TREE OF KNOWLEDGE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

Acting Premier Anna Bligh said today the Queensland Government will work with the Barcaldine Shire Council and the Australian Workers’ Heritage Centre on how best to ensure the Tree of Knowledge continues to be part of the nation’s heritage.

“It appears that everyone’s worst fears have been confirmed and that the 160-year-old tree has died, after being attacked with poison, but it is not the end for the Tree of Knowledge,” the Acting Premier said.

“We will work with the Barcaldine community to ensure that this vital piece of Australia’s history is preserved.

“I want to thank everyone involved, including the staff of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and members of the local community, who have done everything they can to save the tree.

“It is difficult to imagine the motivation of the person or persons responsible for this act of stupidity.

“We need to find a way to ensure the Tree of Knowledge continues to play a part in Barcaldine’s tourism industry and we will work with the local community on whether to preserve the trunk of the tree or to build a memorial marker on the site.

“However the Tree of Knowledge will live on through the local efforts to operate a new nursery dedicated to producing cuttings from the 160-year-old Ghost Gum.

“During the election campaign the Government announced it was joining forces with the Barcaldine Shire Council and Australian Workers’ Heritage Centre to fund a propagation program of young Trees of Knowledge.

“Once the cuttings are struck by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) researchers at Gympie they will be grown out at a new nursery in Barcaldine.

“DPI&F staff will provide training and support for the nursery as it moves into a commercial phase,” Ms Bligh said.

Shearers met under the Tree branches during the strike of 1891, which led to the forming of a political movement that was to eventually become the Australian Labor Party.

Media Contact: Acting Premier’s office 3224 6900