Rise Up Central Highlands is part of Central Highland Regional Council’s Economic Stimulus Framework. It is designed to provide financial support to commercial property owners to undertake high-quality improvements to enhance the visual appearance and function of their building. The goal is to increase street appeal, attract and increase in patronage and commercial occupancy within the town and stimulate the economy in the region. This program includes 3 grant streams and 2 rebate streams designed to reinvigorate all of our urban centres across the region.
This program is part of our overall strategy to stimulate investment in the Central Highlands Regional Council area.
Available grant streams:
- Stream 1: Façade improvement Grant – for streetside visual improvements (up to $2,500 GST inclusive)
- Stream 2: Built Heritage Grant – for restoration projects on buildings with historical significance (up to $10,000 GST inclusive)
- Stream 3: Placemaking – for creating spaces where people can gather (up to $1,000 GST inclusive for projects of a temporary nature or $2,000 GST inclusive for projects leading to permanent “built” improvements)
Available rebates:
- Stream 4: Development application fees and associated infrastructure charges
- Stream 5: Development application fees and associated infrastructure charges for long-term residential accommodation
To determine your eligibility and apply for a grant or rebate:
- Download the Economic Stimulus Framework policy and assess your project/business against listed the criteria.
- Apply via Smartygrants platform here
All streams will reopen for a final round for this financial year on 3 February 2025.
Other helpful resources: