Queensland's 150th Birthday Celebrations

Queensland turns 150 in 2009 

Queensland celebrates 150 years of independence from New South Wales on 10 December 2009. This milestone provides a unique opportunity to celebrate Queensland throughout 2009. Below are a list of projects and celebrations that are taking place in McKinlay Shire to celebrate Q150.

Julia Creek Interpretive Centre

On Monday the 2nd of October 2008 the State Government through its Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program committed $500,000 to the New Interpretive Centre at Julia Creek. This funding has been matched with $500,000 from BHP Billiton Cannington and the occasion was marked with a cheque presentation to the Shire from Betty Kiernan MP and Asset Leader for BHP Billiton Cannington Shane Hansen.  The Interpretive Centre is set to be an innovative centre focusing on the unique natural attractions of the Shire co- existing with the prominent pastoral and mining industries.

The Centre will provide a significant boost to the Tourism Industry. Locally the Centre will provide support to Shire and regional producers through the upcoming issues such as climate change, peak oil, and various aspects of leasehold land renewal (Delbessie Agreement). Unique possibilities of on property carbon sequestration and small on property Dunnart protection sanctuaries will be developed.

Mayor Paul Woodhouse has stated looking to the future the centre is to be powered by alternative energy sources such as geothermal to contribute to a larger focus of the McKinlay Shire Council of climate change encompassing the reduction of carbon emissions.

Asset Leader Shane Hansen commented that as a good neighbour the support of this project reinforces BHP Billiton’s commitment to the community and region.

Construction is proposed to commence early 2009 and will make use of donated Fettler Cottages from Queensland Rail and the old Julia Creek Jail from Queensland Police.

Gibbons Construction Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract for the planning of the Interpretive Centre. To view the initial site plans click here

L-R:  Shane Hansen (Asset Leader, BHPB), Betty Kiernan (MP), Mayor Paul Woodhouse (McKinlay Shire)

Q150 Steam Train

Get onboard the Q150 Steam Train!

Kicking off in April 2009, the train will travel throughout Queensland, reaching more than 30 communities, from Cairns to Mt Isa to Quilpie to Toowoomba. Local communities will welcome the train to their town and celebrate Queensland’s 150th with events and activities

Be part of the welcoming team on Thursday 4th June 2009 at the Julia Creek Train Station. Please join us for a sausage sizzle at 12.30pm and welcome the arrival of the train at 1.10pm.  Train departs Julia Creek for Cloncurry at 1.40pm. Come and be a part of the Q150 celebrations.

For photos of the steam train, please visit our news page

Q150 Mosaic project

McKinlay Shire Council is participating in the Q150 Mosaic project. Members of the community will be designing and creating two mosaic art pieces representing our unique history and our visions of the future. Every council is Queensland has been invited to participate and all artwork will form part of a giant 41 square metre mosaic art piece that will take up permanent residency at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane.

Final Artwork

      

  "Visions of the Future"   - Designed and created by Grades 4-7 Julia Creek State School

"History of the Shire"  - Designed and created by Mary Scholes, Aileen Gabbert, Sally Eales

Further information, please contact Sally Eales on 07 4746 7690 or email 

Q150 Dirt n Dust Festival Grant

The Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival was awarded a $10,000 grant as part of the Q150 funding rounds. Activities have been planned over the Dirt n Dust Festival weekend to incorporate the Q150 celebrations including participation from community groups and school children.

For further information, please contact Margie Ryder on 07 4751 6607

Q150 official program

If you would like a copy of the Outback Queensland official Q150 program, please see Sally at the Julia Creek Information Centre or phone 07 4746 7690.

Further information about the Q150 celebrations can be found on the government website.