Federal Member for Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon today announced Australian Government investment of $1,293,759 for conservation projects in and around the Hunter electorate.

The Sandstone Wall Restoration Project at Merriwa will receive $53,823, The Singleton Showground Pavilion Project will receive $56,591, St Mary’s Building Stabilisation Project in Maitland will receive $183,095, Wollombi Courthouse will receive $31,250, Maitland Gaol will receive $190,000 and the Great North Road Conservation – Ramsay’s Leap and Thompson’s Bridge at Bucketty/Laguna will receive $779,000.

The funding is part of the Australian Government’s $650 million Jobs Fund. Of this, 60 million was available for projects relating to Australia’s historic, Indigenous and natural heritage places – the largest ever investment in Australia’s heritage.

“Tourists are drawn to the outstanding heritage of the Hunter electorate. This is an asset which we must endeavour to protect – not only for the long-term benefit of our children, but for our economic well-being,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
 
“This funding recognises the crucial role that heritage conservation can play in stimulating our economic health.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said the funded work would create local jobs and will also further boost our local economy with materials and services to be sourced from regional suppliers.

“By investing in our heritage, the Government is helping to build employment opportunities, enhance local technical expertise, and improve facilities in Hunter,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The $60 million heritage funding under the Jobs Fund supports high priority heritage projects while also generating jobs, particularly in regional areas.

For more information on Australia’s heritage, visit www.heritage.gov.au.