David Littlerpoud MP David Littlerpoud

History preserved and social connections forged at new Clifton Museum

April 10, 2021

The rich history of the Clifton community will be preserved for future generations in the new and improved Clifton Museum, supported by a $901,214 Federal Government grant.

Maranoa MP David Littleproud, who joined the Clifton community today for the official opening, said the new Museum will help to strengthen social connections and preserve Clifton’s rural history.

“The Clifton Museum development was strongly supported by the Clifton community, so it’s great to see the project completed,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The new and improved Museum will house the Clifton Historical Society’s extensive collection of local artefacts and exhibits in a safe, accessible building with on-site parking and new amenities.

“The Clifton Museum will provide a place for locals and visitors alike to learn about the district’s past, and will offer lasting benefits to the community and local economy.

“I’m a firm believer in bringing people together and improving community infrastructure across Maranoa because it has a positive flow-on effect on our quality of life and how we support each other – this refurbishment of the Clifton Museum reflects this.

“The Clifton Museum is run by the community for the community, with many hard-working volunteers behind the scenes. The new building will allow members of the Clifton Historical Society to come together, socialise and restore local artefacts for display in the museum.

“Importantly, the project also boosted the local economy by engaging local businesses and contractors and supported 13 jobs during construction.

Works on the project included demolition of the original 1933 building, transport and storage of the museum collection and construction of a new museum building including sealed carpark and landscaping.

The Australian Government provided $901,214 in drought funding to the Clifton Museum Rebuild under the $250 million Drought Communities Programme Extension.

“The goal of the Drought Communities Programme Extension is to help keep local economies going even through the tough times caused by the drought. That’s why this program is so important, because it helps keep people working, helps keep cash-flow going and ensures that local businesses can keep operating,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The Australian Government is supporting farmers, regional industries, and local communities to combat the impacts of drought with a $10 billion package that provides both immediate assistance and longer-term support for resilience and recovery.”