Levy protecting the region’s rich cultural heritage

Projects aimed at conserving the region’s history and character will continue to be protected through the Sunshine Coast Council’s endorsement of the 2014/2015 Cultural Heritage Levy Program.
Community Programs Portfolio Councillor and Sunshine Coast Heritage Reference Group Chairperson Jenny McKay said today’s decision ensures the region’s heritage will continue to be protected by the annual Cultural Heritage Levy of $5 per ratepaying household.
“This is particularly important given the increasing impacts of growth on cultural sites, places, knowledge and artefacts,” Cr McKay said.
“The Sunshine Coast Heritage Reference Group provided informed advice to Council on how the funds generated by the Cultural Heritage Levy would be best spent across the Coast.
“This group is made up of heritage specialists and members of the community.”
Cr McKay said one example of where the Cultural Heritage Levy will be spent was conservation work on Bankfoot House and Fairview – two Council-owned, State heritage-listed houses.
“We also plan to develop cultural heritage projects in partnership with the local Jinibara and Kabi Kabi Aboriginal People,” Cr McKay said.
“The Levy will continue to fund projects such as the 160 Characters oral history and digital storytelling initiative which shines the spotlight on the region’s special characters of the past and present, illuminating the richness of the Sunshine Coast’s cultural heritage.
“Local heritage and historical societies are also supported by the Levy though the Community Partnership Funding program, which contributes to core operational costs and helps these organisations to stay afloat.
“The Levy also provides professional development programs to increase the capacity of the many hardworking community museum volunteers working in the heritage sector.
“These are just a few of the examples of where the Levy is put to good use.”
Visit Council’s website for more information on the Cultural Heritage Levy.