Sod-turning at Cultural Centre and Fossil Museum marks new chapter in Murgon’s bright future

February 11, 2021

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien will turn the first sod on Murgon’s $1.5 million cultural centre and fossil museum today, starting a new chapter in South Burnett’s history.

Mr O’Brien said he was delighted to see works begin on the game-changing project by Murgon Creative Country Association, which will include a purpose-built cultural centre with an art gallery, fossil museum, art workshop, gift shop, and central prehistoric garden.

“This is an important boost to the local economy as we begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is the start of a bright future for South Burnett tourism, jobs, and the Murgon community,” Mr O’Brien said.

Murgon’s Country Creative Association received $1,596,514 through Round 4 of the Morrison Government’s Building Better Regions Fund to construct the project, which will capitalise on Murgon’s position as a significant Australian paleontological site to provide ongoing tourism and economic benefit for the region.

“We will start to see some immediate benefits from this investment with about 40 jobs during the construction phase, and a further four permanent jobs once it opens early next year, and it will bolster the valuable South Burnett tourism sector by adding to the range of products and experiences on offer in the region,” Mr O’Brien said.

“As Australia recovers from the COVID economic downturn, investments like these are critical in places like Murgon, because helping regional areas recover and supporting the local economy means that Australia can recover faster.

“A project of this scale will become a focal point for community activity and a significant tourist attraction, creating new opportunities and ensuring Murgon remains strong, resilient and prosperous in the long term.”

The Murgon Cultural Centre was one of five projects in Wide Bay to share in $1.8 million through Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Program, with other projects including $60,000 for the Noosa Alive arts and cultural festival; $42,539 for Noosa disability service Sunshine Butterflies; $20,000 to upgrade the 30-year-old toilets and showers at the Cooroy Badminton Club Hall; and $140,000 to construct a new educational and activity centre at Hope Reins in Gympie.

WELCOME TO WIDE BAY

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