The Historic Courthouse, Port Macquarie's only surviving government building from the 19th century, is to receive a $60,000 facelift.

Independent Member for Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, said the NSW Government would meet half of the cost of replacing the roof on the 142-year-old building, after it entered a dollar-for-dollar funding agreement with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

"The historic building at the corner of Clarence and Hay streets was home to the rule of law in Port Macquarie for 117 years, and only relinquished its judicial role in 1986 when the new courthouse was built," Mr Besseling said.

"It may have been 25 years since a magistrate exercised his judicial powers at the old courthouse, but the building has continued to serve our community as an iconic CBD landmark – a constant reminder to passersby and visitors of our early European history.

"The Friends of the Courthouse will especially welcome the funding. They give freely of their time and energies every week to ensure locals and visitors alike can explore this magnificent old building."

Mr Besseling said the state's $30,000 commitment follows previous restoration works carried out on the old building, including a community-led campaign in the early 1990s that raised $75,000 and was matched dollar for dollar by the Commonwealth.