THE City of Perth has launched a program of financial incentives to encourage conservation of heritage places.
A total of $200,000 in heritage grants is to be awarded to people undertaking restoration works to heritage places before the end of this financial year. Worth up to $20,000 each, the grants are available to owners of rateable properties within the city.
A Heritage Award, worth $10,000, has been initiated to recognise excellence in building design and conservation. The award will be presented every two years and is open to heritage place owners, architects, designers, builders and government agencies that have undertaken building design, conservation and construction work within the City of Perth.
Members of the community who have been actively involved in heritage or have undertaken a significant project relating to heritage within the City of Perth are also eligible for the award.
The incentive program is part of the City of Perth’s new heritage strategy, which will include a range of development-oriented bonus schemes to benefit heritage owners, and the establishment of a Heritage Fund.
Perth Lord Mayor Dr Peter Nattrass said the city was working hard to develop a comprehensive range of incentives to help preserve Perth’s heritage.
Dr Nattrass said heritage conservation provided positive cultural, social and economic benefits.
“As a young city, we have the unique opportunity to be able to establish incentives to ensure that future generations will support our endeavours to retain our heritage,” he said.
“I encourage property owners who feel they own a place of significance to list their property on the City of Perth Heritage Register.”
Applications for the Heritage Grants and Award Programs close on Monday May 10 2004.
For more information visit www.cityofperth.wa.gov.au or phone the City of Perth’s Heritage Help Line on 9461 3242.
