The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts
The Hon. Bob McMullan MP
Member for Fraser
More than $260,000 to conserve historic Canberra churches
Joint Media Release
5 June 2009
More than $260,000 will fund important restoration work on three historic Canberra churches. Funding was announced today by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, and the Federal Member for Fraser, Bob McMullan, as part of the Australian Government's $650 million Jobs Fund.
“This investment gives the green-light to begin the highly skilled restoration work on the Church of St Andrew's Forrest; All Saints Anglican Church, Ainslie; and St John the Baptist Church, Reid,” Mr Garrett said.
“These churches have played an important role in the Canberra community and region for many years and this restoration work will ensure that these important places are protected and conserved now and into the future”.
Mr Garrett said activities funded through the project include:
- St Andrew's: The ‘Redemption’ stained glass window will be removed, restored and reinstalled. Several local workers will be engaged in the removal and reinstallation, with the restoration being carried out by interstate specialists.
- All Saints: Guttering will be fixed and a heritage stained glass window restored. Five local workers and specialists will carry out the work.
- St John's: The 130 year old pews will be restored by a local expert who will employ and supervise an additional staff member.
Mr McMullan said the funding was an important investment in Canberra. “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. ThHis is a great opportunity for local Canberra businesses to supply the necessary materials and services for these vital works,” Mr McMullan said.
“The Jobs Fund is an important part of the Government's commitment to provide targeted funding for projects that not only protect and conserve some of our most important heritage places, but also help generate jobs and provide economic stimulus around the country.” Mr McMullan said.
“The $650 million Jobs Fund includes $60 million for projects related to Australia's historic Indigenous and natural heritage places and the National Trust of Australia (ACT) is to be congratulated for their work to conserve these churches.”
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.
Funding previously announced for heritage projects includes $2.5 million for four Tasmanian convict sites and more than $550,000 to protect and conserve the Cotteslow 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.
For more information on Australia's heritage projects visit www.heritage.gov.au.
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