Building Façade Improvement Program (Australia)

The Building Façade Improvement Program assists businesses to improve the appearance of their building facades and increase the overall attractiveness of the shopping strips in Colac, Apollo Bay and the small towns throughout the Shire.

Funding Information

• Grants from $500 up to $3,000 maximum available. Grants require a matching dollar-for-dollar cash contribution.

What can be funded?

• Commercial building façade improvements may include:
  • Exterior painting of retail business building façade
  • Cleaning the existing façade
  • Removal or replacement of redundant signage, air conditioning units and hoardings
  • Replacement of signage in disrepair
  • Minor repairs, maintenance or reinstatement of missing elements
  • Minor repairs to existing façade tile or stone accents
  • Minor repairs to structural façade elements and awnings
  • New, repairs and replacements of verandahs
• Proposed works must be visible from the street
• The use of local trades and suppliers is strongly encouraged & will be prioritised in the assessment stage.

What may not be funded?

• Re-branding of existing signage that is in good condition
• Proposed works where a permit has been refused
• Requests for retrospective funding. The project cannot commence prior to approval.
• Equipment purchased to undertake the works (e.g. Ladders, gurneys, scaffolding, and safety barriers). Hiring of equipment is permitted when directly related to the project.
• Internal works or works which are not visible from the street.
• Contingency costs
• Activities that could be considered core business i.e. those associated with the Applicant organisation’s normal or day-to-day operation (including regular projects and activities, administration, staffing costs, insurances and permits).
• Residential based businesses, including Airbnb or similar type accommodation

Eligibility Criteria

• Businesses located in the commercial area of towns within the Colac Otway Shire
• Business must have street frontage
• Building owner or Lessee/Business owner

Ineligibility Criteria

• Elected members (Councillors), Council employees (staff) Note that guidance and advice for Applicants is available through Council’s Grants Officer.
• Applicant organisation (or Auspice) that are associated with or promote activities deemed inappropriate (including but not limited to):
  • any illegal activity
  • any activity not in accordance with relevant legislation; permitting; regulations etc.
  • tobacco
  • offensive or sexually explicit material
  • discrimination on the grounds of race, gender or religion
  • activities violating human rights
  • political parties
  • gambling
• Applicants with an overdue Acquittal Report from a previous round. Contact the Grants Officer if you need to check.

For more information, visit Colac Otway Shire.