2009 CELEBRATIONS FOCUS ON CLYDESDALE HORSES

THE Queensland Government will provide a $9,800 grant for the Commonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society of Queensland to produce a book detailing the history of the Clydesdale horse in Queensland, Premier Peter Beattie said today.

Mr Beattie said the Society was among 45 recipients in the first round of the Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations Community Funding Program.

“The book, which will be launched at the Ekka in 2009, will detail the contribution the breed made to Queensland’s formative years when their power was essential in farming and agriculture,” Mr Beattie said.

“The book project provides its own unique perspective on our State’s 150^th birthday,” Mr Beattie said.

Mr Beattie said other community groups in Queensland would also be eligible to access funds for events and programs in 2009.

“While a number of projects with State-wide significance are being planned by the Queensland Government for 2009, we recognise that the success of the year of celebrations depends on participation at a truly grass-roots community level,” he said.

“The government has allocated $4 million to the 150^th Celebrations Community Funding Program, which will provide grants of between $2,000 and $10,000 over three rounds between now and 2009.

“I urge all communities to consider the projects they would like to undertake to mark our 150^th birthday and apply for rounds two and three of this scheme.”

Nominations for the second round of grants will open in February next year, with the third and final round opening in June 2008.

Details on the grants program are available from the Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations website – www.q150.qld.gov.au

Media Contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500