FUNDING TO REFURBISH DRAYTON SOLDIERS MEMORIAL

Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten announced today that the Soldiers Memorial at Drayton, south west of Toowoomba, will be refurbished.

Minister Schwarten said the Government will provide a $7,500 dollar-for-dollar subsidy to Toowoomba City Council to clean and repair the historic sandstone monument at Drayton.

“Memorials such as these tell a very real story about the service and sacrifice made by people throughout Queensland. They are part of the social and historical fabric of our cities and towns,” Mr Schwarten said.

Minister Schwarten said the grant would enable cleaning and repair work essential for securing the monument’s future.

The Drayton Soldiers memorial was built at the end of World War One to commemorate those from the region who died in the conflict.

The large sandstone monument forms the focal point for ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services.

“We understand that regional councils and community organisations face budgetary constraints in projects of this kind.

“So the Government is pleased to partner with the Toowoomba City Council to ensure the Soldiers memorial is preserved and protected,” he said.

Work on the restoration is expected to begin in July and be completed in time for Remembrance Day commemorations in November.

The Community Memorials Restoration Program, now in its third year, has provided nearly $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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