The Workshops Rail Museum wins two Queensland Tourism Awards

Arts Minister Rachel Nolan today announced The Workshops Rail Museum has scooped the pool wining both the Heritage & Cultural Tourism award and the Tourist Attractions award at the Queensland Tourism Awards.

Ms Nolan said the rail museum continues to go from strength to strength and last night’s awards recognise its outstanding contribution not only to Queensland arts and culture, but the local economy.

 “I am delighted that the Museum has taken out these prestigious awards,” Ms Nolan said.

“The Workshops play a big role in preserving our rich rail heritage and sharing it with visitors from far and wide.

“Tonight’s awards confirm their reputation as a key tourist attraction that supports the local economy and jobs.”

Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt said both wins are well deserved and much welcome for the Ipswich region following the devastating floods.

“Winning these awards shows we are fighting back, not only for the Museum but also for the people of Ipswich,” Mr Wendt said.

“The awards are recognition of the strengths of this Ipswich icon, but also the local community that has rallied despite the difficulties they faced after the January floods.”

Director Andrew Moritz said it was a privilege to win the awards.

“It’s always wonderful to be recognised by your peers for the effort your team makes day in day out and these wins confirm that we’re on the right track,” Mr Moritz said.

The prestigious annual awards ceremony, organised by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, celebrates and recognises the outstanding business practices and contributions operators make to the state’s tourism industry.

The Workshops Rail Museum will now go up against other states and territories in the same categories for the Australian Tourism Awards to be announced on March 2012.

For further information about The Workshops Rail Museum, phone (07) 3432 5100 or visit www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au.