A GRANT program aimed at supporting owners of local heritage properties to undertake conservation work should be examined during the next budget deliberations, a Mount Gambier City Councillor has said.
Cr Max Bruins said council should undertake “robust discussion” on the $20,000 Local Heritage Restoration Fund ahead of next financial year’s budget.
Councillors resolved to provide 15 applicants with grants ranging from $500 to $2500 for a range of renovation works at the Tuesday meeting.
In speaking to the motion, Cr Christian Greco said although the grant amounts were small, they were enough to help owners complete necessary conservation works.
“It is these little amounts that get these projects over the line,” he said.
Cr Bruins said it was his belief residents would undertake works, which include painting, re-roofing, restoration and reconstruction, regardless of whether the grant was on offer.
His comments were backed by Cr Paul Jenner, who also called for a review of the grant fund.
Since 1999, council’s development plan has contained heritage policies including a register of state and local heritage places, local heritage conservation areas and a scheduled of “contributory places”.
The heritage fund was established by council, with the value of grants dependant on the number of applications received and the budget allocation by council.
