Historical Buildings Task Group (HBTG)
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2012 Annual report
HISTORIC PROPERTIES TASK GROUP: REPORT TO TCC ANNUAL MEETING 2012
Pilot Study on Heritage-listed properties
The pilot study funded by the Tasmanian Community Fund has been completed. This project was undertaken by two experienced assessors who inspected a total of 50 church-owned buildings which are listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register. The pilot project was conducted in the municipalities of George Town, Launceston, Meander Valley and West Tamar, and included properties owned by the Anglican Church (22), Baptist Church (3), Catholic Church (6), Presbyterian Church (3) and Uniting Church (9). The work of the assessors was oversighted by the Task Group.
The Task Group consisted of representatives of each of the denominations included in the study. The Task Group valued the active participation of Mr Russell Morton until his retirement, and regrets that the Anglican Diocese has not yet appointed a replacement member to the Task Group.
The assessors reported that the properties surveyed were well maintained, including with reference to electrical wiring and the provision of fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
A detailed report on each property surveyed has been presented to the Tasmanian office of each of the participating churches. It was anticipated that each congregation or parish would receive a copy of the report on its buildings.
The assessors classified the maintenance needs of the buildings as small, medium, large or exceptional. Those classified as “small” should budget for maintenance costs of $1000 each year, and expect additional costs of $105,000 every 15 years. The $ amounts for medium are $5000 annually and an additional $25,000 every 15 years; for large the $ amounts are $15,000 annually and $45,000 extra over 15 years. Only one church was classified as “exceptional”, needing an annual maintenance budget of $75,000 and an anticipated need for $2M over the next 45 years.
Key issues identified by the assessors are:
• Increased government legislation and regulation
• Costs of essential services
• Insurance issues for heritage-listed buildings
• Need for specialist tradespersons for heritage buildings
• Community expectations with particular respect to what is sometimes seen as a clash between the community’s desire for the preservation of historic properties and the congregation’s missional imperatives and priorities.
The report includes a section on alternative uses of historic church buildings. Some alternative uses are applicable after sale. But others are applicable while the primary purpose of building remains the worship of God.
It is expected that the findings of the study would be replicated in other areas of Tasmania. The four municipalities were chosen as being representative of all of Tasmania, including city, suburban, small town and rural contexts.
Following the completion of the study and the presentation of the report to the Task Group it was agreed to seek opportunities to present the report and findings to:
• Minister for Heritage in the Tasmanian government
• The Tasmanian Heritage Council
• The Staff of Heritage Tasmania.
It is intended that these briefings will highlight the growing challenge faced by churches in maintaining properties which the community value but without contributing to the maintenance costs. It is noteworthy that tourism and other government departments frequently use historic churches as part of their promotional activities, but do not assist what is often a small congregation struggling to provide the necessary upkeep.
Due to pressure of other duties this has not yet been progressed, but it is planned for the second half of 2012.
Tasmanian Heritage Council
The terms of all members of the Tasmanian Heritage Council expired on 31 December 2011. Rev. Allan Thompson was one of only five members re-appointed to the 15-member council. Allan’s current appointment – as a nominee of the Tasmanian Council of Churches - is to the end of 2013. Allan is also a member of the Heritage Council’s Works Applications Assessment Committee.
New Heritage Legislation
Amendments to the Historical and Cultural Heritage Act will shortly before the Tasmanian Parliament. The liturgical exemption provisions in the Act are retained.
ALLAN THOMPSON (Rev)
Task Group Chairperson.