CANBERRA-based heritage architect, Duncan Marshall has returned to chair a new-look, interim ACT Heritage Council after minister Rebecca Vassarotti dissolved the previous beleaguered board late last year.

“This new council will deliver its functions under the Heritage Act 2004 with a focus on strengthening the ACT’s heritage arrangements,” the Heritage Minister said.

“The new council will be in place for a minimum of one year, while a comprehensive and independent review of heritage arrangements in the ACT is conducted by Stenning & Associates.

“Future heritage laws, frameworks and arrangements must be fit for purpose in the ACT and reflect best practise from other jurisdictions.”

On December 7, Vassarotti send the board packing following a review into the workings of the ACT Heritage Council and its supporting government agency (the ACT Heritage within the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate), which highlighted wide-ranging and complex structural issues impacting the performance and relationship of the Heritage Council and ACT Heritage.

Mr Marshall, who was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in 2020, said: “The new council has a great deal of expertise and strong connections to the community, and it is determined to deliver an effective heritage system for the ACT, and to work with the ACT government through the reform process.”

The other new members of the council are:

• Catherine Skippington, deputy chairperson and community representative.
• Karen Demmery, Aboriginal community representative.
• Rachael O’Neill, property ownership, management and development sector representative.
• Doug Williams, member with expertise in archaeology and Aboriginal culture.
• Kate Clark, member with expertise in archaeology.
• Alanna King, member with expertise in architecture.
• David Hobbes, member with expertise in architecture.
• Alistair Henchman, member with expertise in architecture and nature conservation.