Notice of Publication of the Former Mint Administration Building, Deakin ACT - Draft Management Plan (for the conservation of Commonwealth Heritage Values) - Public Comment

Overview

The Commonwealth Department of Finance has released a draft Heritage Management Plan for the former Mint Administration Building, Deakin, in response to the need to protect and manage the site’s Commonwealth Heritage values. This building, constructed in 1964, was part of the Royal Australian Mint complex and has significant historic and architectural value, as evidenced by its inclusion on the Commonwealth Heritage List in January 2016. Since the building ceased operations for the Royal Australian Mint in 2007, it has been tenanted by Questacon’s National Science and Technology Centre. The draft plan is open for public comment, aiming to incorporate feedback from members of the public, key stakeholders, and the ACT Government, including Indigenous peoples with rights and interests in the place, to ensure a comprehensive approach to heritage management. The closing date for submissions is 5.00pm AEDT on Thursday 20 December 2018.

Scope and Application

The draft Heritage Management Plan pertains to the conservation of Commonwealth Heritage values associated with the former Mint Administration Building at 60 Denison Street, Deakin ACT, which was constructed in 1964 as part of the Royal Australian Mint complex. This legislation applies to the Commonwealth Department of Finance, as it is responsible for the preparation and implementation of the plan. The plan itself aims to protect and manage the heritage values of the building, which includes both historic and architectural significance, and was included in the Commonwealth Heritage List in January 2016. The plan is open to public comment and is intended to engage stakeholders including the public, key stakeholders, Indigenous peoples with rights and interests in the place, and the ACT Government. The draft plan is available for review at the Civic Public Library or online via the Department of Finance website, with comments to be submitted by 5.00pm AEDT on Thursday 20 December 2018. This draft plan is a subordinate instrument under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which provides the overarching legislative framework for the protection and management of Commonwealth Heritage places.

Key Provisions

The draft Heritage Management Plan for the former Mint Administration Building, Deakin ACT, focuses primarily on the conservation and management of Commonwealth Heritage values of the site (Section 1). The plan addresses the protection of the historic and architectural significance of the building, which was constructed in 1964 and was part of the Royal Australian Mint complex until 2007. The plan also includes the management of the building’s current use by Questacon’s National Science and Technology Centre, which has occupied the premises since 2011. The plan outlines the strategies and measures to ensure the integrity and preservation of the heritage aspects of the building while accommodating its present use. The obligations under this Act require the Commonwealth Department of Finance to prepare and publish a draft Heritage Management Plan, inviting public comment and feedback (Section 2). The Department must consider the views of the public, key stakeholders, and the ACT Government before finalising the management plan. This ensures that the plan is comprehensive and addresses all relevant concerns and considerations. The Department is also required to maintain an open line of communication with the stakeholders throughout the process. Breaches of the provisions under this Act may result in various consequences (Section 3). While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the notice, the importance of adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Heritage Management Plan cannot be understated. Failure to properly manage and conserve the heritage values of the former Mint Administration Building could lead to legal repercussions and loss of heritage status. The management plan itself is a critical tool in ensuring that the building’s heritage values are preserved and that any future developments or alterations are in line with the conservation goals. Public participation in the review process is essential and encouraged (Section 4). The closing date for submissions is set for 5.00pm AEDT on Thursday, 20 December 2018. Comments should be directed to the Director of the National Divestment Team at the Department of Finance. This call for public comment ensures that the draft Heritage Management Plan is inclusive and reflects the interests of a broad range of stakeholders. The Department of Finance is committed to considering all feedback received during the public comment period before finalising the plan. The draft Heritage Management Plan can be accessed in hardcopy at the Civic Public Library or online via the Department of Finance website (Section 5). This transparency allows the public to review the proposed measures and provide informed comments. The plan’s availability in both physical and digital formats ensures that it is easily accessible to all interested parties. The final plan will incorporate the feedback received and will serve as a blueprint for the ongoing management and conservation of the former Mint Administration Building’s heritage values.