Local experts hopeful new fund a sign of improved focus on Bundaberg heritage
Heritage experts have called for improved protections to Bundaberg’s heritage to be included in the 2023-24 budget following Mayor Dempsey’s announcement of a heritage support fund.
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Heritage experts in the community are hoping that Bundaberg Regional Council’s proposed heritage support fund is a sign of a greater commitment to preserving the built and natural heritage in the region.
As announced in council’s “good news” website Bundaberg Now on Wednesday, June 14, the fund will allocate $100,000 towards supporting owners of local heritage buildings and main street character areas.
“You only have to look to the rooflines in our beautiful CBDs across the region to find the heritage charm for which we are well-known,” Mr Dempsey said.
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“By maintaining these buildings we’re preserving our community’s unique history and spirit, but it can also come with an added cost burden.
“Council is committed to partnering with property owners to support the upkeep of these beautiful buildings and streetscapes which are much-loved by residents and much-admired by visitors.”
While cautiously welcoming the announcement, local heritage experts have said the fund does not go far enough in making up for what they say is a lack of attention by council to preserving the region’s heritage.
“A $100,000 fund from council won’t go far but it’s a step in the right direction,” Angela Lathouras from Bundaberg Regional Heritage Group said.
Mrs Lathouras said the size of the fund is a “drop in the ocean” in comparison with other ratepayer-funded projects such as the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Centre.
Initially estimated at $43m, the cost of the aquatic centre has blown out to more than $83m with further increases expected before the project’s expected date of completion in 2024.
“I‘d like to see more (funding), or to see some really sincere protections for the character of our city and history and our heritage,” Mrs Lathouras said.
“Obviously, they are responding to the public outcry about what’s been happening in recent times.”
Mrs Lathouras said the public response to the demolition of the Anzac Memorial Pool and development approval for the historic Queenslander Consuelo are examples of council’s failure to listen to the community’s wishes to preserve the historic character of Bundaberg.
Most recently, the Bundaberg Regional Heritage Group has protested the felling of historic trees at Central State School.
In response to inquiries from the group, the council said the trees which were planted at least 50 years ago were felled in preparation for a car park to be built on Crofton St.
Bundaberg Landcare president Mike Johnston decried the lack of community consultation before felling the trees, saying that protections for heritage trees need to be added to council’s Vegetation Management Code.
There are no protections for historical or cultural vegetation in Bundaberg Council’s Vegetation Management Code, in contrast with other councils including Fraser Coast Regional Council.
“If they had a proper vegetation management code, it would also cover heritage trees,” Mr Johnston said.
“It belongs to the community. When you destroy these trees, you are taking away from the community and the families whose kids went to those schools.”
Beyond the heritage support fund, Mr Johnston would like to see funding in the 2023-24 budget for a full-time heritage officer.
“They‘re talking $100,000 – you know, they need to start saving this stuff,” he said.
“They need to employ someone full time and fund them to run with the heritage thing.
“Council are good at talking, but let’s see them walk.”
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In response to questions about if the heritage support fund will draw co-contribution grants up to $10,000, as is the case for the Fraser Council Heritage and Character Incentive Scheme, a Bundaberg Regional Council spokesperson said further details on the fund will be forthcoming following the adoption of the 2023-24 budget.
“Details of the heritage support fund will be developed by Council over coming months should the proposal be accepted as part of the adoption of its 2023-24 budget on 27 June,” the spokesperson said.
Council did not respond to questions about plans to fund a full-time heritage officer or add protections for historical vegetation to the Vegetation Management Code.
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Originally published as Local experts hopeful new fund a sign of improved focus on Bundaberg heritage
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