HIP POCKET RELIEF FOR OWNERS OF HERITAGE PROPERTIES

Owners struggling with the costs of maintaining heritage-listed properties are eligible to apply for a Queensland Government grant.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the $5 million Living Buildings heritage conservation fund was a Beattie Government election commitment to help Queenslanders manage their properties.

Ms Nelson-Carr said expressions of interest would be invited from owners, community groups and local governments to identify heritage conservation projects.

“Historic places are entered in the Queensland Heritage Register to recognise and protect their heritage values for the benefit of Queenslanders, and many owners do an incredible job with the resources they have.

“The State Government recognises heritage places sometimes need additional care which can be expensive.

“This funding will help those who want to ensure their properties are used and conserved for future generations.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said heritage places and properties helped to define where we had come from as a society but that did not mean heritage properties could not be changed to meet contemporary needs.

“There is lots of scope for owners and communities to adapt heritage buildings for modern use while conserving their heritage values.”

Places that are entered in the Queensland Heritage Register, local heritage places covered by an approved planning scheme, rural heritage places and National Trust historic properties are eligible for assistance.

Eligible projects include:

• Essential repairs and core structural works;
• Fire regulation upgrades;
• “Like for like” material replacement or maintenance;
• Projects aimed at the continued sustainable use of heritage buildings; and
• Heritage conservation plans for properties listed in the Queensland Heritage Register.

Up to $50,000 is available for general conservation works or up to $100,000 where the State Government will match owners’ contributions dollar for dollar.

Special purpose projects outside these limits will also be considered.

The closing date for expressions of interest is 31 March 2007.

For more information phone the EPA’s Cultural Heritage Branch on 3227 6499 or visit www.epa.qld.gov.au to download the Living Buildings information kit and form.

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002