Grant helps Murgon railway museum go full steam ahead

The railway museum at Murgon Men’s Shed will be a step closer to completion with $33,000 for a steel shed, announced today by Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien. 

“This new steel-framed shed and annex will provide a sheltered space for the growing railway display, including restored carriages, tractors, a Cobb and Co coach and a steam engine,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Murgon Men’s Shed has done a brilliant job to collect and restore important railway memorabilia, providing a fascinating glimpse into Queensland’s past, and I’m pleased to support their work with this funding through this grant.

“The railway museum at the start of the South Burnett Rail Trail is growing to be a valuable tourism drawcard for the South Burnett region, so this funding will help boost domestic tourism and support local businesses and jobs.”

The new shed will have inclusive access, ensuring all visitors can see the displays. 

The $44,000 project will be jointly funded with $33,000 through the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, and the remainder provided by the Murgon Men’s Shed.

“I thank the Men’s Shed for bringing the project forward and everyone who is contributing to it.”

President David Mollenhauer thanked Mr O’Brien for his support, and said the Shed aimed to provide a worthwhile display of historic items that the town could be proud of and to increase tourism within the region.

“The Shed is a place for men to meet, unburden their woes and perhaps gain self-satisfaction and achievement from projects such as this,” Mr Mollenhauer said.

“This new rail display shed along with our existing restoration building which houses restored wooden wagons, Cobb and Co coach, and tractors should go a fair way to achieving this goal.”

Under Round 5 of the BBRF, the Government has committed almost $300 million to support 295 projects across regional Australia, which will create an estimated 9,900 jobs during the project period.

This latest funding round takes total support through the BBRF to $1.38 billion across nearly 1,300 projects.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is focused on ensuring our regions remain strong.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to work hard on behalf of Australians living in regional and remote communities,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“That’s why we’ve committed an additional $100 million under this latest round to take total funding to almost $300 million. This extra funding will support more projects, more jobs and create more economic opportunities in our regions to boost their recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Funding for these projects in Wide Bay is a testament to the dedication of Llew O’Brien.

“Funding under the Building Better Regions Fund supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities.

“Infrastructure upgrades funded in this latest round will ensure our regions remain great places to live and visit, while helping support important regional industries which create jobs.

“Our Government is committed to delivering the best outcomes for regional and remote Australia, which is why we are providing local businesses, industries and families with opportunities to get ahead.”

For a full list of successful projects in Round 5, please visit: www.business.gov.au/bbrf