A grant program to assist owners of heritage and character buildings to preserve their history has been renewed, with a focus on improving the appearance of signage on the traditional main streets of Bundaberg and Childers CBDs.
Bundaberg Regional Council has set aside $50,000 for the Our Stories Our Places Heritage and Character Grant Program in the 2026-27 budget.
The program provides financial assistance to owners of eligible heritage-listed and main street commercial character properties to undertake sympathetic conservation works such as repainting the building exterior and replacement of signage to be compatible with the character of the building and streetscape.
Under the program, Council may contribute 50% (dollar-for-dollar) toward eligible conservation works up to a maximum contribution by Council of $10,000 per project (excluding GST).
Focus on signage style
Council revised the guidelines and eligibility for the program in 2025 with a focus on improvements to signage on commercial character buildings on Bourbong Street in Bundaberg and Churchill Street in Childers.
This was in response to community feedback about commercial signage being unsympathetic with the buildings’ heritage facades.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said she encouraged owners and occupiers of eligible buildings to take advantage of the grants to review their current signage.
“Though commercial signage is an important tool for businesses to attract customers, it can be styled in a way that respects the heritage character of the streetscape,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“We are lucky to have these beautiful old buildings still in our CBDs, which I know are a source of pride in the community.
“Businesses can play their part in adding to the attractiveness of our historic CBDs by replacing worn out or unsympathetic signage, with a little help from Council to share the cost.”
Eligible projects and properties
Commercial properties that are located within the main street commercial character areas of Bundaberg and Childers may be eligible for funding to assist with:
- Removal or replacement of unsympathetic signage with improved signage that is compatible with the character of the building and streetscape;
- Repainting the place in its original colour scheme or a pre-approved equivalent.
Grants are also available for local heritage places that are or were formerly residential dwellings as identified within the Bundaberg Regional Council Planning Scheme and can assist with:
- Exterior works that contribute to the streetscape character
- Reinstatement of lost features important to the character of the place
- Urgent remedial work
- Repainting the place in its original colour scheme or a pre-approved equivalent
- Removal or replacement of unsympathetic signage with improved signage that is compatible with the character of the building and streetscape
Applications for Our Stories Our Places grants will be accepted on an on-going basis until 31 May 2027, while funding remains available.
Learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply for a grant on Council’s website here.
