Heritage: Ongoing initiatives
National Heritage Investment Initiative
In 2005, the Australian Government announced the National Heritage Investment Initiative, a four year $10.5 million programme commencing in 2005-06, to assist restore and conserve Australia's most important historic heritage places. In 2007-08 funding of up to $3.5 million will be provided under the programme. The programme assists individuals, governments and non-government organisations undertake conservation management planning activities and on-ground works. In keeping with the Australian Government's focus on places of national significance, priority is given to places that are on the National Heritage List.
Indigenous Heritage Programme
The Australian Government is providing $14.4 million over the next four years from 2007-08, including $3.5 million in 2007-08, to identify, conserve and promote Australia's Indigenous heritage through the Indigenous Heritage Programme. This programme provides Indigenous organisations or not-for-profit bodies with financial assistance to manage Indigenous heritage values.
Community Heritage Grants Programme
The Australian Government is providing an additional $800,000 over four years from 2005-06 for the Community Heritage Grants Programme. The Community Heritage Grants Programme provides grants of up to $15,000 to support preservation projects undertaken by community organisations such as local historical societies, public libraries, Indigenous and migrant community groups, which hold cultural heritage collections of national significance. The programme has operated for 13 years and has distributed over $2 million.