Tasmania launches heritage grants to safeguard historic properties
In a bid to preserve Tasmania’s rich architectural history, the state has announced that a grants scheme aimed at supporting heritage properties is now open for applications.
Heritage Tasmania is now accepting applications for the Built Heritage Grants Scheme, which is part of the Rockliff government’s commitment to investing $4.5 million over three years to the preservation of Tasmania’s heritage.
The Built Heritage Grants Scheme comprises two programs: the Conservation Program and the Activation Program, with a total of $1 million available in the first round.
Under the Conservation Program, owners of Tasmanian heritage-listed properties can apply for small grants of up to $20,000. These funds are designated for conservation works, facilitating the preservation and restoration of these historic sites for future generations.
The state’s Minister for Heritage, Nick Duigan, explained: “These smaller grants are designed to support owners of these properties to conserve and restore these places so that they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
The Activation Program, on the other hand, offers larger grants of up to $200,000 for projects aimed at rejuvenating heritage sites. This initiative is geared towards enhancing visitor demand and experience, as well as developing the built heritage conservation workforce.
Mr Duigan expressed his enthusiasm about the strong interest generated by the scheme since the release of guidelines late last year.
“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these investments and working closely with our heritage stakeholders to conserve Tasmania’s unique built heritage and leverage it for the benefit of Tasmania and Tasmanians,” he said.
Mr Duigan used the opportunity to reiterate the government’s commitment to ensuring that the state’s rich history is “valued, protected and maintained”.
Owners of heritage property owners are being encouraged to seize this opportunity and get their applications in early to secure funding.