Published Friday, 11 May, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
HERITAGE WEEK FESTIVAL UNDERWAY
The 2007 Heritage Week Festival was launched in Townsville today, marking the start of a week-long celebration of people, places and stories that reflect the festival theme “the Australian Spirit”.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said more than 200 activities had been planned during the National Trust of Queensland Heritage Week Festival, which runs from 13 to 20 May.
“These activities include steam train rides, photographic exhibitions, cemetery ghost tours and workshops to name a few,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“They have been organised for and by the community across the state and really demonstrate the level of interest out there in Queensland’s heritage.
Ms Nelson-Carr said Queensland was experiencing a period of rapid development, making it all the more important to conserve and celebrate the state’s heritage.
“Through initiatives like the Queensland Government’s $5 million heritage grants program, the government continues to demonstrate our commitment to preserving Queensland’s heritage for the future.
“The Living Buildings and Places program has attracted more than 800 responses in the first round which is an extremely encouraging.
“Of the responses received, 183 were for places listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, while the remainder were for places representing local heritage values.
“It’s great there’s so much interest out there, as the Queensland Government would like to provide support for the owners of heritage properties.
“Historic buildings are most effectively protected when they are regularly used, and the Living Buildings and Places program was designed to encourage the continued use of heritage buildings by their owners and the community.”
The expressions of interest from property owners will be considered by a panel that will include representatives from the Queensland Heritage Council, the National Trust of Queensland, the Department of Public Works and the Local Government Association of Queensland.
Successful applicants will be notified in the coming weeks. A second round of funding will be offered later in the year.
More on the Heritage Festival can be found at www.nationaltrustqld.org or by calling 3229 1788.
ENDS
Media contact: Lisa Gilby 3336 8002
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said more than 200 activities had been planned during the National Trust of Queensland Heritage Week Festival, which runs from 13 to 20 May.
“These activities include steam train rides, photographic exhibitions, cemetery ghost tours and workshops to name a few,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“They have been organised for and by the community across the state and really demonstrate the level of interest out there in Queensland’s heritage.
Ms Nelson-Carr said Queensland was experiencing a period of rapid development, making it all the more important to conserve and celebrate the state’s heritage.
“Through initiatives like the Queensland Government’s $5 million heritage grants program, the government continues to demonstrate our commitment to preserving Queensland’s heritage for the future.
“The Living Buildings and Places program has attracted more than 800 responses in the first round which is an extremely encouraging.
“Of the responses received, 183 were for places listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, while the remainder were for places representing local heritage values.
“It’s great there’s so much interest out there, as the Queensland Government would like to provide support for the owners of heritage properties.
“Historic buildings are most effectively protected when they are regularly used, and the Living Buildings and Places program was designed to encourage the continued use of heritage buildings by their owners and the community.”
The expressions of interest from property owners will be considered by a panel that will include representatives from the Queensland Heritage Council, the National Trust of Queensland, the Department of Public Works and the Local Government Association of Queensland.
Successful applicants will be notified in the coming weeks. A second round of funding will be offered later in the year.
More on the Heritage Festival can be found at www.nationaltrustqld.org or by calling 3229 1788.
ENDS
Media contact: Lisa Gilby 3336 8002