Queensland Government steps in to delay demolition of Highgate Hill homes

THE State Government has stepped in to delay the destruction of three century-old houses in Brisbane, in an 11th-hour bid to halt the bulldozers. But there’s still one thing left to do to save the homes — and it comes with a deadline.

Demolition crew arrive at a Jones St house, Highgate Hill, where demolition of the site was to begin today. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

THE State Government has issued a stop work order on the destruction of three century-old houses in Highgate Hill, in an 11th hour bid to halt the bulldozers.

But for the move to be successful the homes will have to become listed on the State Heritage register.

While the Jones Street homes are believed to be pre-1911 buildings, they had not been identified on the city plan as such and approval for their demolition was granted in October.

Last week the Brisbane City Council attempted to stop the destruction by passing a planning regulation to grant them protection, but it failed because it could not be retrospective.

Environment and Heritage Protection Minister Steven Miles lasted night issued a “stop work” order using special powers under section 154 of the Queensland Heritage Act.

“It is my role to ensure important heritage places are protected. In this case, it is my opinion the properties should be assessed before demolition begin,” Mr Miles said.

One of the homes set for demolition. Pic: Liam Kidston.

The Act allows the Minister to issue a stop work order on the destruction of a building not on the State Heritage register if it would “reduce the cultural heritage significance of the place”, but only if an application is made to enter it on the register.

A stop work order cannot last more than 60 days from the date it was issued.

Mr Miles said he had asked the Queensland Heritage Council to consider an application for the houses at their next meeting on May 6.

There are specific criteria that need to be met for a property to be listed on the register, such as proving its historical, social or architectural significance.

“It is important we make every effort to conserve Queensland’s heritage, and it is now up to the Queensland Heritage Council to make an independent decision,” Mr Miles said.

“We cannot have loopholes in local government planning laws allowing Queensland properties of potential heritage value to be demolished without proper consideration.”