The National Trust is concerned about the preservation of heritage properties in State Government ownership and is interested to hear from communities that may have local concerns.
Many of our oldest public buildings are Government owned, and under Section 120 of the Heritage Act 1977, assets of heritage significance, are required to be listed on Heritage and Conservation Registers to ensure ongoing conservation.
Most Government departments take a responsible approach to heritage conservation, however the National Trust (NSW) is concerned that some Government-owned heritage properties are at serious risk.
And the Lithgow Local Government area provides plenty of reason for concern.
The district’s oldest railway properties, the Bowenfels station and Station Master’s residence are deteriorating rapidly through neglect. They date back to 1869, predating Eskbank station by 13 years.
The fine sandstone station has been vacant since the Council Visitors centre relocated across the road.
A businessman interested in setting up in the station gave up in frustration recently after 12 months of being unable to get a decision from authorities.
Now just about every window in the building has been smashed by vandals and the toilet block trashed.
The adjacent Station Master’s cottage was a heritage jewel when the Warburton family operated it as Caddies Restaurant.
Since they moved to the Northern Territory there has been no attempt to preserve the landmark building.
All the windows have been smashed and boarded up, doors have been smashed open, squatters have occasionally been camping there, discarded mattresses are stacked outside, and what was once a jewel is now seriously tarnished through total neglect.
And no one seems to care – apart from disgusted nearby residents and the National Trust.
National Trust (NSW) Conservation Director, Graham Quint said the Trust has particular concerns about heritage protection in many parts of the State.
He said another distressing example was in the New England area.
“In the Guyra Shire applications have been made to demolish an 1883 Georgian Police residence, the adjacent police station and the old timber court house.
“Even though these Government-owned buildings date back to the 1800s, they have not been listed on a Heritage and Conservation Register, and remain without proper heritage protection,” he said.
“In nearby Glen Innes Severn Council another application has been lodged to demolish the 1891 police stables and a timber portable lockup.
“Plans are also mooted to demolish the original police residence, which has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.
“The Trust believes the demolition of these buildings would be a significant loss to the New England community and to the history of the NSW Police.
“The National Trust calls on the NSW Planning Minister Kristina Keneally to remind all State Government departments of their responsibilities under the Heritage Act, so that Government owned heritage properties may be protected by appropriate conservation management plans.
“This is particularly important at a time when the State Government is tightening budgets and considering the disposal of assets,” Mr Quint said.
The National Trust is interested to hear from local communities with similar concerns about the conservation of Government owned heritage buildings.
Contact Mara Barnes on 9258 0123.