REFURBISHMENT OF GYMPIE WOODWORKS MUSEUM BEGINS
Published Thursday, 06 November, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
The Department of Public Works has started a $280,000 refurbishment of the Gympie Woodworks Museum in preparation of the building being handed over to Gympie Regional Council.
Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said today the upgrade would include new internal lighting and the installation of a new disabled toilet facility.
“The museum’s ramp and balustrades will also be repaired, quite fittingly using silky oak timber,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The weatherboards will be repaired and given a couple of coats of oil to better preserve them and guttering and downpipes will also be repaired.
“A new security system and additional security fencing will also be installed.”
The Department of Public Works is the owner of the Gympie Forestry Complex, which includes the Woodworks Museum, and previously leased the site to the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries ceased operations on the site on September 30. In response to community concern about the museum’s closure, Mr Schwarten offered to excise the museum building from the rest of the site and lease it to the council for a peppercorn rent.
The remainder of the complex was recently offered, by expressions of interest, to the private market for sale or lease. Expressions closed on October 31 with the Department of Public Works currently assessing the 6 applications received.
“As part of the handover of the museum to the council, the Queensland Government is ensuring the museum building is in a state of good repair,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Repairs will also be made to the caretaker’s house, adjacent to the museum, including the installation of a new bathroom and kitchen, external repainting and the enclosure of the existing carport.”
Other capital works on the site will include separating water, sewerage, electrical and communication services from other buildings on the complex.
Mr Schwarten said the museum was an important part of the community.
“The renovations being undertaken by the Department of Public Works will help preserve the Woodworks Museum for future generations,” he said.
“This is another example of the Bligh Government working with local government to produce positive outcomes for the community.”
The works will be completed as soon as possible with the buildings being handed over to the Council as soon as practicable.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832
Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said today the upgrade would include new internal lighting and the installation of a new disabled toilet facility.
“The museum’s ramp and balustrades will also be repaired, quite fittingly using silky oak timber,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The weatherboards will be repaired and given a couple of coats of oil to better preserve them and guttering and downpipes will also be repaired.
“A new security system and additional security fencing will also be installed.”
The Department of Public Works is the owner of the Gympie Forestry Complex, which includes the Woodworks Museum, and previously leased the site to the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries ceased operations on the site on September 30. In response to community concern about the museum’s closure, Mr Schwarten offered to excise the museum building from the rest of the site and lease it to the council for a peppercorn rent.
The remainder of the complex was recently offered, by expressions of interest, to the private market for sale or lease. Expressions closed on October 31 with the Department of Public Works currently assessing the 6 applications received.
“As part of the handover of the museum to the council, the Queensland Government is ensuring the museum building is in a state of good repair,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Repairs will also be made to the caretaker’s house, adjacent to the museum, including the installation of a new bathroom and kitchen, external repainting and the enclosure of the existing carport.”
Other capital works on the site will include separating water, sewerage, electrical and communication services from other buildings on the complex.
Mr Schwarten said the museum was an important part of the community.
“The renovations being undertaken by the Department of Public Works will help preserve the Woodworks Museum for future generations,” he said.
“This is another example of the Bligh Government working with local government to produce positive outcomes for the community.”
The works will be completed as soon as possible with the buildings being handed over to the Council as soon as practicable.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832