Sunday, February 16, 2025

Brisbane cuts heritage red tape

Brisbane City Council is cutting red tape and abolishing fees to make it cheaper and easier for residents to maintain heritage properties across the city.

Civic Cabinet Chair for City Planning and Suburban Renewal, Councillor Adam Allan said Council was introducing a General Exemption Certificate for Local Heritage Places (GEC).

“There are more than 1,700 local heritage places in Brisbane, including more than 600 privately-owned houses as well as shops, churches, gardens and monuments,” Cr Allan said.

“It’s important to make it affordable and easy for residents to do maintenance and minor works to ensure the preservations of our heritage now and into the future.

“The GEC is about striking a balance between protecting the heritage values and allowing owners to upgrade their properties.”

Under the new permit, residents will be able to complete tasks such as stair repairs, solar panel installation, landscaping and install new kitchens and bathrooms.

“This up-front permit will allow owners to keep local heritage places in good repair, while saving owners time and money.”

“The GEC can be used to avoid the more onerous and costly requirements of a Heritage Exemption Certificate, saving residents more than $1,000,” said Cr Allan.

The GEC can be accessed via Council’s website and outlines eligibility, conditions, and step-by-step instructions to guide works from start to finish.

Cr Allan said works eligible under the GEC needed no application to Council and no fees.

“In addition to supporting timely upkeep of Local heritage places, the GEC will help streamline Council approvals for local heritage places,” he said.

“Fewer applications will enable Council to redirect efforts into supporting owners to care for and maintain their heritage places.”

Works must comply with GEC conditions, which are structured into 12 tables for work ranging from painting, signage and landscaping to caring for heritage cemetery places.

Fact sheets and guidelines on heritage best practice are also available via https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-guidelines-and-tools/brisbane-city-plan-2014/supporting-information/heritage-exemption-certificates

The GEC only applies to local heritage places and does not apply to State heritage places that are administered by the Queensland Government.

Latest Articles