New grants open to preserve Australia’s heritage

Heritage site owners, managers and support organisations can now apply for the Morrison Liberal National Government’s $5.3 million Heritage Grants Programme aimed at protecting and preserving Australia’s national and world heritage sites.

Grants between $25,000 and $400,000 could be awarded to conserve national and world heritage listed places, boost tourism and provide much needed economic stimulus for regional areas. 

The recent impacts that state and international border closures have had on our tourism industry means these kinds of grants are more important than ever.

Funding can be used for a range of activities to protect and strengthen the natural, historic and cultural values of a site, or to enhance visitor experiences that encourage people to share our national heritage treasures.

Tourism will be a big player in driving the economic recovery, particularly in regional areas like ours and having our heritage sites in the best shape they can be when we open the door to international tourists will help the industry regain momentum.

I strongly encourage anyone eligible for this programme to apply for a grant.

Minister for Environment Sussan Ley said the programme will help ease the impacts of the COVID-19 on Australia’s tourism sites.

“The latest round of the Australian Heritage Funding Grants Program will open on 9 November 2020 and will place a particular focus on conserving privately-owned national heritage places, many of which have faced significant visitor downturn and temporary closure during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Ley said.

“The story of our national heritage listed places is one we encourage all Australians to get out and share, from ancient Indigenous sites to the Parkes Observatory and its ‘dish’ which recently became the 118th national heritage listed place.”

The new round of grants complements the $33.5 million package recently announced to support heritage infrastructure projects as part of the Australian Government’s $1 billion COVID Relief and Recovery Fund.

Applications for the 2020-21 grants round will close on 7 January 2021. To find out more and apply, visit: www.business.gov.au/assistance/australian-heritage-grants