Paragon Theatre among heritage listed venues to have received Queensland Government funding

Through the latest round of Queensland Community Sustainability Action (CSA) grants, funding grants of up to $40,000 are available from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) for projects which help conserve places on the Queensland Government’s Heritage Register.

Merissa Craft, owner of the Paragon Theatre in Childers encouraged people to apply for the grant to help get their heritage conservation project off the ground.

Craft thanked the Queensland Government for the funding received through the CSA grant program which helped with restoration works on the Paragon Theatre and notes “the funding helped with projects that involved restumping, roof works and works to replace timber on the external walls.

“The grant certainly helped me achieve what I wanted with this unique venue, and now I’m showing classic films, hosting weddings and other events and showing live theatre.”

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the grants demonstrate the Queensland Government’s commitment to conserving the State’s heritage, now and into the future.

“Queensland has a proud history of conserving and protecting its heritage, and these grants will help more individuals and community groups to nurture our past,” Minister Scanlon said.

“Eligible owners and custodians of Queensland’s significant heritage-listed places can apply for these grants to ensure they are conserved for future generations to enjoy.

“The diversity of our heritage-listed places provides a snapshot of life in Queensland, from public buildings, education, industry, domestic homes, hotels and churches.

“These grants can be used for roofing, stumping, painting, restoration or urgent repair works and must be conducted using best practice in heritage conservation.”

Minister Scanlon said this was the fifth round of heritage conservation funding under the CSA grant program, with a total of $3.7 million allocated to 104 heritage conservation projects to date.

“The Queensland Government’s CSA grants have provided $18 million over six years for innovative projects which seek to address climate change, conserve Queensland’s natural and built environment and protect our unique wildlife.

“The CSA grant program supports locally based, community driven projects which encourage real change in Queensland communities.”

The latest round of heritage CSA grants closes on Monday 19th April 2021.

For more information, please visit: www.qld.gov.au/CSAgrants

Image courtesy of Paragon Theatre in Childers Facebook