Silver City seeks a heritage first
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday July 18, 2009
WITH its disused mine shafts and piles of ore tailings, Broken Hill wouldn't be the first place to come to mind in discussions of "heritage".But hope springs eternal in the red soils of the town out west, which hopes to become the first Australian city to be listed on the national Heritage Register.Existing heritage listings are plentiful: ecosystems ranging from alpine heights to coastal rainforests; historic sites, such as Port Arthur or the first Government House at Parramatta; and icons, including the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Bondi Beach and the MCG.But Australia's register of national heritage does not as yet have a city on its books.Enter Broken Hill City Council: in 2006, when nominations were called for, the council nominated the town itself. Now, the city of 21,000 residents has reached the eighth stage of the 11-stage process to listing it has been assessed as "potentially" having national heritage values.The other "potential" raised by heritage listing the potential for extra tourist dollars was certainly a factor in nominating the city, said Peter Oldsen, the council's group manager of sustainability.But just as important was seeking recognition for the mining town's unique place in Australia's history."It was a matter of celebrating the fact of the great contribution the city has made to the nation," Mr Oldsen said, reeling off a range of achievements, from technical advances in mining to the introduction of the eight-hour day for workers after the major 18-month strike by miners in 1919-20. "While unionism wasn't developed in Broken Hill, it was probably perfected here," Mr Oldsen said.The city also boosts its heritage claims with historic links to major public figures. Who knew, for example, that Herbert Hoover worked as a mining manager and engineer in Broken Hill before he went on to become the 31st president of the United States?Locals are backing the heritage listing. Helen Semmens, relief manager at the Daydream Motel, was very enthusiastic."I think it's a great idea ... It might possibly encourage other people to come and have a look. I think Broken Hill is very significant to this country when you think about all of the wealth that's come out of here."Locals had their say this week in a series of public meetings. The Australian Heritage Council expects to give its assessment to the minister before year end.
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
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