The National Historic Sites Program is an Australian Government grants program that provides assistance to protect and conserve Australia’s most significant historic heritage.
Each year, $4.4 million of Government grants are available to assist owners and managers to maintain and conserve the special heritage values of nationally significant historic heritage sites. Nationally significant historic sites are places that have had an important role in the development of the nation’s history.
To be eligible for a Government grant a place must be listed, or be actively considered for listing, on the National Heritage List; or be a historic heritage place of national significance (generally already included on a state heritage list or the Commonwealth Heritage List).
Applications for a Government grant will be assessed against the eligibility criteria which must be met in order for a project to be considered. Co-contributions to projects by other sources must be at least 50% of the overall project budget.
Supported/eligible activities
A range of activities for nationally significant historic sites will be eligible for a Government grant under this National Historic Sites Program including:
- conservation or restoration activities identified in a conservation management plan
- development of management or master plans, or improved management arrangements
- building the sustainability of sites through planning and development of facilities to enhance visitor understanding and access
What types of activities are ineligible for funding?
Government grants will NOT be approved for:
- conservation works for sites that do not have a suitable management or master plan
- expenditure already incurred (retrospective funding)
- purchase of assets
- projects involving places that are recognised only for their natural heritage values rather than historic heritage values
- conservation of movable historic objects or museum items
- transfer or buying of property
Who can apply?
An Australian citizen; a legally incorporated organisation; or a local, state or Commonwealth government authority that owns or manages:
- a place listed, or being actively considered for listing, on the National Heritage List
- a historic heritage place of national significance (generally already included on a state or territory heritage list or the Commonwealth Heritage List)
How projects are selected
The Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts selects the projects that receive a Government grant. Your National Historic Sites Program application will be assessed by the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts against the criteria in the Guidelines.
National Historic Sites Program Guidelines
National Historic Sites Program Application Form
Applications close on 31 May 2010.
If you are interested in applying for this government grant and require assistance with the application process please contact us to discuss further.
