A re-elected Turnbull Government will provide $260,000 to upgrade three of Melbourne’s iconic heritage sites – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, the former High Court of Australia and Newman College.
The Victorian Arts Centre Trust will receive $100,000 to prepare a new conservation management plan, upgrade safety handrails and fencing and install new emergency lighting at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
A grant of $80,000 will go to Court Services Victoria to restore the roof and refurbish the library and timberwork at the former High Court building in Little Bourke Street.
A further $80,000 will go to Newman College to conserve the Swanston Street facade of the historic college building.
“The grants would help preserve these National Heritage listed sites and add to the visitor experience,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Turnbull Government understands the importance of our extraordinary historic heritage.”
“We want to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to visit and enjoy these places. They are extremely important to the local economy in terms of jobs and tourism.”
Liberal candidate for Melbourne Ports, Owen Guest, said he was delighted to see the Turnbull Government supporting the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
“The last major site works were carried out in 1999 and there is a real need to upgrade the facilities for the future,” Mr Guest said.
“A new conservation management plan for the Music Bowl will provide direction for the future use and conservation of this much-loved venue.”
Liberal candidate for Melbourne, Philip Liu, said the restoration of both Newman College and the former High Court would ensure that these importance symbols of Melbourne’s history were preserved.
“The High Court in particular has a fascinating history and was the scene of many of the debates and decisions that have shaped our nation,” Mr Liu said.
“It’s also interesting to note that at the very first sitting of the High Court in 1928, Robert Menzies appeared for the appellant.”
The grants will form part of the Australian Government's Protecting National Historic Sites Programme, which provides funding for important conservation work and activities to increase visitor understanding and access to our historic National Heritage listed sites.
There are 63 places on Australia’s National Heritage List which are specifically recognised for their historical values and for helping to define our nation's heritage.