The Palaszczuk Government will invest $5.8 million to help protect Brisbane’s oldest surviving European home, Newstead House.
Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said Newstead House, which is 173 years old, is an iconic landmark and this funding would help ensure it continues to be protected.
“This $5.8 million will help conserve Newstead House, its collection, and the former historic electricity substation that is also on its grounds,” Ms Enoch said.
“The Palaszczuk Government has committed this funding to ensure Newstead House continues to be protected and preserved for generations to come.”
Member for McConnel Grace Grace said Newstead House, which is a house museum and open for the public to visit, was built as a privately-owned cottage in 1846, and significantly renovated in 1867.
“Newstead House has a collection of nearly 3000 items, is located on the grounds of Newstead Park,” Mrs Grace said.
“Also located on the Park’s grounds is Substation No 5, which was built in the 1920s to help power the city’s tramway system.
“Newstead House, Newstead Park and the substation were also among the first of the state’s historic places to be entered in the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.”
Ms Enoch said the $5.8 million in funding would go towards maintenance, replacing the roof, and repair works associated with drainage, timber, painting and wallpaper, and protecting the collection.
“I am also pleased to be able to announce this funding while the city is hosting Brisbane Open House this weekend, which celebrates Queensland’s historically built places and architecture.
“This weekend, people will be able to explore 73 of Brisbane’s best heritage buildings, which is the largest number ever listed on the program.
“Brisbane Open House gives us all an opportunity to appreciate our city’s built environment, and to broaden our own awareness and knowledge of the city’s structural design, beauty and history.
“Newstead House continues to be a focal point for Brisbane’s Open House celebrations, and this funding will ensure this will continue.”.
Brisbane’s Open House complements other annual Open House events throughout Queensland that are held on various dates, including at Maryborough, Toowoomba, the Gold Coast, Bundaberg and the Sunshine Coast.
