Heritage property owners urged to apply for conservation wk funds

11/5/97

Heritage Minister Graham Kierath has urged owners and managers of recognised heritage properties throughout Western Australia to apply for increased State Government funding for conservation work.

Mr Kierath said an additional $4 million would be made available over the four years as part of a new Heritage Grants program outlined at the last State election.

The State Government allocated $1million to the program in 1997-98 in the recent State Budget and has committed to providing a further $3 million.

"The program, which will be administered by the Heritage Council of Western Australia, aims to encourage the community to conserve heritage places," Mr Kierath said.

"The funding is a significant increase in grants for our heritage and provides an opportunity to address some of the outstanding conservation needs in WA."

The program will be primarily aimed at assisting local authorities, community groups and private owners with conservation planning and with physical conservation works.

Priority will be given to places which have statutory protection, either through the State Register of Heritage Places or a local authority's Town Planning Scheme.

Places owned by the Commonwealth Government and the State Government which are leased on a long-term basis to private individuals or community groups are also eligible.

"Projects which receive funding under the grants scheme will need to appoint a conservation consultant to ensure the work is carried out in a way which is sympathetic to the heritage values of the place," Mr Kierath said.

A panel comprising of representatives from local government, the Regional Development Council, heritage professions, the National Trust and the Heritage Council will assess the grant applications.

"The broad range of people assessing the applications will ensure that all the community's needs are taken into account together with appropriate technical expertise," Mr Kierath said.

The program, which is fully endorsed by the National Trust, will be widely advertised and applications close on Friday July 4, 1997.

Application forms will be available from the Heritage Council on 1800 644 177 or (09) 221 4177.

Media contact: Steve Manchee 9481 2133