$5 MILLION GRANT TO PRESERVE OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE: PREMIER

Premier Peter Beattie today announced a major $5 million funding injection for the restoration of one of our most significant historic buildings – Old Government House in George Street.

Mr Beattie presented the State Government grant to the building's custodians, the Queensland University of Technology, so restoration work could be completed in time for Queensland's 150th birthday celebrations in 2009.

Mr Beattie said the building had played an important role in the political life of the State, being built in 1862, three years after Queensland was proclaimed a separate colony.

“From 1862 to 1909 it was the home of our Governors including the first Governor Sir George Bowen, and it has served as a social hub and a centre of governance,” Mr Beattie said.

“It is also one of only a few surviving examples of colonial architecture left in Queensland,” he said.

“This restoration will return Old Government House to its former glory, giving the people of Queensland a valuable insight into our past and providing an important legacy for future generations.”

Mr Beattie said the grant was provided through Queensland's 150th Celebrations Legacy Infrastructure Program.

“The State Government is providing a total of $100 million to support capital works projects that celebrate our 2009 birthday and 150 years as a separate colony.

“The funding will support some 95 projects that have local or State significance.”

Old Government House was designed by the colonial architect Charles Tiffin, who also designed the Queensland Parliament, and it took more than a year to build at a cost of about 12,000 pounds.

Eleven consecutive Governors lived in the house until 1909 when the then Governor Sir William MacGregor moved to the present Government House in Paddington.

In 1909 the building was occupied by the newly established University of Queensland. In 1973 it became the State headquarters for the National Trust and, in 2002, Queensland University of Technology became its custodian under an agreement with the Trust and State Government.

The restoration of Old Government House will see the building reopen to the community with historical displays, function rooms and a café.

Mr Beattie said a wing would also be used to exhibit a collection of works by one of Queensland’s and Australia’s greatest living painters, William Robinson.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500