Iconic Queensland lodge receives funding boost ahead of reopening
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Iconic Queensland lodge receives funding boost ahead of reopening
The Queensland State Government has announced a $50,000 contribution for the festival to celebrate the partial reopening of the Binna Burra Lodge in the Gold Coast Hinterland after it was ravaged by fire last year.
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Binna Burra LodgeThe Binna Burra Lodge before the September 8 fire hit.
The Binna Burra Lodge in the Gold Coast Hinterland will have plenty of reason to celebrate when it reopens in the coming months after the state government pledged $50,000 to help mark the occasion.
All but one cabin in the heritage-listed lodge was destroyed by the September 8 bushfire, which also caused major stabilisation issues on the sole access road.
A festival will now be held to signal the partial reopening of the accommodation venue in the second half of 2020.
In announcing the government funding, State Development Minister Cameron Dick said the money would support planning and staging for an event to celebrate the "road to recovery".
“While the complex road repairs and recent rain make it hard to pinpoint a specific date when the site can be partially reopened, this announcement reinforces to Binna Burra management and the community our continuing support,” he said.
“We look forward to locals and visitors again returning to Binna Burra and the wider Scenic Rim area.”
Dear Twitter followers, it is with great sadness that we share these photos of the lodge for those who have not yet seen them. The Lodge tragically suffered significant structural loss on September 8 2019. pic.twitter.com/Rk1keecYh7
— Binna Burra Lodge (@binnaburra) October 21, 2019
The announcement came ahead of the final meeting of the Binna Burra Lodge Recovery Taskforce, which comprises government agencies, the Lodge Board and the Scenic Rim Regional Council.
Formed in the immediate aftermath of the fire, the taskforce has been responsible for overseeing and coordinating recovery works, including helping displaced workers find new employment, onsite demolition planning, removal of debris and hazardous materials, geotechnical assessments for road stabilisation and repairs, building and site heritage preservation, restoration of walking trails, utilities provisioning and testing, and site security.
Chair Steve Noakes said the board had been overwhelmed by the taskforce’s efficiency in smoothing the path to recovery and helping Binna Burra plan a new future.
“We’re very appreciative of the assistance we’ve received through Minister Dick’s taskforce and this funding will help us to plan and promote reopening festivities," he said.
“The Sky Lodges, Groom's Cottage, our Tea House and the campsite will be the first facilities up and running with guided activities including abseiling, archery, a ropes course and bushwalking.
“We’re continuing to plan for a new attraction, the via ferrata, which will be a permanent climbing route on the cliffs.”
Click here for more information about Binna Burra Lodge.
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