Because of decisions previously made by government, Council is in a precarious financial position, to such an extent that cuts to services must be made now.

Council is not in a position to fund any component of the "Braidwood Fund" from general rate revenue. Therefore without applying a Heritage Levy, council will not be able to take advantage of the Heritage Office offer. This will impact on the owners of Heritage buildings.

The question to be answered when we are discuss funding is; how widely should any levy be applied? There must be a benefit to ratepayers for any levy imposed. What benefit can be demonstrated to a ratepayer in a rural residential area in the western part of Palerang, some 100 kilometres from Braidwood? It could be argued that the benefit would be similar for a resident of say Goulburn (which is closer) Paddington or North Sydney. I would suggest that the cost burden should be borne by the State as a whole.

Alternatively, we are told that listing will be a boost to tourism, so perhaps any levy should only be applied to those who benefit directly from tourism.

A further financial consequence of Heritage listing is a possible shift of the rate burden.

I realise that this matter is beyond the scope of this committee, however it should be addressed. If properties in the listed area become the beneficiaries of reduced valuation because of the listing, the effect is that other ratepayers in the Local Government Area are faced with an increase in their rates without any direct benefit accruing to them. In the making of rates, Council is required to take into account the benefit principal. If a property is worthy of listing we should ascertain who benefits so that costs can be shifted to the beneficiary.

What is the potential for additional dwelling in the area? This is shown by a figure contained in a circle. You can see that the maximum number of new dwelling for which there is an existing entitlement is eight, assuming that all entitled landholders exercise the right of duel occupancy.

The two parcels of land that contains a circled ‘A' are in single ownership. The owner has indicated orally that he would enter into a negotiated agreement, which would preclude the erection of any structures that would be visually intrusive when viewed from the township and with no additional residences. As you can see, these parcels extend beyond the crest of the area known as "Braidwood Wilson's Hill' and buildings which would not be visible from the town, without planting of screening vegetation should be permitted.

I should like to address the Police Paddock. While there are two separate parcels, they are in one ownership. The area is presently zoned 1A (Farmland) and there are no building entitlements.

In the original draft Development Control Plan prepared by the heritage advisor, it was suggested that the area might be suitable for equestrian stabling and other related activities. This suggested use was also included in the draft DCP presently on display. Informal discussions within Council suggest that this will not receive sufficient support because of the potential damage, which can be caused by horses.

If Braidwood is to gain the financial advantages of heritage listing, there is a need for additional accommodation. This accommodation would include Bed and Breakfast, Hotel and Motel. In addition there is a need for a small quality caravan park if the town is to take advantage of the large number of retirees who are now exploring Australia. Without a convenient stopover, the full potential of this market cannot be captured since most prefer to have secure overnight parking.

While you may not consider that such development would be appropriate for the Police Paddock, it is an ideal location for a carefully developed caravan facility. It would be strictly short stay and limited to say six bays. I would ask that you not dismiss this proposal out of hand without considering a yet to be developed proposal.

When directed by the Minister to investigate the listing of Braidwood on the State Heritage Register, he highlighted three outcomes to be achieved. These were ; Recognise and celebrate the unique heritage character of the township in its setting; Identify the places, attributes and scenes that, together, express Braidwood's significance; and Ensure that the management of change in the area, over time, respects and conserves Braidwood's heritage values for the benefit of residents and visitors, now and in the future.

The question really is how can these objectives best be achieved.

The Standard Instrument, Local Environment Plans Order 2005, was devised to have standard Local Environment Plans throughout the State. Most, if not all, regional councils have made submissions to have the document amended. Palerang has made an extensive submission.

One clause, which Palerang did not seek to have changed, was Clause 48 – Heritage Conservation. This is a compulsory clause.

The Local Environment Plan presently being written by Council Staff MUST have Clause 48 included and I believe this clause gives full protection to those items that are listed.

The draft Development Control Plan is presently on Public Exhibition, the exhibition period closing on 6 January 2006. After public and Heritage Office comments are considered it is hoped that Council and the Heritage Office can meet to discuss changes and reach agreement on the content of the final document. If there are major changes it will be necessary to readvertise the Development Control Plan and seek further public comment. While this may seem a protracted process, it is essential that that due process is followed and that we get it right.

As you are no doubt aware, the Federal Treasurer, The Honourable Peter Costello requested the Productivity Commission to inquire into the policy framework and incentives for the conservation of Australia's historic built heritage places

A draft report was released on the 9th December.

Palerang Council is ready to adopt, in co-operation with the Heritage Committee and the Heritage Office, this new approach to heritage conservation, that is, the negotiation of agreements. We see the blanket listing of the township of Braidwood as overkill as it included in the area buildings, which would not now be considered appropriate for listing at the state level.

What are the important aspects of Braidwood that must be preserved. Firstly, the street scape. The grid established in 1838/39 by the survey by J Larmer is largely preserved to this day. There have been some changes but the integrity of the plan remains. I suggest that the layout will not change. The street layout we have is what will remain.

Addressing the surrounds, the vista to the south has been largely dealt with in the approval of the Barrington subdivision. The Heritage Office addressed this after Council approval and certain changes have been made which are yet to be presented to Council for endorsement. It was disappointing to hear of the heritage Office action as a radio grab rather that notification by the Heritage Office. The vista to the North and East could be preserved by a negotiated agreement. As I indicated earlier, the owner of two of the lots to the North East has indicated that he is willing to enter into an agreement Negotiations with other owners should provide the desired outcome.

However in the first instance, a negotiated agreement between this committee and Palerang council should be put in place. This would preclude any further rezoning in the area being considered. Any agreement, while subject to review, should not be able to be terminated without the agreement of both parties.

There are 95 buildings considered to be of heritage value in the township, these are the buildings listed in the Tallaganda Local Environment Plan adopted in 1991. The rates staff advises me that there are 460 rateable properties in the town. If there is a blanket listing of the township, do we treat all buildings in the town as heritage? If all building are not to be treated the same, how are we to differentiate? Perhaps by heritage preservation agreements.

The former Council and now Palerang have demonstrated a commitment to the preservation of the heritage value of Braidwood and its surrounds. This will continue.

Thank you."