Sign of the times

In recent months, Southern Downs and Granite Belt Regional Tourism has coordinated the installation of interpretative signage at historically significant buildings and attractions throughout the region.
The project was a result of a $70,000 special grant from Tourism Queensland to enhance the visitor experience by providing accurate and interesting interpretation about historically significant buildings and attractions within the region.
Many buildings in the region date back to the earliest inland settlement and are of great interest to visitors to the region. Prior to the installation of the plaques, little or no signage existed at most of these sites.
“There are many interesting stories to be told throughout the region and this project is a tremendous way to capture some of that important history; to share the stories with visitors and locals,” Southern Downs and Granite Belt Regional Tourism chief executive officer Mary-Clare Power said.
“We’ve already received a number of positive comments about the information plaques from visitors, owners and managers of many historic buildings,” said Southern Downs and Granite Belt Regional Tourism chair Margaret Cairns.
In 2010, the Regional Tourism Organisation secured a Q150 grant to re-publish ‘Southern Downs and Granite Belt Heritage and Historic Buildings Trails’ booklet, which has been used as the basis for identifying sites. The booklet is available for purchase at Warwick Visitor Information Centre.