Sunday 23 September 2007

HERITAGE IMPACT OF MYER FIRE
The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, today said the damage to the CBD of Hobart as a result of the devastating fire at Myer was tragic.

"As the Minister responsible for historic heritage I want to acknowledge the devastating impact of the fire at the Myer building in central Hobart on Saturday,” Ms Wriedt said.

"These buildings are of considerable heritage value and importance to the people of Hobart.
"The history of the Hobart CBD and its retail heart is long and proud.

"The use of this area dates from the earliest days of settlement as the CBD is built on top of the Hobart Rivulet."
Ms Wriedt said she was hopeful that as much as possible of the buildings affected can be saved but recognised that structural and safety factors are a priority.

"This unfortunate situation is a reminder of the importance and diversity of Tasmania's heritage.

"I express my gratitude and appreciation to the personnel from the Tasmanian Fire Service for their efforts to contain the fire under very difficult circumstances,” Ms Wriedt said.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au