Lastly it looks at the frameworks that might be explored when better alignment of expectations are desired. This essay is very much a personal reflection, drawing on years of working in the heritage industry, generally for and with government but also often tasked with getting the potential dance partners talking, listening to and respecting each other. Framing questions in the brief asked: What is the expected role of governments in heritage conservation? What are the current outcomes? Are community expectations reasonable? Are they or how could they be met? Heritage is defined as natural, Indigenous and historic (although the writer’s experience is primarily in cultural heritage), and the scale of interest was agreed to be national through to local perspectives. Some research and published material has been found and used; however, it represents an eclectic and serendipitous gathering of ideas rather than a piece of rigorous research. Much is therefore indicative rather than definitive. Examples are cited where needed to illustrate a point. Care will be needed if this essay is to be more than an internal working document to ensure that the examples cause no offense. THE DANCERS ‘Public concern about issues, such as drought, bushfires, water conservation and climate change, can influence actions taken to protect and restore the environment. These actions may be undertaken by individuals, governments, non-government organisations or industry, and may include the development of policy initiatives, public campaigning, petitions, membership of environmental groups, volunteering and donations. Individuals can also demonstrate concern for the environment by undertaking personal environment protection activities, such as recycling and reducing electricity and water consumption. (ABS 2010) Today, governments at each level play significant roles in heritage protection, underpinned by legislated responsibilities, but generally also including some aspects of advocacy and community participation and education. For example, Victoria’s Heritage: Strengthening our Communities (Heritage Victoria 2006) illustrates the breadth of government’s involvement in heritage stretching from the statutory roles shaped by legislation (listing, protecting, permitting, compliance) through to grants to support owners/managers, interpretation, and heritage education. The headline “strengthening our communities” strongly suggests that the government sees the role of heritage as intimately connected to community wellbeing. The scope of government participation has changed dramatically over the last 40 years – a period in which governments at all levels around Australia have become increasingly involved in heritage and environmental protection, recognising that such interventions are essential to ensure the survival of what the Productivity Commission called “community-demanded heritage services” (Productivity Commission 2006: 219).
Lastly it looks at the frameworks that might be explored when better alignment of expectations are desired. This essay is very much a personal reflection, drawing on years of working in the heritage industry, generally for and with government but also often tasked with getting the potential dance partners talking, listening to and respecting each other. Framing questions in the brief asked: What is the expected role of governments in heritage conservation? What are the current outcomes? Are community expectations reasonable? Are they or how could they be met? Heritage is defined as natural, Indigenous and historic (although the writer’s experience is primarily in cultural heritage), and the scale of interest was agreed to be national through to local perspectives. Some research and published material has been found and used; however, it represents an eclectic and serendipitous gathering of ideas rather than a piece of rigorous research. Much is therefore indicative rather than definitive. Examples are cited where needed to illustrate a point. Care will be needed if this essay is to be more than an internal working document to ensure that the examples cause no offense. THE DANCERS ‘Public concern about issues, such as drought, bushfires, water conservation and climate change, can influence actions taken to protect and restore the environment. These actions may be undertaken by individuals, governments, non-government organisations or industry, and may include the development of policy initiatives, public campaigning, petitions, membership of environmental groups, volunteering and donations. Individuals can also demonstrate concern for the environment by undertaking personal environment protection activities, such as recycling and reducing electricity and water consumption. (ABS 2010) Today, governments at each level play significant roles in heritage protection, underpinned by legislated responsibilities, but generally also including some aspects of advocacy and community participation and education. For example, Victoria’s Heritage: Strengthening our Communities (Heritage Victoria 2006) illustrates the breadth of government’s involvement in heritage stretching from the statutory roles shaped by legislation (listing, protecting, permitting, compliance) through to grants to support owners/managers, interpretation, and heritage education. The headline “strengthening our communities” strongly suggests that the government sees the role of heritage as intimately connected to community wellbeing. The scope of government participation has changed dramatically over the last 40 years – a period in which governments at all levels around Australia have become increasingly involved in heritage and environmental protection, recognising that such interventions are essential to ensure the survival of what the Productivity Commission called “community-demanded heritage services” (Productivity Commission 2006: 219).
essay-expectations-johnston.docx