Grants boost for heritage in the Avon Valley

Five historic properties in the Avon Valley are set to benefit from the Gallop Government's $1million program to conserve the State's heritage assets.

Heritage Minister Francis Logan announced today that the owners of the five properties would share $104,000 for important conservation work.

The properties include one of the region's earliest wineries and oldest surviving brick houses.

Mr Logan said Hooper's Winery in Bakers Hill dated back to 1885 and was one of the longest surviving vineyards in the region.

"While the winery is not much to look at now, the $25,000 grant for conservation works, teamed with strong commitment from the owners, will pave the way for its future use," he said.

After the announcement, the Minister officially opened the new tearooms at Hooper's Winery.

The other grant recipients include the 1858 Bardeen Homestead in Irishtown near Northam ($30,000), the 1910 Beverley Post Office and Residence ($24,600), the 1870s Korrawilla Homestead Group in York ($25,000) and the 1880 York and District Co-operative on the corner of Avon Terrace and Macartney Street ($4,600).

The Bardeen Homestead includes one of the oldest surviving brick homes in the Avon Valley.

Mr Logan said the State Government was committed to protecting the region 's rich heritage.

"Heritage is a vital component to tourism in the Avon Valley and is one of reasons the region is such a fantastic place to live, work and visit," he said.

The Minister said the $1million grants were a significant investment by the Gallop Government.

The grants provided important assistance to private owners undertaking conservation works and planning, including repairing stonework, improving drainage and stabilising sites.

"The grants will ensure the survival of many of our important heritage landmarks, like these five properties in the Avon Valley," Mr Logan said.

The Minister said the Heritage Council had received 56 applications for funding under the Heritage Grants Program. Over the past eight years, the program had provided almost $7million to the owners of heritage properties to help conserve the State's built heritage.

"The grants provide much-needed assistance to private owners and help ensure the State's heritage gems are conserved for future generations to enjoy," he said.

"It is another example of the Gallop Government acting to protect and enhance Western Australia's unique lifestyle and environment."

Details of the grants allocated to Avon Valley projects in 2005-06 are listed below:
- Hooper's Winery: $25,000 to replace roof, timberwork and brickwork;
- Beverley Post Office and Residence: $24,600 to prepare a conservation plan and undertake urgent stabilisation work to the balcony, fix damaged walls and repaint;
- Korrawilla Homestead Group: $25,000 to re-roof barn and shearing shed, repair guttering, doors and foundations, replace chaff room flooring and replaster and repaint walls;
- York and District Co-operative: $4,600 to prepare conservation plan; and
- Bardeen Homestead, Irishtown: $30,000 to treat severe rising damp problems in the main house, cottage and kitchen.
On Sunday Mr Logan launched the State-wide distribution of $1million in heritage grants with a major announcement at the Mundaring Weir Hotel.

Nearly 30 heritage properties around Western Australia will receive money in
2005-2006 to help pay for important maintenance and restoration work.