Roadside sign honours wildlife warrior
Published Friday, 18 April, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
The life's work of wildlife warrior Steve Irwin was further recognised today, with the unveiling of an entry sign to the Sunshine Coast road named in his honour.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt joined Australia Zoo’s Terri Irwin and Member for Glasshouse Carolyn Male in officially commissioning the southern entry display sign to Steve Irwin Way.
The sign depicts Steve Irwin in a familiar pose, feeding one of his beloved crocodiles, with the Glasshouse Mountains in the background.
"This is a fitting tribute to the great wildlife icon whose involvement in environmental conservation is renowned worldwide," Mr Pitt said.
"In September 2006, the former Premier announced that Glasshouse Mountains Road was to be renamed Steve Irwin Way, with temporary signage installed to that effect in December 2006.
"Since that time, Main Roads has worked closely with Australia Zoo and the Member for Glasshouse, Carolyn Male, to design this formal entry statement.
"I'm delighted to unveil a finished product today that both recognises Steve's enormous contributions to environmental conservation and at 3.8 metres in height, presents an attractive and striking entry statement to the Glasshouse Mountains tourist route."
Terri Irwin said today she was proud to see Steve’s legacy continue.
“Steve was a wildlife warrior in every sense of the term. He brought wildlife conservation right into people’s living rooms, and inspired the world to take action and fight for wildlife and their habitat,” she said.
“This is a fitting reminder, in Steve’s local community, of a great father, husband and wildlife warrior.”
Ms Male congratulated Main Roads and Australia Zoo on their collaborative efforts.
"The entry statement celebrates not only Steve's incredible passion for wildlife but also his contribution to the local community and tourism industry," she said.
"A matching statement will be installed at the northern end of Steve Irwin Way in coming months, ensuring all those who travel on the road are aware of its significance.
"At the same time, the Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive will retain its name, reflecting the geography and cultural heritage of the area."
Main Roads is currently planning for future upgrades of Steve Irwin Way, including the four-laning of a 10km stretch from the Landsborough-Maleny Road intersection to the Caloundra Road interchange at the Bruce Highway.
Construction of the first stage of the project, from south of Mooloolah Connection Road to Caloundra Road, is expected to start in early 2009.
Main Roads is also well underway with a planning study for the future upgrade of the southern section of Steve Irwin Way, from the Bruce Highway interchange at Beerburrum to Caloundra Street at Landsborough.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Ms Male’s Office 5495 2666
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt joined Australia Zoo’s Terri Irwin and Member for Glasshouse Carolyn Male in officially commissioning the southern entry display sign to Steve Irwin Way.
The sign depicts Steve Irwin in a familiar pose, feeding one of his beloved crocodiles, with the Glasshouse Mountains in the background.
"This is a fitting tribute to the great wildlife icon whose involvement in environmental conservation is renowned worldwide," Mr Pitt said.
"In September 2006, the former Premier announced that Glasshouse Mountains Road was to be renamed Steve Irwin Way, with temporary signage installed to that effect in December 2006.
"Since that time, Main Roads has worked closely with Australia Zoo and the Member for Glasshouse, Carolyn Male, to design this formal entry statement.
"I'm delighted to unveil a finished product today that both recognises Steve's enormous contributions to environmental conservation and at 3.8 metres in height, presents an attractive and striking entry statement to the Glasshouse Mountains tourist route."
Terri Irwin said today she was proud to see Steve’s legacy continue.
“Steve was a wildlife warrior in every sense of the term. He brought wildlife conservation right into people’s living rooms, and inspired the world to take action and fight for wildlife and their habitat,” she said.
“This is a fitting reminder, in Steve’s local community, of a great father, husband and wildlife warrior.”
Ms Male congratulated Main Roads and Australia Zoo on their collaborative efforts.
"The entry statement celebrates not only Steve's incredible passion for wildlife but also his contribution to the local community and tourism industry," she said.
"A matching statement will be installed at the northern end of Steve Irwin Way in coming months, ensuring all those who travel on the road are aware of its significance.
"At the same time, the Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive will retain its name, reflecting the geography and cultural heritage of the area."
Main Roads is currently planning for future upgrades of Steve Irwin Way, including the four-laning of a 10km stretch from the Landsborough-Maleny Road intersection to the Caloundra Road interchange at the Bruce Highway.
Construction of the first stage of the project, from south of Mooloolah Connection Road to Caloundra Road, is expected to start in early 2009.
Main Roads is also well underway with a planning study for the future upgrade of the southern section of Steve Irwin Way, from the Bruce Highway interchange at Beerburrum to Caloundra Street at Landsborough.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Ms Male’s Office 5495 2666