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Allan Labor government allocates $2M in disaster recovery grants for restoring Victoria's heritage landmarks

The Allan Labor government announces over $2 million in Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants to restore 16 heritage sites damaged by natural disasters, including Walhalla Bandstand, Bael Beal Homestead, and Benalla Showgrounds.

By news@gippsland - 20th January 2025 - Back to News

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 announced more than $2 million in Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants will support the restoration of 16 heritage sites across Victoria that were damaged by floods, storms, and bushfires. This includes Walhalla Bandstand in Walhalla which will receive 120,000 for conservation works to be completed to the heritage site.

The Victorian government's Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants aid restoration of historic sites impacted by disasters, boosting resilience and supporting community recovery and heritage conservation

Restoring heritage treasures

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.

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 and other natural disasters.

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 Heritage Victoria website.

Preserving historic landmarks

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said, "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," Ms Kilkenny said.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing said, "Walhalla's bandstand is known and loved all over the world, and this funding will ensure it's not only fully restored, but also safeguarded for future generations to enjoy. By investing in the Walhalla Bandstand, we're protecting a beautiful part of Walhalla's history and ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike."

Pictures from Victoria State Government website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com