$1m fine for illegal demolition passed

Legislation to increase the maximum penalty for illegally demolishing or damaging State-registered heritage properties to $1 million has been approved by the Legislative Assembly.

It is the first major amendment to the state's Heritage Act since 1990.

Heritage Minister John Castrilli said the legislation was long overdue.

He said the current penalties for illegal works were too low and offered little deterrence to deliberate destruction.

"Next year, I intend to release a discussion paper which will invite community input on other changes to the Act and the operations of the Heritage Council," he said

The previous maximum penalty under the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 for unauthorised demolition or other works on a State-registered place was $5,000.

The Planning and Development Act 2005 imposed an additional penalty of $50,000 for failure to obtain a permit for works.

Mr Castrilli said the amendments would ensure meaningful protection for heritage properties ensuring their retention for current and future generations of West Australians.