NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage Mark Speakman approved Cessnock’s funding application, which was among three projects across the state that has had money allocated as part of the Local Government Heritage Planning Studies Grants Program.

Council’s strategic land use planning manager Martin Johnson said the money would allow for review of the Cessnock LGA-wide heritage study.

“We welcome this announcement to ensure we can protect our significant heritage assets well into the future,” he said.

“NSW heritage grants aim to improve the physical condition of NSW heritage items, assist communities to care for their heritage and support local government in its role as manager of the majority of heritage items in NSW.” 

The project will produce a revised Cessnock LGA Heritage Study that will provide recommendations following a review of the listed heritage items and conservation areas in the region.

Council will begin preparing a brief for the project before seeking a suitably qualified consultant to undertake the study.