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Fraser Island, one of Australia's 17 World Heritage places and the world's largest sand island, will benefit from Australian Government investment of more than $1.8 million for onsite management and redevelopment of visitor services.

Funding was announced today by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, as part of the Australian Government's $650 million Jobs Fund initiative.

"This significant investment in one of Australia's most special places will contribute to its economic future," Mr Garret said.

"Funding will support major work to improve and upgrade visitor services at Lake McKenzie-a great outcome for both the local community and the thousands of visitors who come to Fraser Island each year."

Mr Garrett said activities funded through the project include:

• construction of pedestrian access and walking tracks
• upgrades to access roads
• development of interpretive materials, and
• construction of a new amenities block, treatment plant, car park and day use facilities.

"As a result of this investment by the Australian Government a mix of both short and long term jobs will be supported within the local community. This is a great opportunity for local businesses to be directly involved in the future of this important heritage place," Mr Garrett said.

"Recent studies show our 17 World Heritage properties generate $12 billion annually and support more than 120,000 jobs across the country. The Australian Government is committed to supporting our World Heritage places by investing in on the ground community works.

"The Jobs Fund is an important part of this commitment. Projects that receive funding not only protect and conserve some of our most important heritage places, they are helping to generate jobs and provide economic stimulus around the country-particularly in regional areas," Mr Garrett said.

The $650 million Jobs Fund includes $60 million for projects related to Australia's historic, Indigenous and natural heritage places.

The Minister announced last week $2.5 million for four Tasmanian convict sites and more than $550,000 will protect and conserve the Cottesloe home of World War II Prime Minister John Curtin. In addition, $2 million has also been announced for conservation works to Old Government House in Parramatta and more than $360,000 has been provided for walking and bike trails at Budj Bim in Victoria, one of the world's oldest known traditional aquaculture systems.

The $60 million for community heritage projects has been developed in consultation with Senator Bob Brown as part of the Government's $42 billion Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan.

For more information on Australia's heritage projects visit www.heritage.gov.au 

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