The Minister for Environment and Water has directed the South Australian Heritage Council to remove Shed 26 at Port Adelaide from provisional listing in the South Australian Heritage Register.
Under section 18(7) of the Heritage Places Act 1993, the Minister has the ability to direct the Council to remove a provisional listing if it is deemed to be contrary to public interest.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs wrote to the Council today to inform them of the decision.
"I appreciate and recognise the important role that the State Heritage Council has in identifying, promoting and protecting heritage places," said Minister Speirs.
"I also wish to acknowledge the work the Council undertook in its consideration of this complex and challenging matter and for the advice it provided to me as part of my decision-making process.
"The complexity of this matter has been compounded by conflicting opinions received from the Council and Heritage SA, two of the advisory bodies which I rely on for their advice regarding heritage matters.
"I have met with a broad and diverse range of stakeholders, some who support Shed 26's listing, and some who do not. I have also visited the site a number of times.
"Overall, I am of the opinion that on the balance of the arguments and evidence, the confirmation of heritage listing for Shed 26 would be contrary to the public interest.
"If the listing were to be confirmed, there is a risk that the proposed development would not proceed or at least would be delayed for some time.
"This would jeopardise the social and economic benefit to the state and the renewal and revitalisation of the Port with the potential stalling of a $160 million development and 180 direct jobs being created.
"The defence industry submarine and shipbuilding project that is due to commence in the area will create substantial social and economic stimulus in Port Adelaide and surrounds.
"There is an argument that Port Adelaide will need additional residential accommodation to house employees of the shipbuilding project.
"Furthermore, should the project stall, there is a likelihood that the site would continue to languish in its current state, especially without significant funding which would likely have to be provided by government.
"Should the state government choose to attempt to activate Shed 26 for a public purpose such as a new maritime museum, there would need to be a large investment, in the millions, that would need to be shared by all taxpayers to bring this structure to life.
"This to me cannot be justified. While I am extremely sympathetic to the adaptive re-use of heritage and the importance of Shed 26 to the local community, I do not believe this would be the most appropriate use of public funds.
"Whilst, I cannot predict the success of the Cedar Woods development at Fletcher's Slip, they are seeking to invest significant capital into South Australia, particularly Port Adelaide, and I believe this is for the benefit of the public."
