Gatton to Become Rural Heart of Arts, Culture and Tribute to Trucking Transport

The Gatton community’s dream of becoming a rural centre of arts and culture is a step closer today thanks to a $3 million grant from the Bligh Government for next year’s Q150 celebrations.

The $3 million funding is part of the Government’s $100 million Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program which is assisting local council’s to create long lasting legacies for Queensland’s 150th celebrations in 2009.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity today to present the Lockyer Valley Regional Council with a Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Funding cheque towards the development of the Gatton Arts and Cultural Centre and the Queensland Transport Museum,” Mr Shine said.

“Queensland’s 150th Celebrations (Q150) next year have provided us with a golden opportunity to preserve the past, take stock and look to the future.

“Gatton is at the heart of the Lockyer Valley salad bowl producing an abundance of vegetables - lettuce, beetroot, cabbage, onions and potatoes.

“Transport is such an important part of this community and its need to get fresh produce to markets on time.

“Gatton was the birthplace of businesses like Nolans Transport, which to this day is one of Australia’s major transport businesses.

“Produce from the area is now transported to markets on the Australian seaboard from Brisbane to Melbourne by a number of transport businesses.

“It’s a proud heritage and one that ought to be celebrated.”

Mr Shine said the Gatton Arts and Cultural Centre and Queensland Transport Museum is one of more than 90 projects to mark Queensland’s 150th anniversary of separation from New South Wales.

“The $12.15 million project is also funded by Queensland Corrective Services and Council.”

Mayor of Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Steve Jones, has welcomed the Q150 Community Funding, saying it is helping to create an icon in the region for future generations.

“What we are creating is an arts centre and gallery and a transport museum that will probably be around for another 100 years or more.

“With the arts centre and gallery we are providing a venue for travelling art shows and a place where local emerging artists can be discovered.

“The transport museum allows us to pay tribute to the history of the South East Queensland trucking and transport industry so vital to the economy of the Lockyer Valley,” Cr Jones said.

“The museum will also be within walking distance from the ‘lights on the hill’ where we have the names of hundreds of people who have lived their lives and died in the line of duty in the transport industry. This project honours and respects them.

“As for the future, the community is excited about the project because ultimately it will be the centrepiece of an annual week long event for the rural community and trucking industry around Easter and that will be good for the community and the economy.”

2009 marks Queensland’s 150th anniversary of independence from New South Wales as a colony.

Media inquiries: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273

Cr Steve Jones, Mayor, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, 0408 981 736, sjones@lvrc.qld.gov.au