South Australia’s historic buildings would form new tourism venture under push by Adelaide Lord Mayor and National Trust

ADELAIDE and South Australia’s historic buildings would form the basis of a new tourism push by the state, under a proposal from Lord Mayor Martin Haese and the National Trust of South Australia.

Lord Major Martin Haese on North Terrace, Adelaide. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

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SOUTH Australia’s historic buildings would form the basis of a new tourism drive, under a proposal from Lord Mayor Martin Haese and the National Trust.

Mr Haese and National Trust SA chief executive Darren Peacock want the State Government to join forces with councils and the conservation body to establish a new fund to help restore and preserve heritage-listed buildings.

Mr Haese said with South Australia’s History Festival set to begin on April 28, it was time to come up with new ways to transform run-down buildings and then promote them as attractions.

“I think the conditions are right for local government, the State Government and the National Trust to collaborate and find that required funding,” he said.

South Australia’s historic buildings like Martindale Hall would form the basis of a new tourism drive.

“I think there is quite a profound economic opportunity that is present for us, especially with tourism.”

Mr Haese has again raised the idea of creating a South Australian heritage lottery to raise funds for the preservation of old buildings.

He said if commercial deals with SA Lotteries proved a barrier, there were other fundraising options.

“Some countries have heritage bonds, there are tax incentives that can be provided, there are options,” he said.

To help develop the idea, the National Trust SA will fly US heritage tourism expert Donovan Rypkema to South Australia later this month.

Dr Peacock said he hoped the visit would further convince the State Government to consider the benefits of activating heritage-listed buildings.

“We think that heritage is underestimated as an economic driver,” he said.