Local communities in Queensland are encouraged to apply for the latest round of funding to restore and recognise local historic icons with a particular focus this year on local war memorials, Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers said today.

Carolyn Male MP said that $600,000 had been made available in 2009-10 for the Community Memorials Restoration Program to assist restoring valuable community memorials.

“Through the Community Memorials Restoration Program, the Queensland Government provides dollar for dollar grants of up to $25,000 to local councils and other organisations to restore and repair significant local memorials. Up to $15,000 is offered for cemetery related projects,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“This is the sixth round of funding for the program and priority will be given to local war memorial projects.”

“Since the program started in 2004 the Queensland Government has provided $2.9 million to restore more than 240 memorials across the State.”

“In that time the program’s funding has gone to the restoration and repair of monuments, memorials, honour boards, historical markers, community halls, park gates, obelisks, plaques, fountains, statues, memorial gardens, cenotaphs and clocks.”

“Recently, the program was expanded to assist local government and community groups to undertake projects to research, document, re-instate, and restore cemeteries,” Carolyn Male MP said.

For further information about the Community Memorials Restoration Program call my office on 3205 6779 or email pine.rivers@parliament.qld.gov.au.