It’s great news for owners of heritage places across the entire region, as the team at MidCoast Council announces applications for its 2018/19 Local Heritage Fund are now open.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
If your heritage place is in need of a fresh coat of paint, repairs or works to restore it back to its former glory, you could be eligible for some financial assistance. The Local Heritage Fund is available to owners of heritage places across the MidCoast Council area.
Lillian Cullen, MidCoast Council’s heritage advisor, is excited to see the annual grants program offered again this year.
“The Local Heritage Fund is all about preserving our region’s heritage and breathing new life into buildings and places from our past. We’ve seen some amazing restoration projects come to life through this initiative, and it’s great that the NSW Heritage Branch is working alongside council again this year to open up this exciting funding opportunity,” Lillian said.
The heritage grants offer assistance of up to $1000, but in some special cases up to $2000 can be provided. As part of the application process, eligible property owners must demonstrate their contribution to the project, as the grant cannot make up more than 50 per cent of the total project cost.
“These grants are like a helping hand to make a start on your renovation project, and they’re a great way to help preserve our local history. In past years up to $135,000 worth of improvements has been completed for a total grant allocation of around $12,000”, Lillian said.
The MidCoast region is home to almost 420 heritage listed places, each of which contribute to keeping the history of the region alive for future generations. Recently completed projects include painting, new fences and repairs to heritage houses, offices and former school buildings – all of these projects received assistance last year. Heritage advice is also available for those who are thinking about restoration but are not certain where to start.
A heritage place can be either individually heritage listed or be within one of the 14 heritage conservation areas located across the MidCoast. If you’re unsure whether your property is eligible, and to find out more about the program, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/LHF.
Applications for the 2018/19 Local Heritage Fund close on Friday May 18, 2018, and works must be completed by early May 2019.
