Elise Archer,Minister for Heritage
The Tasmanian Government welcomes today's announcement that the Federal Government is providing significant funding to three of Tasmania's iconic heritage sites from the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund.
Three grants worth a total of $2.65 million have been allocated to the Cascades Female Factory in South Hobart, and Brickendon and Woolmers Estates just South of Longford. These properties are among the 11 Australian sites included in the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.
The Federal funding includes more than $2 million for the Cascades Female Factory to support the construction of a new History and Interpretation Centre. This project will support Tasmania's tourism sector in the long term and will see local contractors and consultants employed during the construction phase.
The Tasmanian Government has already committed $3 million towards the construction of the new History and Interpretation Centre at the Cascades Female Factory back in June this year as part of our record $3.1 billion construction blitz, which will support 15,000 jobs over two years. They will also enhance and rebuild the visitor experience on offer post COVID-19 at these three important heritage attractions, and facilitate some much needed conservation works.
The Federal funding also includes $400,000 to construction of a new shearing shed at Brickendon Estate, and more than $230,000 for a new visitor centre at Woolmers Estate.
Designed by local architectural firm Liminal Studio, in partnership with Snohetta and Rush Wright Associates, the Cascades Female Factory project has recently received necessary approvals from the Tasmanian Heritage Council and the Hobart City Council.
Importantly, these vital and exciting heritage projects will deliver jobs for local businesses and contractors whilst maintaining and upgrading some of our most iconic built heritage sites.
Our Government remains committed to helping our world-renowned heritage sites recover from the difficult times faced as a result of COVID-19 and we greatly appreciate the $2.65 million the Federal Government has committed to these World and National heritage tourism and infrastructure projects in Tasmania.
