Parramatta branch

During October the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Parramatta Regional Branch both joined the National Trust’s Conservation Director to speak at an Independent Planning Commission Public Meeting, strongly objecting to the Gregory Place Build-to-Rent development proposal. The National Trust maintained its strong objection to revised plans for this multi-storey development adjacent to the heritage precinct of Hambledon Cottage, Elizabeth Farm, and Experiment Farm, which threatens to permanently alter the heritage integrity of this site, recently added to the National Heritage List.

Illawarra Shoalhaven Branch

Berry Hotel redevelopment

Over the past three years, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Branch has responded to three redevelopment proposals for the heritage-listed Berry Hotel, including plans for substantial new accommodation at the rear of the hotel. While a revised proposal submitted earlier this year scaled back plans and addressed many concerns raised by residents, the Branch remains concerned about the current proposed accommodation component, which is not harmonious with the hotel’s low-scale residential surroundings. The Branch continues to advocate for a solution that suits all parties, but most of all aligns to the much-loved Berry streetscape.

Rezoning of Council-owned reserves and land

As part of a review of Council-owned reserves and small land holdings, Wollongong City Council rezoned a number of sites to better reflect their recreational and conservation values. The Illawarra Shoalhaven Branch welcomed this rezoning by council, however actively opposed the proposed sale of several reserves identified for disposal in the review. Through submissions, public hearings and advocacy to Councillors, the Branch highlighted the importance of these sites for canopy cover, wildlife habitat and community enjoyment. While some sites were retained, not all were saved. The Branch will continue to advocate for the protection of green space in an increasingly urbanised environment.

Bathurst and District Branch

The Bathurst and District Branch has welcomed an initiative by Bathurst Regional Council to develop the Bathurst TAFE Precinct Strategic Framework to guide future development for the heritage heart of Bathurst. The Framework takes the position that future development of the precinct “will be driven by the conservation, adaptive reuse and activation of its landmark heritage buildings”, and that heritage is “the defining asset that establishes the identity, character and long-term value of the precinct”. (Bathurst TAFE Precinct Strategic Framework p5)

It’s a positive outcome for the heritage township of Bathurst, providing a clear vision for the protection and enhancement of its historic buildings and streetscapes.

Blue Mountains Branch

Paragon Café

The historic Paragon Café remains a key focus of the Blue Mountains Branch’s advocacy efforts. Working closely with the Friends of The Paragon, the Branch has consistently encouraged both the property owner and Heritage NSW to take action to protect this iconic landmark, recognising its outstanding architectural significance and nationally important cultural heritage values. Left vacant for an extended period, the building remains vulnerable to deterioration caused by the region’s harsh climate and ongoing vandalism.

Keeping watch on development

The Branch continues to monitor development activity across the Blue Mountains and through advocacy and engagement with Council, has helped achieve positive heritage outcomes for several significant sites.

Recent efforts have included responding to proposals for the former Ritz Hotel, a prominent site in the heart of Leura Mall, as well as a proposed medium-rise mixed-use development on Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba. In collaboration with more than 30 local community groups, the Branch has opposed this proposal, citing concerns about its impact on valued western views from Katoomba and its intrusion into the environmentally sensitive landscape.

Southern Highlands Branch

The Southern Highlands Branch, in partnership with the local community, has championed a major heritage study that identified 396 new heritage items and four new conservation areas in the local government area. Following sustained advocacy efforts, Council adopted the study’s recommendations through a planning proposal to amend the Wingecarribee Local Environmental Plan (WLEP) 2010. The proposal was submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure earlier this year and, once finalised, will strengthen statutory protections for heritage, guiding future planning and development decisions across the region.

Hunter Regional Branch

For almost seven years, the Hunter Regional Branch has been fighting to protect the cultural and built heritage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths. In 2024, the Hunter Branch worked with Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths to successfully nominate the site to the State Heritage Register.

An initial DA for a redevelopment of the site was suspended as a result of strong community opposition to a dominant roof design and a proposal for a licensed restaurant. An amended DA with an improved roof design was recently exhibited. Unfortunately, the revised design does not retain the much-loved open-sky section of the changerooms. Designed in 1922, the roof provided a place for discrete sunbaking and is of state significance as a demonstration of moral values at the time. The Hunter Regional Branch has objected to the amended DA and will continue to advocate for protection of the heritage features that define this important place.

Hawkesbury Branch

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