The Palaszczuk Government's 2022-23 Budget will invest $1.3 million in Queensland's iconic Australian Workers Heritage Centre at Barcaldine to secure good jobs and enhance Queensland's great lifestyle.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the funding would assist the Workers Heritage Centre with exhibition upgrades and operational and maintenance costs.
"The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is a unique Outback Queensland visitor experience with a special place in Australia's pre-federation history," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"Barcaldine was at the centre of the Great Shearers' Strike back in 1891 which was the catalyst for the direction of Australia's modern Labor movement.
"And the Australian Workers Heritage Centre is the country's largest facility dedicated to honouring the nation's workers.
"Built around a museum, the Australian Workers Heritage Centre is home to some fourteen buildings and twenty-two displays.
"This fascinating place is a favourite with visitors to Barcaldine and Queensland's Outback.
"The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is a reminder of workers' long struggle for better working conditions."
Funding for the Australian Workers Heritage Centre is part of the Palaszczuk Government's $27.4 million Regional Tourism Recovery Program.
Australian Workers Heritage Centre management committee member David Kerrigan said the Queensland Government's investment would also help the centre to back other tourism operators
"This funding support will be crucial in assisting with the ongoing Centre's operations and ensuring we continue to play our part in supporting other tourist attractions in our region via the multi-destination nature of outback tourism," Mr Kerrigan said.
"It will play a key role in ensuring the continuity of our Centre is secure and provide the catalyst for the progressive development and expansion of the Australian Workers Heritage Centre.
"On behalf of the Management Committee, staff and supporters we take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to Minister Hinchliffe and the Queensland Government for their ongoing and valued support for the Australian Workers Heritage Centre."
Mr Hinchliffe said Barcaldine was a key Outback destination.
"At this time of year, Barcaldine is a popular destination with motorists on self-drive getaways and senior holidaymakers," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"The Budget's investment in Barcaldine and the Australian Workers Heritage Centre is part of reshaping of our visitor economy towards 2032, as recommended by the independent Tourism Industry Reference Panel.
"We're building a pipeline of great visitor experiences and legacy events on Queensland's green and gold runway to 2032."
In the year to December 2021, visitors delivered more than $596 million for Outback Queensland's tourism economy.
The Budget's $1.3 million investment in the Australian Workers Heritage Centre is conditional on the development of a business case.
