How many grant applications can I make to council?
Due to the limited funds available for this program, council will only process one grant application per property, however a group of owners or businesses may jointly submit an application for funding.
If you have received funding under this program in the last five years, you will not be able to lodge an application for the West Wimmera Shire Council Streetscape Scheme program.
How will the applications be assessed?
Applications for funding will be assessed against the following criteria and will be awarded until the financial allocation for the program has been exhausted.
The following matters will be assessed in determining if a grant application is successful:
- The application is for facade or access improvement works to a retail/ commercial building in a main street.
- The applicant must be a small business owner or property owner that leases to a small business. A small business is defined as a business employing less than 20 people.
- The proposed works are consistent with or compliment any approved colour pallet, facade design and/ or streetscape for the area.
- The proposed works are in keeping with heritage character of the centre (if applicable).
- The proposed access works are in accordance and compliant with relevant disability legislation and regulations.
- The application is for eligible works and the applicant has submitted all relevant information with the completed application form.
Council reserves the right to approve or refuse a grant application in terms of the colour, material or method of execution as it considers appropriate.
Prior to commencing the works, applicants must enter into an agreement with Council detailing the agreed schedule of works and grant sum. The applicant must have read and agrees to comply with the terms and conditions applying to the program.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to investigate the requirement of any necessary planning/ building permits through Councils planning/ building department. Costs associated with obtaining building/ planning permits may not be included in the total amount of the grant application.
Eligible works that are successful and require a planning/ building permit will need to submit a planning/ building application for approval prior to receiving funds for works.
How will I know if my application has been successful?
Council will contact you to let you know if your grant application is successful or unsuccessful.
If an application is successful, the applicant will need to enter into an agreement with council before works commence. The agreement will detail:
- A list of works to be funded by the grant, and
- The amount of grant funding to be paid when the works have been completed. For a copy of a sample agreement, please refer to council’s website.
How long do I have to complete the works approved for grant funding?
You will have 12 months from the date of the agreement between the applicant and Council, to complete the approved works.
Council wishes to ensure that funds are not tied up with grant applications that have been approved but the works have not been completed. For this reason, if the approved works are not completed within 12 months the funds will be reallocated to other properties.
What works are eligible?
Works that will be eligible for grant funding include:
- Painting
- Upgrading of signage structures
- Works on a building that has received grant funds from this program (or other council grant program) in the past five years
- Cleaning of brickwork
- Removal and replacement of cladding and awnings
- Repair or replacement of wall tiles, facade structures
- Other facade improvement works subject to Council’s approval
- Access works to reduce entrance barriers
- Removal of steps to install an access ramp
- Installation of handrails to existing ramp entry or additional stepped entry
- Minor works to make other parts of the existing premises more accessible will be considered.
The type of works that are not eligible for the program are:
- Works required as part of a development approval conditions of consent
If insufficient information is provided on the application form, Council may seek clarification on the proposed works before making a decision about the grant application.
To assist in making overall streetscape improvements, applicants will be required to remove any illegal signage as part of the facade improvement upgrade.
Can I do the works myself?
No, due to Occupation Health and Safety issues with the works being undertaken at the front of the building, adjacent to a public walkway eg. tripping and ladder hazards, works will need to be completed by a licensed contractor.
Can I claim for works already completed?
No, you cannot lodge a claim for works already completed.
If your application is approved, you will need to enter into an agreement with Council detailing the schedule of works and the agreed grant sum before works can commence.
How do I claim the grant?
To claim the funds the applicant must provide Council with:
- Written notification that the works have been completed
- A receipt for payment of the works which includes the ABN of the contractor
- A tax invoice (including ABN) to Council for the agreed grant sum (inclusive of GST).
Council will inspect the works and only pay the grant funding when the works have been satisfactorily completed in accordance with the agreed schedule of works listed in the Agreement.