The Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) has been revamped, with four new members to bring their expertise and provide strategic advice on the State's historical cultural heritage.
The QHC is an independent statutory authority created under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 to safeguard, celebrate, and preserve Queensland's cultural heritage.
Its key responsibilities involve making-decisions about applications for the Queensland Heritage Register and providing strategic advice to the Minister on heritage-related matters, including development of state-owned heritage places.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation's Acting DDG for Environment Heritage Policy and Planning, Kahil Lloyd said the new Chair Councillor Yvonne Barlow joined the QHC in 2025.
"As a continuing member of the QHC, she brings vast local government experience to the position of Chairperson," Mr Lloyd said.
"She will be joined by six continuing members and four new members who will bring fresh eyes and fresh ideas.
"They perform a pivotal role in the conservation of our remarkable historical cultural heritage.
"The new and existing members offer a diverse set of skills and represent a range of industries and interests across Queensland.
"They will contribute relevant expertise in architecture, planning, conservation, law and tourism, and they are all passionate about conserving Queensland's diverse heritage.
"Queensland's heritage places stand as enduring symbols of our identity, offering a connection to our past that can illuminate the journey forward.
"The revitalised Council will play a decisive role in protecting the state's treasured heritage sites, promoting cultural heritage tourism and highlighting the value of conserving heritage places for today and for generations to come.
"I would like to welcome the four new members and look forward to their insights on the conservation and celebration of Queensland's most significant heritage places.
The QHC:
Chair Councillor Yvonne Barlow has more than 15 years of local government experience with Pine Rivers Council and City of Moreton Bay. The former National President of the Australian Local Government Women's Association (2000–2004), she serves on a taskforce for the future management of Old Petrie Town, and previously was principal of her own real estate business.
*Ms Tanya Martin has more than 25 years experience in property and development, specialising in statutory planning, infrastructure negotiations, and complex stakeholder engagement. As the director of her own consultancy, she leverages her expertise and experience in major projects like Yarrabilba, Kinma Valley, and London's Woodberry Down.
*Mr Michael Leong is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, a past President of the Queensland Environmental Law Association Inc, and a former board member of Urban Futures Brisbane, Michael is an expert in planning, environmental and valuation litigation and advisory services.
*Mr David Perkins has more than 40 years experience in strategic and statutory land use planning, tourism planning, and development project coordination. He is a qualified Regional and Town Planner, a past Vice-President and Registered Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, and a member of the Queensland Environmental Law Association.
*Mr Patrick Lane-Mullins is the Director of Property and Building with the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane and oversees its property portfolio, including numerous State and local heritage places. He serves on the Property Council of Australia Social Infrastructure Committee and the Mater Strategic Development and Sustainable Infrastructure Committee.
Ms Melissa Barnett is a cattle and wine producer managing a farm-stay on her family's heritage-listed Taabinga Station in the South Burnett region. She is also a freelance journalist with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and postgraduate qualifications in Information Management and Writing, Editing and Publishing.
Ms Fiona Gardiner is a heritage consultant, Associate Adjunct Professor, and PhD candidate. She served for 13 years as Director of Heritage in the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. Recognised with a Public Service Medal (2019) and the Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize (2022), she serves on the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) Board and the Queensland Heritage Council.
Mr David Gole AM has more than 30 years' experience in heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, and contemporary additions, working on major projects such as Queensland Parliament House, Brisbane City Hall, and Africa Hall in Ethiopia. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland's School of Architecture and a board member of Ausheritage.
Ms Tina King has more than 20 years' experience in heritage conservation and has worked on significant heritage sites across Australia, including Queen's Wharf Brisbane. She currently leads the Queensland Heritage and Archaeology team at Urbis.
Emeritus Professor Darryl Low-Choy has more than 40 years' experience in urban and regional planning, environmental planning, landscape management, and natural resource management through consulting, teaching, and research. He also has significant experience serving on and chairing boards in these fields.
Ms Jacqueline Pearce is a registered architect with 25 years experience leading heritage projects, including Queensland Parliament House and Rockhampton City Hall. A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and member of Australia ICOMOS, she specialises in heritage assessments, conservation management, and adaptive designs.
* New Member of the QHC.
