JETTY OPENING CELEBRATES QUEENSLAND MARITIME HERITAGE

Acting Premier Paul Lucas said more than 126 years of Queensland maritime heritage will be celebrated at the official opening of the new Woody Point Jetty later today.

Festivities will run from 4pm to 8pm and will include an official opening by Mr Lucas and Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor, Allan Sutherland.

Mr Lucas said the structure was one of the first major Q150 projects to be opened during the year of Queensland’s 150^th birthday.

“My grandparents lived in Woody Point and I have wonderful memories of fishing from the old jetty when I was a child,” said Mr Lucas.

“I’m really pleased that kids today and in decades to come will be able to catch their first fish from the new jetty.

“The $9.5 million project, funded by Moreton Bay Regional Council and the Queensland Government’s Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program provides residents and visitors to the area with a fantastic recreational facility,” Mr Lucas said.

“Woody Point has a rich maritime past, and it’s fantastic we can continue to preserve this while also providing new and modern facilities to the community with the help of $3 million from the Queensland Government’s Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program,” he said.

“This brings the Queensland Government’s contribution to this project to $4.7 million.

“The new jetty is 240 metres long and six metres wide with plenty of space for recreational fishermen and boaties.

“The foreshore improvements part of this project includes a brand new 400m promenade and general park amenity improvements.

“What a great way to encourage the healthy recreational activities of walking, bike riding and fishing as well as increasing the appeal of the area to families and visitors.”

Mr Lucas said the official Woody Point Jetty opening celebrations were the perfect way for Queenslanders to enjoy one of many festivities planned for 2009 – Queensland’s 150^th anniversary of separation from New South Wales.

The Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program is a $100 million capital works program by the Queensland Government to help Councils create legacies for their communities marking Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations 2009.

Mayor Allan Sutherland said the opening event offers heaps of family fun and a chance to explore the new jetty for the very first time.

He said the afternoon features a line-up of live bands and entertainment before a firework spectacular at 8pm.

“Onlookers will be treated to live music by Woodford Folk Festival favorite and World Music Band, OKA, as well as Blues Queen, Barbara Fordham,” Cr Sutherland said.

“There will also be a 15 minute African drum and fire twirling performance by Phoenix Wild Fire, stilt walkers, free face painting and a free lantern and kite making workshop for children.”

Cr Sutherland said from 4.30pm, people could walk along the new jetty, which was made with 80-year-old recycled timber from the old Mackay wharf.

“The jetty is the third to be built on the site and marks the start of the next chapter in a maritime story spanning 126 years,” he said.

“The first jetty was designed to meet the recreational and leisure needs of the peninsula’s early settlers and the new structure certainly continues this tradition with some fantastic modern features including shelters, seating, drinking water, lighting and fish cleaning tables, information plaques and rod holders.

“The surrounding Woody Point foreshore also received a complete make-over featuring upgrades to amenities, landscaping and recreation areas as well as footpath art and a variety of sculptures.”

Media inquiries:
Premier’s Office (07) 3224 4500
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