Heritage Incentives Scheme (HIS)

Since 1988, the City of Adelaide has provided the most substantial local government heritage grant scheme in Australia.

The Heritage Incentives Scheme (HIS) is a funding program administered by the City of Adelaide which reimburses owners of heritage and unlisted historic character places that meet specific criteria, a portion of the costs for professional advice and documentation, and conservation work.

HIS Operating Guidelines

If you are considering applying for the Heritage Incentives Scheme, please contact Council’s Heritage Team to arrange a free initial onsite meeting.

The Scheme is widely regarded, attracting attention from interstate and overseas. In November 2017, the Scheme won the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) SA award in the Best Planning Ideas – Large Project category.

In May 2018, the Scheme was awarded a Commendation at the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) National Awards for Planning Excellence, held in Perth, Western Australia.

Complementing the City of Adelaide’s Heritage Incentives Scheme, the Department for Environment and Water also has a State Government Heritage Grants program to help conserve and activate state heritage listed places and areas within South Australia.

Check eligibility and apply

Once your application has been received, Council will assess your application against its Operating Guidelines. There is no guarantee of funding.

Once both HIS and DA approvals have been obtained, an allocation will be made. You will be notified by email of the amount, and any conditions of funding. A HIS project sign will be sent to you and should be displayed on site during works.

Note: As part of the HIS approval, you must notify Council when works commence, and at key milestones as required.

Upon completion of the work, you must notify Council to arrange a final site inspection/review of documentation to ensure completed works/advice meets the conditions of the approved HIS application. You will also need to provide us with proof of payment to the relevant contractor. The type of proof required is detailed in the allocation email received at approval.

Once satisfied with the work/advice and submitted proof of payment, Council will reimburse you as per details set out in allocation email, and in accordance with the HIS Operating Guidelines. Reimbursement can be via EFT or by cheque, however, you will need to provide appropriate bank details if EFT is desired.

HIS funding is valid for 12 months from the date of the allocation letter. Excepting for major conservation works, staged conservation works or where an extended completion date has been agreed to by Council, funding will be forfeited if the project is not substantially completed within 12 months.

Apply for an extension of time

Visit the Heritage Incentives Scheme case studies page to find out more about previous recipients, including works undertaken and funding provided and view before and after photos.

If you need more information about the Heritage Incentives Scheme, please contact Council’s Heritage Team: