Grants available to maintain Fraser Coast heritage

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for owners of heritage properties to conserve and enhance their properties and streetscapes under the latest round of the Fraser Coast Heritage and Character Incentives Scheme.

“The scheme encourages the conservation, maintenance and enhancement of historic buildings and places across the region,” Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.

“The grants are a co-contribution with Council matching the applicant dollar for dollar, up to a maximum of $10,000 to undertake works to preserve or enhance our heritage and character buildings and sites.” 

The scheme applies to properties across the Fraser Coast that are on the Local Heritage Register, or selected commercial character buildings in the Maryborough and Howard CBDs.

“Council is very focussed on the conservation of local heritage and character,” Cr Seymour said.

“Our historic buildings, places and streetscapes set us apart from other cities and destinations and they have shaped our sense of identity.

Works covered by the scheme include conservation or restoration projects, painting, urgent remedial works, reversing unsympathetic alterations and preparing Conservation Management Plans to support development applications.

“The Fraser Coast is steeped in history and we should do everything we can to preserve it,” Cr Seymour said.

In 2020/21, twelve heritage and character properties across the region benefited from just over $75,000 in grants.

The 2021/22 round is now open and closes 10 September 2021.

Applications can be lodged online through the Smartygrants portal on the grants page of the Council website or https://frasercoast.smartygrants.com.au/HeritageScheme2021-2022