East Gippsland Shire Council will be better placed to provide free advice to owners of heritage properties following $5,000 in funding towards the provision of Heritage Advisory Services for 2011-12, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull announced today.

Mr Bull said funding was used to provide Heritage Advisory Services through the appointment of an experienced professional to assist council with the management of heritage assets and promote heritage conservation in the municipality.

“The benefits of these services are now evident in many towns with restored heritage buildings, appropriate signage and upgraded streetscapes,” Mr Bull said.

“These services have helped people to recognise the importance and role of early buildings in our social lives and how they can enhance our townships and enrich our understanding of the past.

“Heritage advisors help councils make appropriate decisions on restoration and development plans for heritage sites,” said Mr Bull.

The funding was based on previous expenditure, reflecting each council’s commitment to preserving local heritage and council supplemented the funds with a minimum $1 for $1 expenditure.

Shire chief executive, Steve Kozlowski, said the funding gesture by the State government was appreciated.

“This is a valuable service and will complement the range of improvements that have recently been adopted and implemented by the Shire to streamline planning processes,” Mr Kozlowski said.

Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, said the programs provided by heritage advisory services, first trialled in Maldon in 1977, had been successful in developing a positive attitude towards heritage through the provision of free heritage advice to councils, communities and owners and managers of heritage properties.

Mr Guy said the Heritage advisors would also be used to assist councils with the development of a Municipal Heritage Strategy for their municipality, a Coalition planning commitment.