Port Broughton’s ornately decorated hotel and its stately Norfolk Island pines, the Alford Institute Hall, churches at Bute and a farmhouse at Mundoora are among 46 sites which could be heritage listed by Barunga West Council.

Other sites include the Alford Hotel, the Soldiers’ Memorial Halls in Kulpara and Bute, an historical well at Ninnes, and buildings at the Bute Early Learning and Primary School.

Council has proposed new planning rules to protect the area’s local heritage, which would make it the first council to utilise South Australia’s code amendment process for this purpose.

The sites have been proposed for listing under the Local Heritage Places (Barunga West) Code Amendment.

It seeks to safeguard the cultural and historical significance of the sites, ensuring they are preserved for future generations.

Mayor Leonie Kerley said there were currently no heritage sites within the council area listed at either a local or state level.

“These proposed changes aim to celebrate and protect the unique heritage of Barunga West,” Mrs Kerley said.

“As the first council to utilise the code amendment process for local heritage, we’re paving the way for other regions to acknowledge and protect their local treasures.”

Mrs Kerley said council identified the listed sites through various means, including a review of the 1998 Yorke Peninsula Heritage Survey, community consultations, and input from the State Planning Commission’s Heritage Sub-Committee.

“Local heritage listing of these sites would provide certainty to landowners and the community about planning processes for heritage identification, protection and conservation,” she said.

“We now look forward to engaging with the broader community to get their feedback on these proposed amendments.”

Development and regulatory services director Trevor White said the code amendment would protect identified properties from potential demolition and ensure any future development respected their heritage significance.

“When we talk about development, it’s not just about the heritage sites themselves, but also their surroundings; any changes to nearby properties would be harmoniously aligned with the distinct character of these treasured sites,” he said.

“Local heritage listings are more than mere designations, they are our commitment.

“Through them, we’re offering the Barunga West community a firm assurance the region’s rich heritage will be safeguarded and celebrated for generations to come.”

Council has worked closely with property owners to prepare the pro-posed amendment and will seek broader community feedback before submitting it to Minister for Planning Nick Champion.

This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 17 October 2023.