FIREWORKS LIGHTS UP THE COUNTDOWN TO QUEENSLAND’S 150TH CELEBRATIONS 2009

Premier Anna Bligh said at midnight tonight New Year’s eve revellers at Brisbane’s South Bank would be treated to spectacular fireworks in the countdown to 2009, Queensland’s 150^th anniversary of separation from New South Wales.

From tonight Queensland begins a year of celebration and commemoration across the State.

Ms Bligh said the Streets Q150 Fireworks would be 15 minutes this year, instead of the usual 10 minutes, to welcome in Queensland’s birthday year.

“Come on down to South Bank for a fireworks to remember,” Ms Bligh said.

“There won’t be another one like it celebrating our statehood for another 50 years at least.

“This is the start of a year long party in Queensland where we celebrate our people, our places and our stories.

“Prepare yourself for some new explosions of colour in the night sky as well as some old favourites choreographed to soundtracks from Queensland musicians.

“With an intense fireworks display we say goodbye to 2008 and hello 2009 where we look forward to a year packed with hundreds of activities and events that Queenslanders and communities can enjoy, are participating in or are in fact staging.

“Tonight Q150 will be celebrated at fireworks in Brisbane. It will also be celebrated at fireworks in Mackay, Townsville and Cairns.

“From tonight the celebrations will spread out across the State.

“We want as many Queenslanders as possible in all corners of the State to be touched by these celebrations in 2009.

“There’s the Q150 Steam Train that will wind its way through the State from April to August as far north as Cairns, as far west as Mount Isa and as far south as Stanthorpe.

“The Q150 entertainment shed with its two tours beginning June and November will entertain Queenslanders with headline acts and showcase local talent in 13 locations around the State including Augathella, Cherbourg, Rockhampton and Townsville.

“The train and shed will converge at Mount Isa on Queensland Day in the North West while in the South, the youth will celebrate the State’s 150^th anniversary through Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

“Then there’s the Q150 Film Festival, more than 500 Q150 Community Funded activities and over 90 Q150 Legacy Infrastructure projects to mark our commemoration of all things Queensland.

“Businesses building Queensland will be celebrated at business breakfasts in 2009.

“A giant Q150 mosaic will be unveiled at the 2009 EKKA with creative input from all parts of the State.

“From 1 March 2009, Queenslanders have the opportunity to vote on their favourite Queensland icon that says Queensland to them.

“There’s no better time to be a Queenslander.

“We’ve come a long way and deserve to celebrate our achievements, take stock and tackle the challenges and shape the Queensland we want our children and our children’s children to enjoy in the years ahead.”

A Q150 booth will be onsite at South Bank where visitors can find out more about celebrations scheduled for 2009.

The Q150 program is available online at www.q150.qld.gov.au. A printed program will be available in local papers week commencing 25 January 2009 and a second program will be published mid 2009.

Q150 is proudly supported by Bank of Queensland, Santos, The University of Queensland, Warner Bro. Movie World, Qantas, Clovely Estate, Coca-Cola Amatil, Bundaberg Rum, XXXX, APN News and Media, Austereo, Macquarie Southern Cross Media, Network 10, Nova 106.9FM and Quest Community Newspapers.

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