The place must:

• be a local or state heritage listed place in the public realm
• identified on the current Toowoomba Regional's Planning Scheme's list of heritage places (Planning Scheme Policy 6).

Location eligibility

Properties must be located in one the following areas in accordance with the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme Zone Maps:

Refer to the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme Zone Maps for further information on the location and boundaries of the Major Centre Zone and the Local Centre Zone. 

In addition, applications will be considered from regional towns and villages where there is a Main Street Precinct. Council’s Heritage Advisor can provide advice about eligibility. 

Examples of works that are eligible for funding include:

• repainting the place in its original colour scheme or an appropriate equivalent
• reinstatement of lost features important to the character of the place (i.e. verandahs, window treatments, etc)
• urgent remedial works or stabilisation of endangered fabric where it can be demonstrated that the work is part of a longer-term conservation project
• removal of unsympathetic additions or features, including advertising signs
• other works to the exterior of the place that contribute positively to the streetscape or public realm.

Projects ineligible for funding:

• unsympathetic work that detracts from heritage values
• internal work
• general operational and routine maintenance costs associated with the building
• equipment purchases
• works undertaken prior to applying for funding or works undertaken prior to formal notification of a successful grant
• new additions or extensions to a heritage place unless it involves the reconstruction of an original element
• places where orders have been served to rectify unsafe or non-compliant matters, or properties in arrears for their rates
• new commercial signage
• work that is inconsistent with the principles of the Burra Charter.

Lodgement of application:

All applications must be submitted online via the SmartyGrants application form. Applications for funding of works must include the following information:

• description of the proposed work (what you are going to do)
• drawings sufficient to detail the proposed works including site plans and elevations
• copies of meeting notes/advice from Council’s Principal Architect or any other professional advice received in relation to the work.
• evidence of any approvals required prior to commencement of work e.g. building / planning approvals; Department of Environment and Heritage Projection
• two written quotes based on the agreed scope of works and indication of the applicants preferred quote
• quotes must be dated no more than 3 months prior to the application

If your application is incomplete or inaccurate, you will be advised via email of additional information required, and your application form will be reopened for you.

Assessment of application:

Applications for grants will be received by council and referred to the Principal Architect for review against the guidelines and ranked on the following criteria:

The application will be assessed by two other Council officers. The Chief Executive Officer has delegated authority to approve applications that meet the criteria described in Council’s 2.41 Heritage Incentive Grant Policy. 

Unsuccessful applicants may contact the relevant staff member for feedback and assistance with future grant applications.

Funding conditions

Funding allocation:

Subject to the availability of funding, applications are accepted on an on-going basis. Once funding is approved, funds will be allocated to the project and set aside for a period not exceeding 12 months. The applicant will submit via SmartyGrants a Funding Agreement before commencement of their heritage conservation works.

If the funding allocation expires, the applicant will need to reapply for funding. The amount of funding allocated to a project will not be increased once the grant has been approved. Any variation in the scope of work will need to be assessed as a new application.