Thursday, 15 August 2019

 Mr HAYES (Southern Metropolitan) (12:59): I draw the Minister for Planning’s attention to the demolition threat facing 38 Grosvenor Street, Brighton, known as Esmé Johnston House. This property was designed by Esmé Johnston, a female builder, in 1929. Her home represents an unusual example of the Tudor Revival style and featured in the Home Beautiful magazine in 1931. More than 800 residents have signed a petition asking for this property to be saved. Last week Heritage Victoria refused to intervene. If this home gets redeveloped into townhouses, it will be yet another sign that our heritage protection policy is simply not up to the job. The constant trashing of our community’s heritage is another casualty of our manic obsession with growth. Will the planning minister intervene to save this house and order a comprehensive review of the adequacy of our heritage protection laws?