Published Thursday, 12 June, 2008 at 05:49 PM

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara

Heritage grants to help protect historic Wide Bay–Burnett properties

Historic properties in the Wide Bay-Burnett region will share in funding of more than $70,000 from the second round of the Queensland Government’s $5 million Living Buildings and Places heritage grants program.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara said the Living Buildings and Places program had been developed to assist private owners of heritage properties and community groups to conserve Queensland’s important heritage places.

The projects include:

• $25,000 towards maintenance and repairs at the Paragon Theatre, Childers,
• $5,000 towards repairs at Gaydon’s Pharmacy, Childers,
• $15,625 for conservation works at Alfredson’s Joinery in Cooran,
• $20,000 for re-roofing of Maryborough City Hall.

“A further $5,500 will enable an upgrade of the existing conservation management plan for St Paul’s Anglican Church in Maryborough.

“Conservation management plans are an important first step in effective heritage management.

“They help owners protect the heritage values of their property by identifying important elements of historic buildings and guiding future maintenance.”

“Notable old buildings like these are a link with our past and it’s vital that everything possible is done to make certain they continue to endure for the appreciation of future generations.”

Mr McNamara said successful applicants were selected by an expert panel including members of the Queensland Heritage Council, the National Trust, the Department of Public Works and the Local Government Association of Queensland.

“Taken in combination with the $2.7 million state-wide survey of heritage places and the amendments to the Queensland Heritage Act 1992, the $5 million grants program is part of a suite of measures aimed at providing greater protection for our state’s heritage during a sustained period of intense growth.”

The Living Buildings and Places grants program has already distributed $2.6 million to 107 conservation projects.

A final round of grants will be released later this year.

Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002