Background

As part of Council’s commitment to promoting the conservation of the Gosford Local Government Area’s heritage resources, Council has, since 1995, offered a Local Heritage Assistance Fund. Through the Fund, Council encourages the conservation of heritage items by contributing financially to their maintenance.

Aim of the Fund

Gosford City Council established the Local Heritage Assistance Fund to assist property owners to conserve identified heritage items within the local government area. These items are listed in Council’s Heritage Local Environmental Plan (No 183) and Heritage Development Control Plan.

This program is intended to provide kick-start funding to encourage the joint funding of projects between Council and owners of heritage items and to encourage the retention and conservation of the heritage of the Gosford Local Government Area through the provision of funds for conservation works to property owners.

Level of Funding Available

All projects are considered on their merit and successful projects funding is allocated on a dollar for dollar basis between the owners of heritage items and Council. Although, some projects could be offered less than the amount sought, due to the funding available.

Timing of Projects

Unless an extension of time has been applied for and approved by the Gosford Environmental Heritage Advisory Committee all projects must be completed within twelve months of the date of notification that the grant has been approved.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Projects

The types of appropriate conservation works that are considered eligible for assistance under the fund include:

• Repairs, maintenance or reinstatement of original or missing items on heritage buildings and items eg: windows, verandahs, roof cladding, decorative details, traditional front fences.
• Reinstatement of traditional external colour schemes appropriate to the period and style of the house or commercial building;
• Structural stabilisation of buildings or ruins.
• Conservation Management Plans

Grants will not be considered and available for:

• Repairs, maintenance or reinstatement of original or missing items on heritage buildings and items which are of inappropriate materials and/or unsympathetic to the period and style of the heritage item;
• Additions and alterations;
• Routine maintenance;
• The purchase or relocation of a building or item;
• Internal decoration
• Internal painting;
• The construction of new outbuildings;
• New additions or extensions;
• Boundary fences;
• Money which has already been spent;
• Work which has already commenced;
• Work which has already been completed;
• Organisations requesting recurrent funding for costs, such as wages, rent, rates, electricity, insurance.

Grants may not be considered for:

• Any individual or organisation that has not adequately acquitted any prior grant from Gosford City Council.

Further Information

To discuss the fund requirements or obtain further information:
Contact: Gosford City Council Heritage Officer - Lyn Morris
Availablility: Wednesday Only
Telephone: (02) 4325 8365.