OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - WESTERN AUSTRALIA - 2008

Place:    “The Cliffe” -  Brisbane House (fmr)

Threat:   Demolition

Statement of Significance

The Cliffe it is a rare example of the use of weatherboard in a substantial 1890s residence and it is one of the earliest houses built in the wealthy suburb of Peppermint Grove. Though the place has been encroach upon through subsequent development it still retains the subsidiary buildings of coach house, stables, summerhouse, servants cottages, and part of the original gardens.

Statement of Risk:

Degree of Risk:  Immediate

Threats/Risks:   Destruction

Fate/outcome:   Suffering

Risk Assessment: 

Following an application to demolish the building in 1995 it was placed on the State Heritage Register. This was contested over a number of years by the owners. During that period the condition of the place slowly deteriorated to the point that the Minister for Heritage sought to remove it from the register. Despite opposition from the Heritage Council the place was removed from the register through a resolution by both houses of state parliament. It is now expect to be demolished to make way for a new development.

Desired Outcome/Vision:

Reconciling the potentially conflicting interests between the rights of individual property owners and the rights of the community in relation to places that have cultural heritage significance to Western Australia is dependent on good processes which are accountable, transparent and which also offer certainty.

The Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 urgently requires review. The Act has neither stewardship provisions, nor mechanism to prevent the loss of heritage values through neglect. Greater emphasis on incentive based schemes and the importance of ongoing stewardship can play a role in proactively and positively engaging private property owner in the care of place of cultural heritage significance.