HERITAGE HELP: Tamworth Regional Council yesterday launched its Heritage Grants program for 2012. Pictured is council’s heritage advisor Clare James. Photo: Geoff O’Neill 200812GOA02
HERITAGE is a high priority for Tamworth Regional Council over the coming month.
Yesterday, the council launched its annual Heritage Assistance Fund for 2012/13.
The fund offers assistance to the owners of historically significant properties to carry out improvements to their buildings.
In 2012 $42,000 has been allocated to the fund by TRC and the NSW Heritage Office.
Property owners who complete grant submissions can be offered
dollar-for-dollar grants for assistance with works like external painting and the repair or replacement of certain features, like fences, verandahs, roofs or fences.
TRC’s heritage advisor Clare James said this year funding priority would be given to building’s listed as a heritage items in the Tamworth Regional Local Environmental Plan (TRLEP) 2010.
Ms James encouraged those interested in submitting applications to get their quotes ready and applications in before September 7.
She said the response to last year’s program was overwhelming.
“Last year was a successful year with a range of restoration work to residences, commercial and community buildings throughout the region,” Ms James said.
The 2011/2012 program funded 12 projects with a total project cost of $94,051.
The council’s funding of $42,000 contributed towards a range of project works including the painting of the former Retreat Theatre in Tamworth, the painting of a series of shop facades in Manilla’s Central Business District, and repairs to the Woolshed Complex and Retreat Store at Longford Station, Bendemeer.
“Maintenance works were also completed at a number of the Barraba Showground pavilions, Barraba Combined Pensions and Senior Citizens building, two prominent shop facades in the Barraba CBD, and a structural assessment of the Old Church Boutique in Nundle,” Ms James said.
“Other completed projects included maintenance to six private residences in Tamworth.”
Projects successfully funded from the 2012/2013 allocation will need to be completed by May 17.
Applications close for this year’s fund on Friday September 7.
Forms and guidelines are available from the council offices in Tamworth, Manilla, Barraba and Nundle.