Mr Marshall met with council this morning to discuss plans for the funding and to review the results of the latest heritage project in Moree, which has been the beneficiary of funding under the program.

Mr Marshall said the revealing new face of the historic art-deco building, known locally as Gossip Corner in Moree’s main street, was a perfect example of how a partnership brokered with state government funding, local government community planning and expert advice and opinion, could result in such a terrific outcome.

“Gossip Corner is a perfect example of how different tiers of government and proud local owners can reap such great results for their community,” Mr Marshall said.

The building is not far away from being finished, according to council’s director of planning and community development, Angus Witherby.

Mr Witherby said the building was at the gateway to the main CBD and was another magnificent face of the town’s historic architectural traditions. It was one of the art-deco buildings built after the “Great Fire”, a conflagration that basically destroyed nearly all the main street buildings of Moree in 1928.

Money from last year’s heritage funds awarded by council has been used to offset the owner’s costs in the restoration and the council’s heritage advisor has also lent her expertise to the project.

Mr Marshall said this year’s funding would extend council’s ability to provide a heritage advisory service and will also see some $7500 in grants to assist private owners of heritage-listed properties with restoration and maintenance costs.

“The NSW Heritage Grants program has provided more than $110,000 to Northern Tablelands’ councils in this round of funding,” Mr Marshall said. 

“The program is designed to provide direct financial assistance to private owners, councils and community-based organisations to maintain and improve their heritage assets.”