The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts
The Hon Duncan Kerr SC MP
Federal Member for Denison
Tasmania's heritage place recieves $5.8 million conservation boost
Media release
13 October 2009
Federal Environment and Heritage Minister Peter Garrett today announced $5.8 million for nine heritage conservations projects in Tasmania.
Projects include $1.6 million for Hobart’s St David’s Anglican Cathedral and $1.3 million for projects in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and restoration work to an historic chalet at Cradle Valley.
“From the Gothic Revival style of Hobart’s St David’s Anglican Cathedral to the stunning beauty of the state’s natural areas, Tasmania boasts a rich and varied array of heritage places,” Mr Garrett said.
The projects will be funded under the Australian Government’s $650 million Jobs Fund and are expected to create up to 104 jobs.
“St David’s Anglican Church will receive support to undertake conservation on the historic stonework—a project that will create up to six work experience positions and support more than 60 short term jobs,” Mr Kerr said.
“Australian Government funding will help protect and conserve these important places through projects that also help boost the local economy.
“With a landscape carved by glaciers, housing rare wildlife and alpine flora, the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area has become a must-see for both locals and tourists to the island state” Mr Garrett said.
“It is essential that visitation is well managed to ensure the area’s values are protected and conserved by future generations. This Australian Government funding will conserve three of the most popular day use tracks in the Cradle Mountain area – Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Summit, and Cradle Face Track.
“Work will include stabilisation and erosion control to preserve delicate alpine and sub-alpine vegetation, as well as improved infrastructure such as signage, foot bridges and additional hand rails.”
Mr Garrett said funding would also go towards stabilising the decorative timber and joinery of the iconic Waldheim Chalet at Cradle Valley.
“It is fitting that this reconstructed building at the start of the Overland Track be conserved. It was on this site that pioneering conservationist Gustav Weindorfer worked tirelessly in the early part of the 20th century to have the surrounding area declared a national park. It now remains as a monument to the important work he and his wife Kate performed in the protection of this magnificent natural wonder.”
Funding will also support maintenance work on the 85km Melaleuca and South Coast Track in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Track is one of the most popular multi-day walks in Tasmania, attracting over 1,000 walkers per year.
Mr Garrett said $60 million of the Government’s $650 million Jobs Fund was dedicated to community heritage projects.
“This funding supports local jobs and training through community projects in regions hardest hit by the economic downturn. Tasmanian communities will benefit from this conservation work through employment of track workers in the short term, and longer term through provision of appropriate amenities that underpin the tourism industry that support many small business in the area.
“These nine projects, spread right across the state, will provide local employment and leave local communities with a lasting sense of pride in their rejuvenated heritage icons,” Mr Kerr said. “The list of nine funded projects also reads as a ‘must-see’ list for heritage tourists. Growing the tourism sector is an obvious and effective way to revive and strengthen Tasmania’s economy.
“This is the largest investment ever made in Australian heritage conservation. It recognises the crucial role that heritage conservation can and does play in stimulating the economic health of communities, and in turn, the nation,” Mr Garrett said.
The Project announcements are part of the second round of the Jobs Fund heritage initiative, with $12.7 million already allocated in round one to more than 30 heritage conservation projects around Australia.
The $60 million for community heritage projects has been developed in consultation with Senator Bob Brown as part of the Australian Government’s Jobs and Training Compact.
The Tasmanian Wilderness Area is included in both the World and National Heritage Lists and is protected through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999. For more information on Australia’s heritage projects, visit www.heritage.gov.au
Projects funded in TAS
Albert Hall Revitalisation
Launceston, Tasmania
$1,000,000
Built in 1891, the Albert Hall is one of Launceston’s most significant heritage buildings and the largest indoor community gathering space for northern Tasmania, hosting up to 1200 people. The refurbishment will include safety measures and also enable the venue to attract more events and conferences.
Brickendon and Woolmers Estates Stage 2 Heritage Works for World Heritage Nomination
Longford, TAS
$604,545
A walkway and interpretation infrastructure, part of efforts to ready the site for inspection as part of the Convict Serial World Heritage nomination project, and provide long-term benefits to the local community through enhanced visitor experience.
Clarendon – A Colonial Agricultural Heritage
Evandale, Tasmania
$796,000
Completion of urgent maintenance and interpretation works to outbuildings and garden at Clarendon, one of Australia’s largest and best known early colonial houses.
Runnymede – Sustaining our Heritage
Hobart, Tasmania
$520,909
The project will help ensure the long term conservation, protection, interpretation and improved community access to Runnymede, one of Tasmania’s most significant heritage properties. Measures include reducing fire risk and removing asbestos-containing material, and improving the presentation and interpretation of the house, stables and gardens.
Sarah Island Walkways and Visitor Infrastructure
Strahan
$355,000
The Sarah Island Historic Site is Tasmania’s oldest convict settlement, operating from 1822 to 1833. The project will redesign the walking track infrastructure for disabled access, as well as allowing access for large groups from cruise vessels.
Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Melaleuca and South Coast Track – priority maintenance work and upgrades
South West National Park, Tasmania
$265,000
The South Coast Track runs 85 km from Melaleuca to Cockle Creek through landscapes ranging from coastal to alpine. The project will address the highest priority repairs and upgrades, primarily track and toilet infrastructure.
TWWHA Mt Field National Park Walking Track – Introduction to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Infrastructure Improvements
Mt Field National Park, Tasmania
$194,000
Upgrades including a wheelchair-suitable loop track to Russel Falls, the upgrade and installation of foot bridges, track hardening and erosion control for the protection of alpine and sub alpine vegetation and highly erodible soils.
Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Visitor Walking Track Infrastructure Improvements and Waldheim Heritage
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
$491,000
Upgrade the walking track infrastructure in the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, including environmental stabilisation and erosion control; conservation work at the Waldheim Chalet site to stabilise the decorative timber and joinery.
St David’s Anglican Cathedral Hobart
Hobart
$1,636,364
Conservation on the stonework, adaptation works and the installation of new facilities.
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