There are already too many empty shops, they say, and Auburn Street’s unique appearance will be compromised.

We agree, the heritage character must be conserved at all costs but if done properly, slightly higher buildings can be accommodated. 

The council is not talking about a significant increase and high-rise structures dotted across the CBD. The government office block next to the Post Office is an example of what not to do. As a state government entity, its wishes overrode council planning laws.

Nearby, behind the McDermott Centre, the new performing arts centre will have a 19-metre fly-tower at its rear. It will be a similar height to the government office block but will be set back. The council had to apply for a variation in the CBD height limit for this to be considered. Provided it doesn’t compromise heritage, we argue such flexibility must be weighed up carefully if it means adapative re-use of an old structure.

The reality is that many of Auburn Street’s shops are old and narrow. Expansion relies on either amalgamation of sites or a taller rear extension. The alternative, demolition, is much harder in a heritage conservation and there’s good reason for that.

Developers are hardly banging our door down to increase the height limit so it’s important to keep perspective. But in time, with growth from western Sydney and other areas, more commercial pressures will come to bear. 

As architect Doug McIntyre suggests, there may be only some areas of the CBD, like Clinton and Sloane Streets where taller buildings may be appropriate.  

In any case, there’s a long way to go yet with investigations and several stages of community consultation. Social media is one thing but it’s also important to have say within the process.

Volunteers who have swung into action to help this year’s Lilac City festival should be congratulated.

The phones were running hot at the temporary office on Monday as the countdown began to this weekend. The volunteers on board are opening up new possibilities and contacts for this old Goulburn icon. We hope their energy rubs off to even more people to keep the event going.

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