In 2012 Wyndham Council is long overdue in forming laws that protect heritage buildings from the whims of private developers. It seems not to have the will or the power to ensure protection, restoration or relocation of Davis House in Watton St for example. The Werribee icon’s destruction is imminnent in weeks from today the 30th of May 2012. Why do ratepayers have feelings of déjà vu? Is it because Wyndham has lost many historic buildings in recent years to developers’ bulldozers, with a city Council powerless or unwilling to intervene. Developers and heritage groups should work for common good with a Council that stands firm on ratepayers’ sentiments with funding for protection, restoration and possible relocation costs, but they don’t. Why is Wyndham Council’s funding of an accessable relocation for Davis House is so problematic when it finds millions of dollars for new infrastructure projects from State Government coffers? Shouldn't our historic buildings be part of the community's valuable infrastucture? As a resident and ratepayer I call on Wyndham Council to become accountable for the preservation of our heritage; to have a Heritage Property Policy with real power over private interests. It is high time Wyndham’s history is protected by the rates we pay and that ratepayers wishes are represented by the councillors we elect with commercial and cultural interests cared for in equal measure. While business has an essential place, there is more to electors’ wishes than spinning money and modernizing our city. Save Davis House! Protect our remaining icons and develop the city at the same time!

You're kidding, surely?

http://www.werribeecc.com/historypics/tour.html

It could almost be satire.