In the battle to preserve the state’s heritage, it helps to have the name Hadley.

The Heritage Minister, Gabrielle Upton, has a strict obligation under heritage laws: once an independent body recommends a structure is worth preserving, she must decide whether to heritage list the property, or refer it for review, within two weeks.

Time stands still: Hadley Park near Penrith, built by Ray Hadley's ancestors. Credit:Colonialcastlereagh.blogspot.com

But it’s an obligation Ms Upton observes almost entirely in the breach.

Of all the heritage matters that have been put before her as minister, the sole decision she has made within this timeframe is to heritage list Hadley Park, once home to an ancestor of radio shock-jock, Ray.