It’s hoped a greater number of historical naval items will be displayed at the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum when extensions are completed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Senator Sandy Macdonald said today. Senator Macdonald visited the Museum with the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, the Hon. Warren Truss today. “The Australian Government has awarded $187,000 through the Regional Partnerships program for extensions to the Museum,” Senator Macdonald said.

“The Department of Defence is currently unable to provide loan items to the museum because it does not meet display environment and security requirements. I am confident that this will be reviewed when the extensions are completed,” he said. “Defence, through the Naval Heritage Collection has provided technical curatorial and exhibition advice to the Museum.”

The Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum was first established nearly thirty years ago and its main exhibit is a Las Balsa raft from the 1973
trans-Pacific Expedition. Other items on exhibit include naval ordnance items, ship models and a mock naval bridge and mess deck. Senator Macdonald said the expansion to the museum will also bring many tourism benefits to the town.

“I am pleased that this project has gained funding from the Australian Government as an expanded museum has the potential to bring many more tourists to the Ballina region.” “I thank Minister Warren Truss for taking an interest in this project.”