Published Thursday, 08 February, 2007 at 03:19 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
$1M FOR TREE OF KNOWLEDGE FUTURE
The Queensland Government will provide $1 million for the Barcaldine Shire Council to help preserve the heritage of the Tree of Knowledge.
Premier Peter Beattie and Minister for Local Government and Planning announced the project as one of 79 to be funded under the Legacy Infrastructure Funding program, a $100 million capital works program to create legacies for Queensland’s 150th anniversary.
“The Tree of Knowledge symbolises an important time in Queensland’s history and, indeed, the political development of our entire nation,” Mr Beattie said.
“It is one of the iconic landmarks that attracts thousands of tourists to the west each year.
“Its preservation is important, as both a mark of our past, a symbol of our future.
“It also makes an important ongoing contribution to the local economy.
“The Legacy Infrastructure Fund was created specifically for projects such as this. That is, projects that create a legacy for the enjoyment and education of generations to come.”
The 10-metre Ghost Gum, located in the centre of town, was the meeting place for shearers during their unsuccessful strike of 1891.
The shearers' strike, in conjunction with the maritime strike of 1890, played a crucial role in the historical connection between unions and what eventually became the Australian Labor Party.
Through the Legacy Infrastructure Fund, the Queensland Government will contribute $1 million to the development of an interpretive centre in the township. The project will also include a lasting monument on the site of the tree along with a paver trail and interpretative signage.
Mr Beattie said the heritage project would ensure the story of the Tree of Knowledge would live on.
Minister for Local Government and Planning, Andrew Fraser, said the project – like all others considered for funding – was required to meet specific criteria.
“When we asked Councils to submit their proposals last year, we were looking for practical tributes. That is, projects that would provide real and lasting benefits to the community for years to come,” he said.
“I feel very confident that this project will more than achieve this outcome.”
Mr Fraser said Barcaldine Shire Council was now required to submit a project plan confirming a 2008 completion date and demonstrate its ability to secure the additional funds required to undertake the project.
Media inquiries: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Minister’s office 3227 8825
8 February 2006
Premier Peter Beattie and Minister for Local Government and Planning announced the project as one of 79 to be funded under the Legacy Infrastructure Funding program, a $100 million capital works program to create legacies for Queensland’s 150th anniversary.
“The Tree of Knowledge symbolises an important time in Queensland’s history and, indeed, the political development of our entire nation,” Mr Beattie said.
“It is one of the iconic landmarks that attracts thousands of tourists to the west each year.
“Its preservation is important, as both a mark of our past, a symbol of our future.
“It also makes an important ongoing contribution to the local economy.
“The Legacy Infrastructure Fund was created specifically for projects such as this. That is, projects that create a legacy for the enjoyment and education of generations to come.”
The 10-metre Ghost Gum, located in the centre of town, was the meeting place for shearers during their unsuccessful strike of 1891.
The shearers' strike, in conjunction with the maritime strike of 1890, played a crucial role in the historical connection between unions and what eventually became the Australian Labor Party.
Through the Legacy Infrastructure Fund, the Queensland Government will contribute $1 million to the development of an interpretive centre in the township. The project will also include a lasting monument on the site of the tree along with a paver trail and interpretative signage.
Mr Beattie said the heritage project would ensure the story of the Tree of Knowledge would live on.
Minister for Local Government and Planning, Andrew Fraser, said the project – like all others considered for funding – was required to meet specific criteria.
“When we asked Councils to submit their proposals last year, we were looking for practical tributes. That is, projects that would provide real and lasting benefits to the community for years to come,” he said.
“I feel very confident that this project will more than achieve this outcome.”
Mr Fraser said Barcaldine Shire Council was now required to submit a project plan confirming a 2008 completion date and demonstrate its ability to secure the additional funds required to undertake the project.
Media inquiries: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Minister’s office 3227 8825
8 February 2006