Museum’s last chance to stay

Groom MP to present petition to Parliament, but doubtful of success

GROOM MP Dr John McVeigh has agreed to present the Milne Bay Military Museum’s 17,500 strong petition to Parliament, though he remains doubtful of its success.

The museum has been fighting an eviction date set for September 28 by Defence Minister Marise Payne, following a Defence inquiry that highlighted a number of issues.

Dr McVeigh believes it is time to “plan a new state of the art museum on the Darling Downs”.

GROOM MP Dr John McVeigh has agreed to present to Federal Parliament a 17,500 signature petition requesting the Department of Defence bequeath the Milne Bay Military Museum building and land to the Toowoomba community.

Dr McVeigh’s decision comes after a “very positive meeting” between the Groom MP and the museum committee yesterday.

The meeting comes after the Defence Minister Marise Payne set an eviction date for the museum for September 28.

“I respect the fact that the Committee still wants to lodge the petition,” Dr McVeigh said.

“I committed to do that on their behalf – but I have stressed that I believe it will not be successful and that the Minister has made her final decision.”

The museum remains hopeful the petition will be acted upon by the Defence Minister.

Dr McVeigh said yesterday’s meeting discussed the museum’s current circumstances, and its plans for the future.

“As a local and a Federal Member of Parliament, I believe it is vital that we plan for a new state of the art museum on the Darling Downs,” he said.

“The 25th Battalion history is critical to the history of the region and we must preserve it.” Dr McVeigh told the committee he and Toowoomba Regional Council mayor Paul Antonio were working to find the museum a new home in Toowoomba.