Heritage in the Corangamite Shire will receive a boost thanks to the Brumby Government’s Victoria’s Heritage Grants program Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today.
“The Corangamite Shire Council was one of 52 local councils to share in $400,000 worth of heritage advisor grants in 2008/2009”.
“This grant will allow Corangamite Shire property owners and local businesses such as builders to access free advice on the repair, care and use of heritage places,” she said.
“The heritage advisor will be employed by the council to provide advice on a range of issues, such as heritage colour schemes, restorations and researching the history of a property.”
Ms Tierney said the service would directly benefit owners and caretakers of heritage places, but also result in better heritage outcomes for the whole community.
“Caring for our local heritage is in the interests of the entire community, as these special places add to the region’s identity and provide economic benefits through tourism and other activities.”
Planning Minister Justin Madden said the heritage advisor grants were matched by the local councils on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
“The Brumby Government is dedicating to supporting local councils in their important work caring for Victoria’s heritage,” Mr Madden said.
“More than 100,000 individual places and precincts are included on Heritage Overlays around the State. This service provides great assistance to the community custodians who work so hard to preserve and protect these places.”
The grants also contribute to a professional development program for heritage specialists and council officers dealing with heritage issues.
Victoria was the first state to fund a heritage advisory service in 1977 in the historic town of Maldon. Since then the program has grown to support 52 advisory services in regional and metropolitan councils across Victoria.