FUNDING RESCUES HISTORIC ESK WAR MEMORIAL

Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten announced today that the termite-ridden Linville War Memorial at Esk, west of Brisbane, will be restored to its former glory.

Mr Schwarten announced the Government will provide a $4,500 dollar-for-dollar subsidy to Esk Shire Council to restore the 97-year-old monument through a grant from the Queensland Government’s Community Memorials Restoration Program.

Mr Schwarten said the historic significance of the unique memorial, as well as its age and fragile condition, made it a must for restoration.

“This is one of Queensland’s earliest war memorials, and we can be grateful that its timber structure has survived so long,” he said.

“Its survival is a credit to local community members who have built and cared for it over the generations.”

Mr Schwarten said war memorials were part of the historic fabric of our suburbs and towns.

“They tell a very real story of the service and sacrifice made by our servicemen and women in times of conflict.

The highly-decorative Linville War Memorial was constructed by volunteers from the local community in 1910 using timber donated from the local sawmill.

In recent years termites have damaged the roof structure, and the monument needs to be substantially dismantled so restoration can take place.

“The Government understands that regional councils and community organisations face budgetary constraints in these situations, so we’re pleased to partner with the Esk Shire Council to restore the Linville memorial,” he said.

The Community Memorials Restoration Program, now in its third year, has provided almost $1,157,300 in dollar-for dollar-subsidies to councils and community organisations to help restore historic monuments and other local icons around the State.

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