AN historic corn thresher will be protected from the elements after the Southern Downs Regional Council granted an out-of-round request for funding.
The Warwick and District Historical Society had failed to apply for funds by the cut-off date in late March because its president was overseas at the time, council was told.
The corn thresher was of heritage significance and needed to be sheltered or it would deteriorate in the weather.
Council granted the request for $6000 to build a shelter for the thresher.
Council then decided it would consider annual funding allocations for historical societies and museums within the Southern Downs prior to the 2014/2015 budget discussions.
Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley subsequently produced a photograph showing what could happen to a similar machine if it was left out in the weather.
“This is what a Barbett Corn Sheller, or thresher, looks like after 40 years of exposure to the elements,” Cr Bartley said.
“It has been part of the Bartley farm for over a 100 years.
“I was pleased to see the one that the Warwick and District Historical Society have being put under cover given that this particular make of machinery was sold and used extensively around this part of the Darling Downs,” he said.
