Joint funding allocated to restore Queensland’s Binna Burra Lodge

Joint funding of almost $1.8 million from the Federal and Queensland Government will support the restoration of Queensland’s historic Binna Burra Lodge following its destruction in the 2019 bushfires.

For more than 86 years, Binna Burra Lodge, surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park in Queensland’s Scenic Rim region, has attracted large numbers of both domestic and international tourists.

Fire destroyed most of the complex which at the time Binna Burra Lodge Chairman, Steve Noakes described to the ABC as being “fairly traumatic” adding “the devastation is pretty extensive. It takes your breath away when you first see it."

The fire completely destroyed the lodge's heritage-listed cabins along with the dining area, lounge and library - places where people have gathered over generations.

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the funding would be provided through Category D of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements’ (DRFA).

Minister Littleproud advised “this extraordinary joint funding assistance from the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments will be used to assist with the clean-up of the Binna Burra Lodge and lay the foundations for the restoration and revitalisation of the site.

“The National Bushfire Recovery Agency assessed the Binna Burra Lodge proposal as a priority for recovery in Queensland.

“The DRFA is supporting the relief and recovery efforts across the Scenic Rim, while also providing urgent support to address community needs including mental health and wellbeing.

Minister Littleproud added “this funding for Binna Burra Lodge is in addition to $20 million provided for Category C Community Recovery Packages that will support recovery for communities in the local government areas impacted by the Queensland Bushfires from September to December last year.”

Catherine Pickering, from the School of Environment and Science at Griffith University advised that the complex must be designed to factor in changing climate conditions stating "when you look at something like Binna Burra, if re-building happens it's looking at looking at a different design to take into account the different climactic conditions.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland Reconstruction Authority will oversee the $1.775 million fund’s delivery, making sure it goes towards clean-up, and stabilising the cliff face to ensure safety around the site into the future.

Premier Palaszczuk “Under this funding, the Binna Burra Lodge will also undertake master planning to inform its recovery and restoration needs after the September fires razed 42 out of its 43 cabins.

“The Queensland Government wants to see this historic lodge, which has been a jewel in our state’s tourism crown since 1933, back on its feet and welcoming guests.

“This is why we set up the Binna Burra Taskforce in September last year, to fast-track its recovery.

“The bushfires have impacted many regions already experiencing the devastating effects of drought, compounding the social, economic and environmental stressors already present in these communities.”

Image courtesy of Queensland Outdoor Recreation Forum https://qorf.org.au