South Burnett Regional Council, Media Release, 4 August 2021

South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Brett Otto is pleased to advise that funding, secured through the Queensland Government’s 2019-21 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP) and 2020-21 COVID Works for Queensland (W4Q) Community Building Upgrade project in association with South Burnett Regional Council through its 2020-21 Capital Works program, has seen upgrades progressed at the historical Ringsfield House, Nanango.

The former residence, Ringsfield House, now a museum showcasing local historical items and artefacts, has seen upgrades to the building’s roof and flooring.

Following a visual inspection, the roof showed major signs of deterioration with short pieces of iron roof sheeting not overlapping or secure, roof screws missing and some flashing non-existent resulting in possible leaks during heavy rain and storms. The reroofing project entailed the supply and installation of a new roof retaining the character of the original iron roof which will ensure the house and historical items on display are safe from water damage. The Ringsfield House Roofing Upgrade project is a joint initiative of South Burnett Regional Council and the Queensland Government, which has provided $115,747.16 through the 2019-21 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP).

The primary aim of the LGGSP program is to provide funding assistance to support local governments to deliver priority infrastructure and essential services that meet the identified needs of their communities, with objectives including: contribute to building safe, connected and liveable communities; contribute to economic growth and employment; maintain and extend the functional life of existing and future infrastructure assets through sustainable asset management; and, build resilience against future natural disasters.

Flooring at Ringsfield House received a well needed upgrade; with a full sand back, minor repairs to the floor surface including repairs to cracks in the timber and replacement of loose nails. Flooring was then resealed, with two final coats being applied. Flooring upgrades were funded through the Queensland Government’s $3.31M 2020-21 COVID Works for Queensland program (as part of Council’s $1.585M Community Building Upgrade projects).

The 2020–21 COVID W4Q program is to be used to support the delivery of job creating new infrastructure, maintenance or minor works projects, including the bring-forward of planned/budgeted maintenance or capital works, that are focused on essential services, economic development and community wellbeing outcomes.

Assistant Minister for Local Government Ms Nikki Boyd said, “The Palaszczuk Government is investing in regional Queensland, with programs like Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP) and COVID Works for Queensland (W4Q) delivering infrastructure upgrades for communities like Nananago.”

“We’re teaming up with local councils to upgrade their infrastructure and deliver jobs as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery. These works are upgrading the flooring at Ringsfield House, and replacing the aging roof, delivering locals jobs when they’re needed most,” she said.

Mayor Brett Otto thanked the Queensland Government for assistance with funding to progress these important upgrades at the historical Ringsfield House complex.

“Ongoing support from the State government is essential for South Burnett Regional Council to continue to maintain and extend the functional life of our historical assets,” Mayor Otto said.

Proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies program and Works for Queensland in association with South Burnett Regional Council.

For further information, please contact Council’s Property team on 1300 789 279, 4189 9100 or mailto:info@sbrc.qld.au