SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE FUND

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:52): My question is directed to the Minister for Environment and Conservation. How is the state government assisting owners of state heritage places with ongoing conservation of these important and unique places?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water) (14:53): I thank the member for Ashford for her very important question. Since 2002, funding has been allocated to the SA Heritage Fund Grants program to assist private and local government owners of state heritage places with the provision of support for ongoing conservation measures. These annual grants, totalling $250,000, are offered for the conservation of state heritage places which are entered in the South Australian Heritage Register, or places located within a state heritage area. I know that the recipients of those grants are very thankful for the money that is provided.

The grants are provided on a matching basis, with owners matching the money provided from the SA Heritage Fund, either dollar-for-dollar or through in-kind work. There are currently about 6,000 state heritage places eligible to apply for this program including places within state heritage areas. There are two categories of grants available: one offering grants of up to $10,000 and the other offering grants of up to $25,000.

Applications for grants for the 2011-12 financial year closed at the end of February 2011, and a total of 83 applications were received. Applicants included private individuals, corporate bodies, church bodies, local councils and community organisations. The applications were assessed by an independent panel comprising a member of the SA Heritage Council, the Register Committee, and an architect from Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The South Australian Heritage Council then endorsed the panel's recommendation.

I am pleased to announce that a total of 31 applicants qualified for a South Australian Heritage Fund grant this year, with the successful proposals including: verandah repairs at the Beehive Corner; termite repair and treatment, and salt damp treatment at the Burra Railway Station; replacing roofing materials for the National Trust museum at the former Mount Gambier courthouse; external and internal works to preserve the Two Wells Public Library; restoration and preservation of stonework at the former coach-house at Mitchell House; repair and painting of facades at the former Peterborough YMCA hostel; replacing gutters, fascia and eaves, and connecting new downpipes at the former Norwood Wesleyan Methodist Church; repointing the outside walls of the Wallaroo Police Station and dwelling; and repairs to the concrete frame, and bird proofing at the Greek Orthodox Church and belltower located in Franklin Street, Adelaide.

The SA Heritage Fund Grants provide critical support to individuals and organisations who share the government's commitment to preserving significant heritage sites for the benefit of future generations of South Australians, and I commend all applicants for their passion and commitment to the cause.