Funding for heritage property owners now available

Council is continuing its support of Blue Mountains heritage property owners, through the Blue Mountains Local Heritage Assistance Fund (LHAF).

After a break in the program of several years, Council successfully reinstated the LHAF for the 2019/2020 financial year. During this time, Council helped members of the community to maintain and restore their heritage properties with small grants.

Council will continue the grants in the 2020/2021 year, by matching funding, dollar-for-dollar, with a State government Community Heritage Grant.

“Preserving the unique heritage character of the Blue Mountains is a major priority,” said Mayor Mark Greenhill. “Our history is visible throughout the Mountains and it’s important that we encourage the upkeep of these wonderful neighbourhoods and streetscapes. 

“With these small but significant grants, we hope to enable owners of heritage properties to maintain them at their best, or make necessary repairs, especially to their street frontage.”

“Visitors and local residents will all benefit from the enhanced heritage values of our distinctive towns and villages. I encourage eligible property owners to apply.” Last year, Council allocated $11,000 of funding ($5,500 state government funding and $5,500 of Council funds) in the form of small grants for minor conservation works, including roofing and weatherboard repair; reconstruction of traditional timber windows and balustrades; construction and repair of street front elements, including sandstone retaining walls and timber fencing; painting of exteriors, roof sheeting and front fences. 

This year, priority will be given to works that enhance a building’s façade, e.g. painting, rendering or specialised cleaning, or to reinstate historic features or fittings, e.g. a door or fence.

Applications for funding (between $500 and $2000) are available now for contributory buildings. These are significant buildings that contribute towards the streetscape values in newly listed Heritage Conservation Areas (previously known as ‘Period Housing Areas’). Applications for properties within existing Heritage Conservation Areas will also be considered. Heritage Conservation Areas in the Blue Mountains are listed here.

Applications for the new round of funding are now open and close 21 October, 2020. To apply or find out more, go to: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/LHAF.