In order to ensure Hilltops’ heritage is preserved and enjoyed well into the future, historic and important landmarks across the region will share in grants made available through the NSW Government’s Local Heritage Fund.
As part of Council’s ongoing strategy to conserve and manage heritage assets throughout the region, Councillors have resolved to lobby the State Government for further funding to carry out significant heritage planning studies.
The Hilltops Council Local Heritage Fund has been established to assist owners of significant places within the Hilltops Council Local Government Area (LGA) to undertake conservation and restoration works.
Items of heritage significance include buildings listed as heritage items in the Hilltops Local Environmental Plan 2022, places across all former shires that have been identified as having local significance, and places identified as contributing to the character of the Boorowa, Galong, Harden, Murrumburrah and Young Conservation Zones.
Examples of the type of work that can be funded under this program may include, but are not confined to:
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Painting in approved colour schemes.
Repairs to stumps, walls, roofs, doors and windows.
Replacement of guttering and down pipes.
Reinstating missing components, including verandas.
Meeting Building Code of Australia requirements (e.g. fire services and access) for ongoing and new uses.
The aim is to maintain, preserve or restore elements that contribute to the heritage value of a place.
The funding cannot be used for improvements such as new kitchens or bathrooms.
Council’s Heritage Advisor is available to assist with colour schemes and provide free advice on proposed work.
2025 Applications Now Open!
Calling all local heritage item owners!
Hilltops Council’s Local Heritage Fund grants program for the 2025/2026 financial year is now open.
Provided by Heritage NSW, the Local Heritage Fund provides owners opportunities to apply for small grants to continue to conserve, manage and maintain the significance of local heritage items.
The aim is to maintain, preserve or restore elements that contribute to the item’s heritage value.
The funding cannot be used for improvements such as new kitchens or bathrooms.
Council’s Heritage Advisor is available to assist with colour schemes and provide free advice on proposed work.
Where grants are approved, they are usually on a dollar-for-dollar basis. A limit of about $500.00, to match a similar contribution from the owner, is envisaged, but this may vary depending on the number of applications received. Council will consider applications where the owner’s contribution is in the form of labour and/or materials rather than cash.
Please note that grants are not made in respect of properties on which rates are unpaid. Priority will be given to places and projects that have not previously received assistance from the Local Heritage Fund.
Applicants should also contact Council’s Heritage Advisor, Latisha Ryall by email at mail@hilltops.nsw.gov.au to discuss the the proposal and, if necessary, arrange an inspection of the property.
Applications, including quotations for the proposed work, close on Monday 18 August 2025 and the work must be completed by Friday 10 April, 2026.
