The Randwick Council is Killing our Dreams

Is amazing. How the Government encourages, and talks about, helping Australians to afford and to buy their family Homes.

For those, that are lucky enough to buy their own home. We need to consider the huge amounts payable in upfront Government stamp duty, as well, we might need to consider taking on a Bank loan, to help buy our dream house. Not finished yet, we are then further obligated, to pay local council property and water rates each year, along with paying for all the ongoing maintenance, and upkeep costs, associated with your new family Home.  

And then, after hiding in the bushes whilst you buy your home ........

.... the local council swoops in for the kill.

Yes. The Council attack might start by their advising you, by letter, of their proposal, and of their excitement, to add your Home, to the local Heritage list, or to the local Conservation list, or indeed, to add your home onto both lists (as is happening to us, and other home owners in our street).

Of course, with the arrival of such news, you are NOT usually feeling very lucky, at that time, or with this outcome.

The Council then hits you a bit harder, and they tell you, that they have undertaken independant Heritage assessments, and that these assessments, support their position, and their proposal. What they havent told you, is that their actions, were paid for by all Australians and/or the Local Ratepayers (ie. people just like you and me), and that their actions, will leave property owners like you and me, with basically NO further property entitlment to these rights.

Nor does anyone mention to you, that the Government Heritage Act, as it is, provide us with no cost effective means, to fight this outcome, and to have our property removed from the Heritage or Conservation listing proposal.

Be clear. No one sought, or asked for, our approval, to add our home the HeritageConservation lists.

SO, here we are. With loans and financial commitments in place. Some wise soul talks about perhaps applying for government grants, that are available to assist work being undertaken on heritage listed properties. Dont be fooled. From what I understand. You really can't do anything meaningful to your home, if you successfully apply for such a grant. Moreover, such grants, usually come with more onerus conditions, that will need to be placed on your property, before any funds are released to you.   

For your reference, I will add a few more photos as we go, of our property. Here, I have attached a photo of our long side fence. This fence is not particularly well discussed or mentioned in the Heritage Assessment report to any real degree. Umm. I wonder why. The rusty coloured fence, is most likely made from 70's colorbond sheeting, or something similar.

Of course, we all know the fence is "not a heritage item", but the report skips past many such issues as this. We have many things, in our home, that are not heritage worthy, items that the Council chooses to ignore.

"Again... we would ask, that if not done already, could you please add your details to support this Petition" here.