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Local Heritage Assistance Fund

A Local Heritage Fund has been established by Port Stephens Council with the aid of a grant from the NSW Heritage Office.

The aim of the project is to encourage as much positive work on heritage items in the area as possible. In the past, many grant programs were for individual buildings only. This program will provide kickstart funding to encourage the joint funding of a number of different types of project. In the process, it is hoped that this will engender greater interest and concern for conservation for all heritage items within Council's area.

Invitation to Apply

Owners of heritage items and dwellings located within the Heritage Conservation Areas of Port Stephens are invited to apply. It is essential that you prepare the best application possible because of limited funds. These guidelines have been prepared to assist you. Eligible projects include the following:

1. heritage assessments, conservation policies and conservation management plans to guide conservation works;
2. conservation works including structural repairs and reconstruction of missing items such as fences, verandahs, roof cladding and decorative detail;
3. heritage colour schemes;
4. heritage landscape works including repairs to significant garden elements; and
5. interpretation projects involving research and presentation of heritage items.

Projects not funded

1. Where assistance is available from another source;
2. Where substantial assistance has been previously provided;
3. Where the applicant has yet to complete another assisted project;
4. Purchase of a new building, site or movable item;
5. A new addition to a heritage building (including new internal fittings such as new kitchens and bathrooms);
6. The relocation of a heritage building or work on a relocated building; or
7. Work on a government owned building still used for a government purpose.

Assessment Criteria

• the applicant's ability to demonstrate technical and financial responsibility with regard to the project and demonstrated ability to complete the project within twelve months;
• the degree to which the applicant is financially contributing to the project and/or their ability to quickly return borrowed heritage funds;
• projects which clearly complement broader conservation objectives (e.g. projects which implement key findings of heritage studies or projects in designated heritage main street or conservation areas);
• projects which would encourage the conservation of other heritage items;
• projects of demonstrated heritage value to the community; commonly the item concerned will appear on many heritage lists (e.g. the restoration of an important local heritage house);
• projects which are highly visible to the public (e.g. the replacement of a verandah to a building in a prominent location);
• projects which have a high public accessibility (e.g. a local museum or a private home which is open to the public several times a year);
• projects which are in an area which has received little or no funding;
• projects involving aspects of heritage which have received little or no funding (e.g. historic gardens)
• projects subject to conservation controls where the owner can show hardship arising from conservation work required to the item; and
• urgent projects to avert a threat to a heritage item.

Level of Funding Available

It is proposed that the maximum level of funding per project will be limited to $1,000. Greater funding may be made if the circumstances warrant it. You will be required to provide at least matching finance for the project. There will clearly be cases where you may yourself wish to contribute more to the project.

Timing of Project

From approval you will have 12 months to complete your project.

What you will need to do

Plan the work you propose to do and then contact the Heritage Advisor to discuss the eligibility and other details of your project.  This service is provided free of charge and the advisor will be able to assist you in making an application.

If the project is too large the advisor may suggest you obtain the services of a conservation specialist for the project.  Council's Heritage Advisor is Lillian Cullen.  You can make an appointment to see or speak to Lillian by ringing Mathew Borsato on (02) 49 800 247.

Background Research

It will assist your case if you can properly demonstrate why the work you propose is appropriate from a heritage point of view. To do this you may need to do some research (e.g. the Council may have information on the item, or the Library, or you may be able to obtain photographs from the local historical society or from previous owners). The Heritage Advisor may also have some suggestions to follow up.

Work to be carried out

You then need to decide in detail what work you want to carry out. This should be put down in a clear itemised job schedule.

Quotes

Next, as with any work, you need to get quotes and it is suggested that you get at least two quotes for the work.  Put these costs alongside the schedule of work you have prepared.

Plans and Sketches

Depending on the size of the job you may need to attach plans and sketches to your application for funding.

Photographs

Take a photograph of the setting of the item.  If it is a building, photograph each elevation and take close-ups of any particular job to be done.  Keep the negatives and a set of photographs for your final report.  Fill in the attached application form, keep a copy for your records, staple on the attachments and submit it to Council before the closing date.

Contact details
Strategic Planning Section
02 4980 0247 (ph)
02 4987 3612 (fax)
lillian.cullen@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

© 2008 Port Stephens Council
This page: http://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/planning/1368/1377.html