An important piece of Richmonds history will be brought back to life following the announcement today of $140,000 (+GST) in Australian Coalition Government funding towards the reconstruction of part of the Cambridge Downs Homestead. The Nationals Senate Leader, Ron Boswell, was in Richmond today to announce the funds as well as officially open the Commonwealth funded Community Bush Tucker Gardens and attend Melbourne Cup Day celebrations. He is travelling in the northwest with The Nationals Candidate for Kennedy, Cr Ed Morrison. It is my pleasure to announce federal funding support to assist the Richmond Shire Council with its plan to build a replica of the stone general store that was part of the Cambridge Downs Homestead, one of the original colonial settlements dating back to 1862, Senator Boswell said. This project will restore the Cambridge Downs store, currently in ruins in the north of the Shire, in the town centre near Kronosaurus Korner, along with horse stables and a working Blacksmiths shop, and the display of the original Richmond Cobb & Co coach and other historical memorabilia. Richmond Shire Mayor, Cr John Wharton, said: The Council sees this project as an opportunity to preserve forever a part of the regions, and Australias, history and to make it available to the community and visitors free of charge. He said the community would be encouraged to contribute memorabilia, photos and historical items for the display. Senator Boswell said the display would serve as a tourist drawcard, as well as providing opportunities for local school students to contribute to the exhibit and obtain skills in project management and tourism through traineeships and work experience. This is a project that I strongly supported, taking the matter up direct with Australian Government Ministers and outlining how important it was to support the communitys plan to re-create an important part of the regions pioneering days for the ongoing enjoyment of locals and tourists. Richmond is indeed proud of its heritage and the reconstruction of one of the districts earliest known buildings will only strengthen this pride and encourage younger generations in particular to be aware of their regions history and what life was like in the area in the 1900s. I congratulate the Richmond Shire Council for its commitment to the project and the North Queensland Area Consultative Committee for the valuable assistance that it provided in helping get the project off the ground. Senator Boswell said the project was expected to be completed in the lead up to Queenslands 150th anniversary in 2009, and would provide an important local focus for celebrations. The funds will be provided through the Australian Governments Regional Partnerships programme. ENDS More details 3001 8150, 0447 128 801