$4 million to get National Carriage Factory off the ground

Premier Bligh has announced $4 million in new funding to upgrade the Cobb & Co Museum and create a new heritage training centre in Toowoomba.

Anna Bligh visited the Cobb & Co Museum today with Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Toowoomba North MP Kerry Shine.

Ms Bligh said the $4 million to create the new National Carriage Factory was in addition to the $1 million commitment made through the Queensland Museum Board.

The factory will introduce accredited heritage training programs including a “shed” for retired tradesmen to interact with visitors, produce product and mentor young trainees.

“This $5 million commitment is the financial foundation that means this ambitious project will now become a reality,” said the Premier.

“These are tough economic times but we were able to raise the $4 million using the money which was remaining in the Q150 legacy infrastructure program and existing TAFE funding.

“During our Q150 celebrations next year construction will start on this unique facility which will celebrate the heritage of the Darling Downs.

“It will also preserve and develop expertise that otherwise could have been lost, not only to this community but to Australia as this will be the only centre of its kind in the country.”

The State Government’s $5 million contribution means that construction is scheduled to start on the $8 million project in June 2009.

The National Carriage Factory Campaign has already raised $1.7 million though local business and community donations and is seeking a Commonwealth Government contribution while continuing its fundraising activities.

CEO of the Queensland Museum Dr Ian Galloway welcomed the State Government funding.

“This significant contribution from the State Government means that the National Carriage Factory will become a reality, playing an international role in keeping important heritage skills alive,” he said.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the support from the local community and the National Carriage Factory Campaign Committee.”

The National Carriage Factory will feature new exhibition space alongside a unique demonstration and training site for heritage trades and crafts, as well as facilities for community use.

The training will be delivered in partnership with the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE.

“Trades taught will include blacksmithing, saddlery, wheel-wrighting, coach building and wine-barrel making while crafts such as silversmith, lead lighting and leather work will be passed on,” said the Premier.

“These are skills that have been in the Darling Downs for generations and what this new centre will do is ensure that they will be retained for future generations.”

Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Toowoomba North MP Kerry Shine said today’s announcement represented a huge boost to the Toowoomba region in terms of both job creation and tourism.

“It’s a magnificent initiative which has a unique two-fold benefit for the region,” Mr Shine said.

“The fact is it will provide the avenue for our young school-leavers who might have been looking for a trade but were not able to find it locally.

“In that light, this $4 million in funding provides them with the opportunity to learn a trade in the community they grew up in, keeping that skills base in the region.

“That’s important because otherwise these traditional industries – which are a critical part of Toowoomba’s history - may have been lost to the area.

“We are facing unprecedented economic upheaval on a global basis and governments must act to ensure future job security.

“As we move into 2009 and beyond, securing jobs for everyone – and ensuring that our youth can continue to learn and work in trades – is the Bligh Government’s number one priority.”

Mr Shine said the heritage centre would also provide a significant boost to the Darling Downs tourism industry.

“Tourism is crucial to the Queensland economy and to the local economy,” he said.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that not only acknowledges that but works actively with initiatives like this to keep the tourism industry booming in key regions.”

17 November 2008

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