Up to $50,000 to support community groups and individuals for innovative projects that address climate change, conserve Queensland’s natural and built environment, and protect wildlife.
On this page you will find
What is the Community Sustainability Action Grants?
The Community Sustainability Action Grants – Round 9: Heritage Conservation program is a Queensland Government initiative that offers financial support to assist with the conservation and celebration of heritage-listed places across the state. The program is part of a broader commitment to protecting Queensland’s unique built heritage and promoting community and tourist engagement with these culturally significant sites.
This round provides a total funding pool of $580,000, aiming to ensure that Queensland’s iconic heritage buildings, landscapes, and features are preserved for future generations.
Community Sustainability Action Grants level of support
- Minimum Amount: Not specified
- Maximum Amount: Up to $50,000 per application
Co-contribution Required: A minimum co-contribution of 25% of the total project cost is required. This can be either financial or in-kind (e.g. volunteer labour or donated materials/services).
For Conservation Management Plans (CMPs), the funding is capped at $25,000, with a 25% co-contribution also required. Applicants may combine conservation works and CMPs into a single application, provided the total funding requested does not exceed $50,000.
Community Sustainability Action Grants important dates
- Applications Close: 4:00pm, Wednesday 11 June 2025 (AEST)
- Project Duration: Must be completed within two years from signing of grant agreement
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Community Sustainability Action Grants objectives
This grant program aims to support conservation efforts that:
- Preserve the cultural heritage values of a place listed on the Queensland Heritage Register
- Demonstrate clear community engagement or increased tourism access to the heritage-listed place
Projects and expenditure eligible for Community Sustainability Action Grants support
To be eligible, the project must relate to a site on the Queensland Heritage Register that is accessible or will become accessible to the public. The project must conserve or celebrate the heritage value of the place and demonstrate engagement with the local community or visiting tourists.
Eligible Activities Include:
- Urgent repair and conservation of heritage features
- Restumping, reroofing, repointing brick/stone work
- Exterior painting and drainage works
- Restoration of heritage gardens, including arboricultural reports
- Investigative works (e.g. termite inspections, paint analysis)
- Conservation Management Plan or update by a qualified heritage architect
- Repairs to fire/security systems where relevant
- Installation of structures that preserve heritage materials
- Works improving resilience to environmental conditions
- Administration costs (up to 10%)
Ineligible Expenditures:
- Projects already started or completed
- Reinstatement with inappropriate materials/methods
- New constructions without a clear conservation benefit
- Property owned by Queensland or Commonwealth Government
- Excess admin costs (over 10%)
- General maintenance (e.g. cleaning gutters, leaking taps)
- Publications or research not directly tied to conservation benefit
- Projects involving movable heritage or shipwrecks
- Reconstruction without clear evidence
Other Community Sustainability Action Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Community Sustainability Action Grants support
Eligible applicants include:
- Owners of heritage-listed sites
- Non-profit incorporated organisations with maintenance responsibility
- Local government authorities
- Trusts overseeing relevant properties
Ineligible applicants include:
- Queensland and Australian Government agencies
- Government-owned corporations
- Statutory bodies and authorities
See the guidelines for full details of organizational requirements.
Community Sustainability Action Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed by a panel comprising internal staff and external heritage experts. Projects will be scored using the following weighted criteria:
1. Alignment with Program Objectives – 30%
- Preservation and promotion of heritage values
- Delivery of significant heritage outcomes
2. Value for Money – 20%
- Clear, cost-effective budget and project scale
- Adequate in-kind or financial co-contribution (≥25%)
- Two quotes for items over $10,000 (or justification)
3. Community Benefit – 30%
- Public access to the site
- Engagement of locals and tourists
4. Project Management and Governance – 20%
- Urgency and appropriateness of conservation works
- Qualified heritage professionals and like-for-like materials
- Ability to complete the project within two years
- Clear project timeline and deliverables
Projects supporting heritage tourism or community involvement may receive priority consideration.
How do I get the Community Sustainability Action Grants?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Community Sustainability Action Grants application
To apply successfully, have the following ready:
- Proof of ownership, lease, or permission from the property owner
- Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
- Quotes for budgeted items (minimum two for over $10,000)
- Latest audited or unaudited financials and bank statement
- Insurance certificates (public liability, WHS/workers comp)
- Supporting documents for heritage approvals (if applicable)
- Documentation of co-contribution (financial or in-kind)
- Conservation Management Plan (if available)
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Community Sustainability Action Grants
All applications must be submitted via the SmartyGrants system.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Community Sustainability Action Grants resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
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