The Allan Labor Government is helping revive and restore some of Victoria's most treasured heritage landmarks after they were damaged by natural disasters through a new grants program.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny was at Waller House in Ivanhoe today to announce the recipients of the first round of Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants for heritage sites damaged by floods, storms and bushfires.
Waller House is one of sixteen sites that will receive recovery funding after it was damaged by severe storms in late 2022, receiving more than $30,000 to restore the roof and make it more resilient to future weather events.
Grants will also breathe new life into beloved landmarks, including the Bael Beal Homestead near Kerang, which will receive $300,000 for storm damage repairs, and the historic grandstand at Benalla Showgrounds, which will receive $142,000 to restore flood damage.
In Gippsland, the grants will restore key community landmarks, including the Rail Bridge at Nowa Nowa, which will receive $230,000 for vital repairs, and the Walhalla Bandstand, which will undergo conservation repair works thanks to $120,000 in funding.
The Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants program was launched last year to help repair heritage sites impacted by extreme weather events, particularly to help small community organisations that needed more support after their insurance and damages were assessed following the October 2022 floods.
Victoria's heritage sites contribute approximately $2.4 billion each year towards the state's tourism industry and support around 185,000 jobs.
For a full list of successful projects visit: https://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/heritage-grants
As stated by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
"We're not just restoring heritage landmarks - we're ensuring these sites are better equipped to withstand future floods and natural disasters that come their way."
"By supporting the recovery of these much-loved landmarks, we're making sure they remain a source of pride, identity, and connection for their communities while keeping them alive as part of our state's rich history."
As stated by Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
"After being battered by severe storms, Waller House is getting the repairs it needs to continue to be a beloved part of Ivanhoe - a landmark that has been in our community for more than 100 years."
