Feedback is sought on heritage standards in two South Australian historic districts.

South Australia The Government has proposed updated heritage standards for the Goolwa and Port Adelaide State Heritage Areas in a bid to protect the historic character of the state’s two oldest maritime areas from unwanted future development.

Port Adelaide was South Australia’s first port (declared a port in 1837) and the first local government area to be listed as a state heritage site due to its extensive collection of colonial buildings – the largest collection in the state. Many of these nineteenth-century historic structures supported shipping-related commercial activities.

Goolwa also played a vital role in Australia’s trading history in the mid-to-late 1800s, serving as a key port on the Murray River for the transport of goods to and from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

The State Government is currently reviewing the existing Development Guidelines for the 17 State Heritage Areas, introducing a new heritage standard for each area. If the amendments are approved, they will be used to assess planning and development applications submitted to the Minister for Heritage. The approved standards will also be shared with property owners to guide them on acceptable modifications and additions to buildings.

Michael Quill, chief heritage architect at the Department of Environment and Water Resources, said state heritage areas serve to protect and celebrate places of historical, cultural or natural significance, and demonstrate the state’s evolution.

“Property owners can use the Heritage Standard to provide advice when making a development application. It covers what is acceptable for new buildings or alterations such as fences, gazebos, sheds, the addition of rainwater tanks or any development that may affect heritage values,” he said.

“The proposed heritage standard will not change any regulated development application fees, nor will it change the heritage listing status of properties located on public heritage land. These objects will continue to be protected.”

The consultation portal on changes to the Goolwa and Port Adelaide State Heritage Areas is open until 22 November. To have your say, visit the website.