Heritage Assistance Grants 2023

In order to share funding as widely as possible, grants will generally be offered up to a maximum of $2,000, on a dollar for dollar basis. A minimum of 50% co-contribution is required from the owner. Only one application may be lodged per property. 

Larger grants or grants at different ratios may be considered for major restoration projects or for non-profit community organisations if funds permit, depending on the number of eligible applications and the budget allowance for the year. 

Applications open on Council’s website on 3 July 2023 and close at midnight on 31 July 2023. No late applications will be accepted.  

This year the priority is to assist owners with the conservation, repair and maintenance of Heritage Items in  Ashby, Brushgrove, Chatsworth lsland, Harwood, Iluka, Lawrence, Maclean, South Arm and Yamba or to avert the serious deterioration of a heritage item in any area within Clarence Valley Council.

Applications from contributory historic properties in Heritage Conservation Areas in this priority area are also eligible.

Applications outside of the priority area will be considered if there are remaining funds available after the allocation of grants in the priority area.

You cannot apply for funding if you are a government agency, however a community-based trust, such as showground or community hall committee may apply. 

Priority Applications

• Works to heritage items in the priority area of  Ashby, Brushgrove, Cowper, Chatsworth lsland, Harwood, Iluka, Lawrence, Maclean, South Arm and Yamba that have not received any previous heritage funding in the last five years.
• Urgent maintenance works to avert the severe deterioration of a heritage item in any area.  
• Works to contributory historic properties in Heritage Conservation Areas in this priority area.

 Priority Criteria

• Works to heritage items to address deterioration, stabilisation, stormwater and termite control, e.g. re-roofing, joinery repairs, stormwater management
• Conservation, reconstruction and restoration.
• Fire, service and access essential upgrades for compliance with the Building Code of Australia for ongoing or adaptive reuse of heritage items.

• emergency repairs, stabilisation and making buildings watertight pending longer term restoration
• termite control, site stabilisation, stormwater and subsoil drainage  
• re-roofing and guttering in authentic materials and profiles
• protection of archaeological sites including protection of cemetery sites
• reinstatement of missing elements to original details, such as fences, verandahs, timber windows, decorative features
• removal of unsympathetic additions and restoration to original details
• repainting in a traditional heritage colour scheme
• Building Code Australia upgrades (fire, services, and access) for ongoing and new uses 

• works which have already been carried out
• new buildings or new work
• interior alterations, new kitchens and bathrooms
• routine maintenance such as lawn mowing or gutter cleaning
• new commemorative monuments or works
• the purchase of heritage buildings
• the relocation of buildings or works to relocate buildings
• private headstones, unless there is no possibility of descendent support
• floodlighting of heritage buildings
• the purchase of equipment
• moveable railway heritage items
• projects where adequate funding is available from other sources, or where the applicant has previously not completed other assisted projects or previous grant offers

Funding is targeted to projects:

• with sustainable long-term heritage benefits
• that provide public benefit and enjoyment
• where the applicant has the capacity and commitment to undertake the project
• that show innovation and leadership
• that demonstrate funding equity and cost effectiveness

As part of your application you need to

• include ‘before the project’ photographs  
• include some background research on your heritage item and include historical information and any old photographs, where available, in your application. Heritage datasheets are available for most heritage items at: https://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/search-for-heritage/state-heritage-inventory/
• obtain a minimum of one quote but preferably two. (It is realised that quotations are often difficult to obtain, and a minimum of one quote will be accepted )
• include plans and sketches if relevant  

To apply, you must complete the application form.

The closing date is midnight on 31 July 2023. If you need assistance in completing the form or uploading the information you can speak to Deborah Wray on 02 6643 0271 during office hours on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Projects will be assessed by Council with regard to the priorities and criteria set out in these guidelines.

A funding offer and standard conditions will be sent to successful applicants by the end of October 2023. Any unsuccessful applicants will also be advised at this time.

Upon acceptance of a grant offer and any necessary approvals, work should commence. It is essential that approved projects are completed and claims for payment lodged by 1 March 2024.