GREAT Lakes Council will look to reinstate its Local Heritage Assistance Program in 2015 but only if the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) agrees to make changes.
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At the July 8 strategic committee meeting, councillors voted to adopt the Great Lakes Heritage Strategy 2014-2017.
The three-year strategy would involve the council reviewing more than 200 items identified for a study and possibly reinstating the assistance program, which previously provided small grants for residents to undertake heritage works.
However, reinstating the program would be dependent on the OEH making changes to its Local Government Heritage Management Program.
In a report to the council, strategic landuse planner Rebecca Underwood said recent changes made to the program meant less money was available to the council for heritage-related projects and funding periods had been reduced.
‘‘These issues will mean more onerous reporting requirements and will ultimately affect council’s ability to complete actions as contained within its heritage strategy,’’ the report said.
‘‘Council has recently advised OEH that it will only accept funding under the LGHMP on the basis that the offer is increased to a practical amount and on the assumption that funding timeframes are increased to align with work programming and budgeting requirements.’’
Ms Underwood said the council had received verbal confirmation the OEH intended to increase funding and practical timeframes would be established.
In voting in the heritage strategy, councillors resolved to seek written confirmation from the OEH that it make the changes.