwealth Heritage Values Australian Broadcasting Corporation Property Currently Identified as demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage Values The Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Register Review and Reporting of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Register HERITAGE PLANNING Maintaining the ABC Heritage Register Public Access to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Register Heritage Management Plans for Commonwealth Heritage Places Existing Use of Heritage Places by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Current or expected changes that may affect Commonwealth Heritage Values Commonwealth Heritage Values and Australian Broadcasting Corporation Forward Planning Maintenance and Long-Term Conservation STAFF TRAINING AND PROMOTION OF HERITAGE ASSETS Introduction Staff Training and Best Practice Heritage Management Promoting Community Awareness of Heritage Resources MONITORING OF THE ABC S HERITAGE PLACES STEWARDSHIP Australian Broadcasting Corporation Obligations under the EPBC Act i

3 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION Implementation Stage 1 Financial Year Implementation Stage 2 Financial Year Implementation Stage 3 Financial Year Implementation Stage 4 Financial Year REFERENCES APPENDICES Appendix 1 - List of Properties in ABC Ownership 2005 showing Current Heritage Status Appendix 2 ABC Properties Displaying Potential Commonwealth Heritage Values 38 ii

4 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Location Map showing current property holdings owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation....4 Figure 2. Diagram showing the relationship of heritage consultants and the Heritage Panel within the organisational structure of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation...9 Figure 3. Sequence of steps to be taken in the disposal of a heritage property by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation...16 iii

5 1 Introduction 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Following a preliminary meeting between the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Department of Environment and Heritage 1, to establish the Australian Broadcasting Corporation s obligations under Sections 324 and 341 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Noel Bell Ridley Smith & Partners, Heritage Consultants, were engaged to prepare this Heritage Strategy. Noel Bell Ridley Smith & Partners were engaged by Brewster Murray Architects on behalf of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in May Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is required to assist the Minister by identifying and assessing their properties that demonstrate National or Commonwealth Heritage values, by: Providing a written document that integrates heritage conservation and management within the Australian Broadcasting Corporation s overall property and planning framework. Producing a register of the heritage places under their control. Developing strategies to protect and conserve Australian Broadcasting Corporation property consistent with the Commonwealth Heritage Management Principles prescribed in Regulations to the Act. Ensuring the ongoing protection of the Commonwealth Heritage values of the place when selling or leasing a Commonwealth Heritage place. Seeking advice from the Minister about taking an action, if the action has, will have, or is likely to have, a significant impact on a Commonwealth Heritage place. 1 Meeting held in Sydney on 8 th September 2004, attended by Mr Kym Martin (Head Property Services) of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and Mr Ed Wensing (Director) and Ms Rosemary Hollow (Assistant Director), Historic Heritage Management Section of the Department of Environment and Heritage. 1

6 1 Introduction 1.2 Objectives This Heritage Strategy has been prepared to enable the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to, in part, meet its obligations under the EPBC Act, which require the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to prepare a Heritage Strategy, and provide a copy for the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, within two years of the commencement of the Amendments to the Act. The main aim of this Heritage Strategy is to: Enable the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to meet its obligations under the EPBC Act. Assist the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to identify items within its ownership that demonstrate Commonwealth Heritage values. Inform the Australian Broadcasting Corporation of its obligations under the EPBC Act. Under the EPBC Act, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation must review its heritage strategy every three years, and lodge a copy of the reviewed strategy with the Minister. Reporting requirements and procedures are outlined in Section 3.5 and Section 6 of this Heritage Strategy 1.3 Methodology This report generally follows the format set out in the document published by the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Heritage in February 2004, and titled Heritage Strategies: a guide for Commonwealth agencies. 1.4 Definitions The term heritage used throughout this report includes historic and Indigenous heritage, and is defined in Section 528 of the EPBC Act. Historic heritage includes places associated with the non-indigenous cultural heritage of Australia encompassed in the country s history. Indigenous heritage includes all places that are part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people s spiritual links to the land or which tell the story of Indigenous peoples from time immemorial to the present. 2

7 1 Introduction The word conservation, as used throughout this document, has the meaning given it in the Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (The Burra Charter), namely: Conservation refers to all the processes involved in looking after heritage places and objects, and can include maintenance, preservation, restoration and reconstruction activities, and forms of adaptation Authorship This report was prepared by Robert Staas, Heritage Consultant and Director, and Pam Jeffery, Senior Heritage Architect, of Noel Bell Ridley Smith & Partners. 1.6 Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the following people in the preparation of this report: Mr Kym Martin, Head Property Services, Property and Support Services, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Mr Alex Marhinin, Head, Special Projects, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Mr Gary Campbell, National Property Manager, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Ms Mary Jane Stannus, Head, Archives and Library Services, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Mr Michael Bullen, Director, Brewster Murray Architects. 1.7 Copyright This report is copyright of Noel Bell Ridley Smith & Partners Architects Pty Limited. It was prepared specifically for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and shall not be used for any other purpose. 2 Burra Charter Article 1 Definitions 1.4 Conservation 3

8 1 Introduction Figure 1. Location Map showing current property holdings owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 4

9 2 Management of Heritage Assets 2.0 MANAGEMENT OF HERITAGE ASSETS 2.1 Australian Broadcasting Corporation Management Objectives The Australian Broadcasting Corporation recognises its responsibility to identify and care for the heritage property in its control, consistent with best practice in conservation and property management. This objective is consistent with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation s Vision Statement, Mission Statement and corporate values. The concepts inherent in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation s corporate values are in keeping with those of the Department of Environment and Heritage, particularly in demonstrating its accountability for the efficient and effective use of public resources through good governance Commonwealth Heritage Management Principles a) The objective in managing Commonwealth Heritage places is to identify, protect, conserve, present and transmit, to all generations, their Commonwealth Heritage values. b) The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should use the best available knowledge, skills and standards for those places, and include ongoing technical and community input to decisions and actions that may have a significant impact on Commonwealth Heritage values. c) The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should respect all heritage values of the place and seek to integrate, where appropriate, any Commonwealth, State and Territory and Local Government responsibilities for those places. d) The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should ensure that their use and presentation is consistent with the conservation of their Commonwealth Heritage values. 3 Through Australian Eyes: Australian Broadcasting Corporation Annual Report 04. p.2 5

10 2 Management of Heritage Assets e) The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should make timely and appropriate provision for community involvement, especially by people who: (i) have a particular interest in, or associations with, the place, and (ii) may be affected by the management of the place. f) Indigenous people are the primary source of information on the value of their heritage and the active participation of Indigenous people in identification, assessment and management is integral to the effective protection of Indigenous heritage values. g) The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should provide for regular monitoring, review and reporting on the conservation of Commonwealth Heritage values. Regulation 10.03D Schedule 7B 2.3 Heritage Management and the ABC s Corporate Plan The Australian Broadcasting Corporation Property Services Department currently manages heritage property owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and obtains independent advice from heritage consultants where necessary. The Department Head is located in Sydney, although many of the sections it encompasses including facilities management, portfolio management, compliance, engineering and security, are carried out within each state office. As the Australian Broadcasting Corporation owns a number of buildings throughout Australia, this arrangement enables the various State Facility Managers to engage consultants with specific knowledge of particular State or Local Government statutory requirements, and with specialist expertise where required. A range of heritage specialists may provide expertise in a full range of services including general advice, and the preparation of: Heritage assessment reports Heritage management plans Statements of heritage impact Building condition reports Maintenance plans Documentation of repairs EPBC Act referrals Indigenous consultation and advice 6

11 2 Management of Heritage Assets Heritage audits and statutory compliance reviews Archaeological works and monitoring Landscape assessments. Under the current structure, the State Facility Managers report to the National Manager Facilities, who in turn reports to the Head of Property Services. Figure 2 shows the existing arrangement within the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Organisational Structure. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation should engage a Heritage Consultant to oversee the consistent implementation of this Heritage Strategy and the establishment of a Register of Australian Broadcasting Corporation Properties demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage values, and in addition engage specialists with local expertise where necessary to deal with local and/or state planning bodies and community consultation. 2.4 Responsibilities of Key ABC Personnel The Australian Broadcasting Corporation currently has a system in place to deal with heritage issues as they arise, and where necessary by engaging specialist heritage consultants to deal with particular issues. Figure 2 shows the Australian Broadcasting Corporation organisational structure with provision for the establishment of a heritage panel and a heritage consultant to oversee the consistent implementation of this Heritage Strategy. The key personnel responsible for ensuring the Australian Broadcasting Corporation s stewardship of Commonwealth Heritage listed places are: Head Property Services All proposed major or minor changes to heritage items should be referred to the Head Property Services prior to works being carried out. Minor changes, relating to maintenance and day-to-day use of building, can generally be approved by the Head Property Services in consultation with the Heritage Consultant. Major changes should be reviewed by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Panel, preferably at an early stage of the proposal so any conflict between proposed works and heritage issues are resolved before the Australian Broadcasting Corporation commits to a particular course, and also to review documentation prior to notifying the Minister as required under the EPBC Act. 7

12 2 Management of Heritage Assets Heritage Consultant The Heritage Consultant shall: Review proposed works to any item listed as demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage values, and report to a new Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Panel. Oversee the consistent implementation of heritage management principles and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Strategy. Oversee the establishment and maintenance of a Register of Australian Broadcasting Corporation Properties demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage values. Seek appropriate professional advice in the event of unforseen discovery or disturbance of heritage, on sites owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Review Panel The Heritage Review Panel shall be advised of all minor changes to heritage properties, by way of the Head Property Services report. All major changes to heritage fabric or use of heritage buildings shall be referred to the Heritage Review Panel for review and approval, or for further referral to the Minister where appropriate under the Act. The Heritage Review Panel may be composed of the following individuals: Australian Broadcasting Corporation Head Property Services Australian Broadcasting Corporation National Property Manager Australian Broadcasting Corporation National Facilities Manager Consultant Heritage Specialist Australian Broadcasting Corporation Historian or Archivist Other Heritage Specialists Other heritage specialists may be engaged locally to deal with specific state or local heritage bodies and stakeholders. Other heritage specialists may be engaged in the event of unforeseen discovery or disturbance of heritage, on sites owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 8

13 2 Management of Heritage Assets Figure 2. Diagram showing the relationship of heritage consultants and the Heritage Panel within the organisational structure of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 9

14 2 Management of Heritage Assets 2.5 Consultation with Other Government Agencies The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is responsible for a range of properties with statutory protection under Commonwealth legislation, which may also be affected by State and Local Government legislation. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation will identify key contacts with relevant agencies to ensure that appropriate consultation and liaison is carried out in relation to all heritage matters. Listed below are the names and contact details of government organisations with an interest in historic, Indigenous and natural heritage throughout Australia. It is desirable to promote cooperation and partnerships with these stakeholders who have expertise in various specialised heritage matters to draw on their knowledge-base when required, and to assist in cooperatively developing and maintaining effective training for agency personnel in the stewardship of historic resources and policy making. Many of the organisations listed publish technical information relating to policy, maintenance and interpretation of historic resources that may be of assistance to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. COMMONWEALTH Australian Heritage Council GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 NORTHERN TERRITORY Heritage Conservation Branch Department of Infrastructure, Planning and the Environment GPO Box 1680 Darwin NT 8001 Ph (Historic and natural heritage) Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (Northern Territory) Ph (Aboriginal heritage) 10

15 2 Management of Heritage Assets AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY ACT Heritage Unit Environment ACT PO Box 144 Lyneham ACT 2602 Ph (All aspects of heritage) NEW SOUTH WALES NSW Heritage Office Locked Bag 5020 Parramatta NSW 2124 Ph (All aspects of heritage) NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Ph (Aboriginal and natural heritage) Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources Ph (All aspects of heritage planning) TASMANIA Department of Primary Industry, Water and the Environment GPO Box 618 Hobart Tas 7001 (Tasmanian Heritage Council for historic and Aboriginal, Parks and Wildlife for natural heritage) QUEENSLAND Environment Protection Agency (Queensland) PO Box 155 Albert Street Brisbane QLD 4002 Ph (Cultural Heritage Branch for Historic and Aboriginal heritage- EPA other branches for natural) 11

16 2 Management of Heritage Assets SOUTH AUSTRALIA Department of Environment and Heritage GPO Box 1047 Adelaide SA 5001 Ph (Heritage South Australia for historic, National Parks for natural heritage) Department of State Aboriginal Affairs (South Australia) Ph (Aboriginal heritage) WESTERN AUSTRALIA Heritage Council of Western Australia PO Box 6201 East Perth WA 6892 Ph or (Historic heritage) Department of Indigenous Affairs (Western Australia) ph (Aboriginal heritage) Department of Conservation and Land Management (Western Australia) Oh (Natural heritage) VICTORIA Heritage Victoria Nauru House, Level 22, 80 Collins Street Melbourne Vic 3000 Ph (Historic heritage) Aboriginal Affairs Victoria Ph (Aboriginal heritage) Parks Victoria Ph (Natural heritage) 12

17 2 Management of Heritage Assets 2.6 Community Consultation Public disclosure and consultation by Commonwealth agencies is required under the provisions of the EPBC Act. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation will endeavour to identify and consult all relevant stakeholders when proposing changes in use of the fabric of any properties that demonstrate Commonwealth Heritage values, especially representatives of the community in which the place is located. The type of consultation may vary, depending on the proposed change to a property, but generally early consultation will be undertaken in order to identify and resolve any potential conflict prior to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation committing itself to a particular management decision regarding use or management of a place. Stakeholders, including community groups and Indigenous stakeholders, may comprise such diverse groups as: Local or State Government Heritage Officers. Regional staff or retired staff groups. Local interest groups and community organisations such as historical societies, for example the National Trust of Australia. Aboriginal bodies. Owners and/or occupants of neighbouring properties. Some voluntary community groups, or retired staff, may offer support to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation by being involved in the interpretation of historic resources by giving guided tours, or in the conservation of technical equipment or the preparation of oral history surveys. The following publications available on the Internet may be of assistance to Australian Broadcasting Corporation staff or consultants in dealing with community consultation: Australian Heritage Commission, Protecting local heritage places: a guide for communities. Australian Heritage Corporation, Canberra. Australia Heritage Commission, Ask First: A guide to respecting Indigenous heritage places and values. Australian Heritage Commission, Canberra. 13

18 2 Management of Heritage Assets Additionally the following publication is available from the Australian Council of National Trusts: Walker, Meridith Protecting the social value of public places: an illustrated guide. Published by Australian Council of National Trusts, Canberra. 2.7 Conflict Resolution Between User Needs and Heritage Significance Properties, including those with listed heritage values, owned or leased to others by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation are used for accommodation of the Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. In some instances the use of a building may contribute to its historical or social significance, and it may therefore be desirable to continue that use. Some buildings owned and used by the Corporation have had previous uses that are identified as being of some significance to the place. Where the Corporation s use of a property is in conflict with the conservation of its heritage significance, preference should be given to those uses that are most compatible with the items significance. Compatible uses generally: Retain the significant character and quality of the building and its various elements. Require little or no change to the physical fabric of the place or are easily reversible. Require little or no change to the setting or surroundings of the place that contribute to the significance of the place. Conflict between user needs and heritage significance may arise where modification of the existing building or site is required to enable a particular activity to be carried out. For example, where: Extensive additions or internal modifications are required, such as removal of significant fabric (walls, chimneypieces, joinery, etc), additions that dominate the heritage item, etc. The activity will require the introduction of new services that will have an adverse affect on heritage significance. Changes to the immediate setting of a building or place will have an adverse affect on its heritage significance. 14

19 2 Management of Heritage Assets Conflict over heritage matters in relation to Australian Broadcasting Corporation property may arise from any of the three tiers of Government. In resolving such conflicts the Corporation s responsibilities under Commonwealth legislation shall take precedence over State or Local Government controls. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation may, from time to time, be required to deal with a conflict between the existing or proposed use of a property and conserving the heritage significance of that place. Generally the ABC Heritage Review Panel will report to, and advise, the Managing Director on the resolution of conflict arising from user needs and heritage significance. Minor issues may be resolved by: Using the space to house an activity that will have less impact on heritage fabric/ significance. Adapting the proposed design to reduce the impact on heritage fabric/heritage significance. Early and informal liaison with relevant heritage authorities should be an integral part of these processes. If attempts to reconcile the use of the building with its heritage significance fail, then other options may be considered as outlined in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation s existing Total Asset Management Policy, including: Leasing. Disposal. Prior to leasing to others or disposal of a heritage property, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will: Identify all heritage values of a property. Identify any constraints on future use that may influence the leasing or disposal options (for example, should the building remain in public ownership). Referral of the proposed disposal under the EPBC Act. Take all reasonable action to secure ongoing protection of heritage values by covenant, heritage agreement under EPBC Act, agreement by State/Territory, identification of potential governmental use of the property, or any other measure proposed by the Minister. The sequence of steps to be taken in the disposal of heritage property by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation are summarised in Figure 3. 15

20 2 Management of Heritage Assets Figure 3. Sequence of steps to be taken in the disposal of a heritage property by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 16

21 3 ABC Register of Heritage Places 3.0 ABC REGISTER OF HERITAGE PLACES 3.1 General Compliance with Section 341 of the EPBC Act 1999 Under Section 341 of the EPBC Act 1999, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is required to prepare management plans for the long-term care of historic resources under its jurisdiction that are included in the Commonwealth Heritage List. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is obliged to compile a Register of Places that demonstrate Commonwealth Heritage values, and then to undertake specific heritage management plans for each of those places that merit inclusion on the Commonwealth Heritage List. 3.2 Commonwealth Heritage Values Criteria The Commonwealth Heritage List is a list of the natural, cultural and historic heritage places owned or managed by the Commonwealth Government. Generally a thematic study is prepared which is used to identify buildings, places or items that represent relevant themes, although in some instances heritage places may already have been identified on a range of statutory and nonstatutory lists. Heritage values may be identified by: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Considering all natural and heritage values, recognising Indigenous people as the primary source of information on the significance of their heritage and participation as necessary to identify and assess Indigenous heritage values. Identifying values against the Commonwealth Heritage criteria. Using expert heritage advice to ensure levels of documentary and field research are appropriate to best practice assessment and management of heritage values. Using a comparative and thematic approach. Consulting widely, as appropriate, with government stakeholders and the community. 17

22 3 ABC Register of Heritage Places This strategy includes a recommendation that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation engage an historian to prepare a thematic history of the organisation, to identify buildings or resources that demonstrate Commonwealth Heritage values. Under the provisions of the EPBC Act, a place must demonstrate one or more of the Commonwealth Heritage List Criteria to be entered on the Commonwealth Heritage List. COMMONWEALTH HERITAGE LIST CRITERIA (a) The place's importance in the course, or pattern, of Australia's natural or cultural history; (b) (c) (d) The place's possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Australia's natural or cultural history; The place's potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Australia's natural or cultural history; The place's importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of: (i) a class of Australia's natural or cultural places; or (ii) a class of Australia's natural or cultural environments; (e) The place's importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group; (f) (g) (h) (i) The place's importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period; The place's strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons; The place's special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in Australia's natural or cultural history; The place's importance as part of Indigenous tradition. Regulation 10.03A 18

23 3 ABC Register of Heritage Places Thresholds While a place can be assessed against criteria for its heritage value, this may not always be sufficient to determine whether it is worthy of inclusion on a particular heritage list. The Australian Heritage Council may also need to use a second test, by applying a 'significance threshold', to help it decide. This test helps the Council to judge the level of significance of a place's heritage value by asking 'just how important are these values?' To reach the threshold for the Commonwealth Heritage List, a place must demonstrate significant heritage value. This can only be considered by comparing the nominated place to other, similar types of places. This allows the Council to determine if one place is 'more' or 'less' significant compared to other similar places, or if it is unique. The degree of significance can also relate to the geographic area, for instance, the extent of a place's significance locally, regionally, nationally or internationally. As many of the places listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List will be of only local or state-level significance, the thresholds for the Commonwealth Heritage List will be different to those used for the National Heritage List. 3.3 Australian Broadcasting Corporation Property Currently Identified as demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage Values The Australian Broadcasting Corporation currently owns some forty-eight properties, which are used exclusively by its own staff or staff of its subsidiaries as offices or production and transmission facilities. Although a number of the forty-eight buildings currently owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation are identified in commonwealth, state or local lists, only the following three places have been identified as demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage values to date: 236 Quay Street, Rockhampton QLD Commonwealth Heritage List, former Mount Morgan Gold Mining Building located in historic Quay Street precinct. Middenbury c1865, 600 Coronation Drive, Toowong QLD Australian Heritage Places Inventory, historic house and garden located within Australian Broadcasting Corporation studio complex. Former Metropolitan Fire Brigade Station, c1895, 2-4 Selwyn Street, Elsternwick VIC Australian Heritage Places Inventory, converted for office and studio space for Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 19

24 3 ABC Register of Heritage Places 3.4 The Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Register In keeping with Regulation 10.03G of the EPBC Act 1999, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will identify places identified as demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage values and maintain a register of these places. In addition the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will provide electronic records of the inventory sheets to the Australian Heritage Council for inclusion on the Australian Heritage Places Inventory to allow the information to be readily available to the general public through the Internet. INVENTORY SHEETS Each inventory sheet will contain the following information: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) A comprehensive description, and clear plan showing the name and location, of each place that has Commonwealth Heritage values. A discrete heritage place identification number for each place. Details of ownership, leases, licences, rental or other tenure arrangements, as applicable. A summary description of the significant physical characteristics and elements of the place. A sequential summary of the use of the place. A statement of significance for the place, identifying its heritage values and specifying any that are Commonwealth Heritage values. A record of any other heritage listings, providing relevant register numbers. A record of the date and nature of any works, maintenance or other activity at the place that is relevant to conservation of its heritage values. A specification of any property or information access restrictions or requirements. An outline of any consultation requirements relating to the place. A list of relevant conservation documents or references. A record of when information has been updated. 20

25 3 ABC Register of Heritage Places (m) Cross references to: i. Agency place records of any objects that are significant by association with the place, indicating their current location; and ii. Archived records of particular importance to the heritage values of the place. Regulation 10.03G (2) 3.5 Review and Reporting of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Register A copy of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Register of properties demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage values will be submitted to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. If no heritage values are demonstrated by properties under the control of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, then the Australian Broadcasting Corporation should consult with the Australian Heritage Council who may advise that a strategy is not warranted in such a situation. A report to the Minister must include REPORTING (a) An outline of the identification program; (b) Details of any surveys conducted, or expert advice obtained by, the agency to identify the Commonwealth Heritage values; (c) A summary of the work undertaken with respect to each of the matters included in these Regulations for the identification and assessment of the Commonwealth Heritage values. Regulation 10.03G(3) 21

26 4 Heritage Planning 4.0 HERITAGE PLANNING 4.1 Maintaining the ABC Heritage Register All places that have existing heritage listing, together with places with potential for statutory heritage identification, will be entered in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation s Heritage Register in a readily retrievable form. To assist in the process of monitoring, compliance and review, the Heritage Register will be linked or cross-referenced to the ABC Asset Management Database. Once data is entered in the Register, it should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. Records specifically associated with all stages of the conservation of any heritage property will be retained in a permanent archive. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation must review its heritage strategy every three years, and report to the Minister of the Environment and Heritage on the review. 4.2 Public Access to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Register Given the current preliminary investigation of heritage resources under the jurisdiction of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and the limited number of heritage resources to be included in the proposed register, it is recommended: The Australian Broadcasting Corporation prepares nomination forms for each of the affected properties, for submission to the Australian Heritage Council. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation negotiates with the Australian Heritage Council to allow their nominations be included in the Australian Heritage Places Inventory. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation updates their existing website to include a link to the Australian Heritage Places Inventory database, ensuring information pertaining to each item demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage values, is readily accessible to the general public. 22

27 4 Heritage Planning 4.3 Heritage Management Plans for Commonwealth Heritage Places The Australian Broadcasting Corporation will prepare a timeframe that ensures all places in its control that demonstrate Commonwealth Heritage values have appropriate management plans dealing with the ongoing maintenance and conservation of the place within a five-year period. Heritage management plans for individual places will be commissioned progressively, following the completion of the thematic history of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Where existing management plans have been prepared previously for places, they will be progressively reviewed and revised to reflect current physical condition and address current criteria. The methodology for the preparation of conservation or heritage management plans for historic places should generally follow the format recommended in the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter and Dr JS Kerr s Conservation Plan. The Australian Natural Heritage Charter documents the contents of a management or conservation plan for natural places. 4.4 Existing Use of Heritage Places by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reviews its property portfolio as necessary to meet its needs and those of its subsidiary companies. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation maintains a permanent base in each state and territory, and augments its accommodation by leasing additional space as required. 4.5 Current or expected changes that may affect Commonwealth Heritage Values There are no imminent changes planned for places that demonstrate Commonwealth Heritage values, identified in this Heritage Strategy. Works that in the future are likely to have a significant impact on the demonstrated heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place must be referred to the Minister for his advice prior to changes being carried out to places. Under the Act, the Minister is obliged to respond within 30 business days after an agency has formally sought advice. The Australian Broadcasting Commission is not required to refer a matter where the works are provided for, or are in accordance with, a management plan endorsed by the Minister under section 341T of the EPBC Act. 23

28 4 Heritage Planning 4.6 Commonwealth Heritage Values and Australian Broadcasting Corporation Forward Planning Under Section 341ZE of the EPBC Act 1999, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is required to protect Commonwealth Heritage values of places sold and leased, and to: Give the Minister at least 40 business days notice before executing the contract. Ensure the contract includes a covenant that will protect the heritage values of the place or inform the Minister as to why the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is satisfied this is unreasonable or impracticable. Take all reasonable steps to ensure any advice from the Minister regarding the ongoing protection of the Commonwealth Heritage values of the place are taken. Details of resolution of conflict arising from disposal or use of places demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage values, are set out in Section 2.7 of this strategy. 4.7 Maintenance and Long-Term Conservation In keeping with regulation 10.03E (Schedule 7C3(f)) the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will ensure the long-term conservation of heritage items by integrating heritage resource management into the overall corporate planning of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and by providing adequate funding and personnel. In addition to the above: A portion of the annual maintenance budget will be dedicated to the implementation of a cyclical maintenance program for heritage places. Additional funding will be allocated as required to carry out catch-up maintenance or specific conservation works, where identified in heritage management plans for specific places. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation will train staff and/or engage consultants to ensure adequate expertise is available to make decisions relating to changes to Commonwealth Heritage listed places. 24

29 5 Staff Training and Promotion of Heritage Assets 5.0 STAFF TRAINING AND PROMOTION OF HERITAGE ASSETS 5.1 Introduction The quality of decision-making in relation to heritage issues relies on the availability of information about the historic resources the Australian Broadcasting Corporation manages. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation recognises the need to raise the awareness and understanding of heritage issues among managers and staff, and to achieve more effective integration of cultural resource management within its existing organisational structure. 5.2 Staff Training and Best Practice Heritage Management The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has a relatively small portfolio of buildings demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage values. Given the limited number of items, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation shall engage consultants with the appropriate skills, as well as upgrading the skills of current key personnel to ensure the following issues are addressed: The Australian Broadcasting Corporation s obligations under Commonwealth, State and Local Government legislation. Ensure an appropriate skill base of knowledge and expertise of conserving buildings from different periods. Current philosophical approach to heritage conservation. Key personnel of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation should establish contact with government heritage agencies at Commonwealth, State and Local levels to ascertain the resources they hold, including their technical knowledge and current philosophical approach to conservation. A number of government agencies conduct introductory courses that provide a background to heritage issues. Information about relevant short-courses conducted by the NSW Heritage Office, and its counterparts in other states, as well as the NSW Department of Commerce Asset Management Section may be obtained through the contacts listed in Section 2.5 of this document. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation should address the issue of existing workloads in relation to allocating additional responsibilities for heritage issues, to ensure staff meet reporting requirements, and reduce the likelihood of a backlog in heritage management and reporting. 25

30 5 Staff Training and Promotion of Heritage Assets 5.3 Promoting Community Awareness of Heritage Resources The principal reason for conserving cultural heritage places is for the significance they represent to the community. The community may be local, regional, state or national in size and distribution. It is therefore important to involve relevant community groups, through consultation, in the processes of management of Australian Broadcasting Corporation property that has identified or potential heritage values. The community may possess information, not available through other sources, about components of the built environment and its associations. In some cases particular groups in society have specific associations with a place that adds to its cultural heritage significance and should be appropriately managed. Similarly the local Indigenous community will be consulted where a place has special meaning to them. Increasingly the wider community has an expectation that it should have a say in the future of, or limited access to, heritage properties that are owned by the Commonwealth of Australia or its agencies. Identified local interest groups and community organisations should be informed of the planning process and critical dates, to allow both the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and other parties the opportunity to fully participate in the process. In consultation with the Government Agencies listed in 2.5 of this document, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will endeavour to identify and consult with relevant community groups for which the place has identified cultural heritage significance. 26

31 6 Monitoring of the ABC s Heritage Places Stewardship 6.0 MONITORING OF THE ABC S HERITAGE PLACES STEWARDSHIP 6.1 Australian Broadcasting Corporation Obligations under the EPBC Act 1999 Under current heritage legislation the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is obliged to operate in a businesslike manner and to be publicly accountable. Its annual report therefore includes financial statements and an independent audit report to demonstrate and justify its activities and economic viability. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is also required to be accountable for its decisions relating to the stewardship of cultural heritage resources, and to demonstrate those decisions are in the public interest. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is required to demonstrate other goals and policies set by the Australian Government in relation to heritage are well informed, responsible, appropriate and generally cost-effective. This can be shown by setting appropriate goals to measure success, and open decisions to public scrutiny. Under Regulation 10.03F of the EPBC Act, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is required to furnish details of the following information in order to demonstrate the review of their heritage strategy and reporting document every three years, addressing the following issues: REPORTING (a) An outline of consultation undertaken with relevant stakeholders in the review process; (b) A summary of the agency s (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) achievements against its objectives for management of its heritage places; (c) (d) An evaluation of the success of each of the heritage matters included in a Commonwealth agency heritage strategy in achieving the identification, protection, conservation and presentation of Commonwealth Heritage values; An update of the extent to which the identification and assessment of Commonwealth Heritage values of all agency property has been achieved, and the values included in an agency s heritage places register; (e) An update on the progress and timeliness of the preparation of management plans for Commonwealth Heritage places; 27

32 6 Monitoring of the ABC s Heritage Places Stewardship (f) (g) (h) (i) An outline of any physical and management changes that have occurred to the agency s Commonwealth Heritage places since the last strategy was prepared, and of any expected changes; An update on progress with Commonwealth Heritage training programs; A specification of the time-frame for updating the Heritage Strategy following the review; An update on other heritage issues relevant to the agency s management of Commonwealth Heritage places in accordance with the Commonwealth Heritage Management Principles Regulation 10.03F 28

33 7 Implementation 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION 7.1 Implementation Stage 1 Financial Year Identification of heritage items Commission thematic history of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to assist in the identification of possible heritage places. Prepare Heritage Management Plans for those items identified on the Commonwealth Heritage List. Enhance community understanding and appreciation of heritage Raise the awareness and understanding of managers and staff of the heritage value of the building. Nominate items to the Commonwealth Heritage List (Legislative protection) Commence progressive preparation of nomination forms for items to be included on the Commonwealth Heritage List, and submit to the Australian Heritage Council for inclusion on list. Manage heritage places Identify roles and responsibilities of staff within existing corporate structure. Establish a Heritage Review Panel of staff and consultants to review/oversee the identification and nomination process. Establish network of heritage contacts with other government bodies and stakeholders. Review existing cyclical maintenance plan and budget in view of heritage considerations and heritage strategy, and implement new regime. Allocate budget for identification and maintenance of heritage places in next financial year. Year End Outcome Preparation of thematic history of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Establishment of a heritage panel. Identification of the staff responsibilities in regard to heritage places. Provision of adequate funding and personnel. Ensure adequate training and retention of a professional work force. Inspect all properties for potential heritage values and establish adequate knowledge of the historic resources that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation manages. Set appropriate stewardship priorities. Integration of historic resource management with other activities and mission requirements. Prepare Heritage Management Plans for existing Commonwealth Heritage Items. 29

34 7 Implementation 7.2 Implementation Stage 2 Financial Year Identification of heritage items Commence program for the preparation of Heritage Management Plans for those places identified in Stage 1 as demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage values. Enhance community understanding and appreciation of heritage Provide public access to list of heritage items via the Australian Broadcasting Corporation website. Negotiate with the Australian Heritage Council/Department of Environment and Heritage to provide hyperlink from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation website to the Australian Heritage Places Inventory. Nominating items to the Commonwealth Heritage List (Legislative protection) Continue the progressive preparation of nomination forms for items to be included on the Commonwealth Heritage List, and submit to the Australian Heritage Council for inclusion. Preparation of a heritage register database, compatible with the Australian Heritage Places Inventory (AHPI). Managing heritage places Continue implementation of cyclical maintenance plan. Allocate maintenance budget for heritage places in next financial year. Year End Outcome Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Register established. Progressive commissioning of Heritage Management Plans for heritage places Australian Broadcasting Corporation Heritage Register established. Preparation of nomination forms as necessary for the Commonwealth Heritage List. All existing archival material, including copies of plans, reports and other documentary evidence pertaining to heritage places will be centrally located, and readily accessible to Australian Broadcasting Corporation key heritage personnel. 30