RESTORATION work on St Joseph's Cathedral is drawing to a close, but Bishop Brian Heenan has called for a renewed effort for community support and assistance with funding.

St Joseph's Cathedral, which was opened in 1899, has undergone a major restoration program which started in July 2009.

Due to unforeseen hold-ups, the project is expected to be completed by August this year.

With a project cost of $6 million, the diocese, which incorporates an area from Bundaberg to Mackay and from the coast to the Northern Territory border, has been placed under some duress.

Bishop Heenan said he was concerned with the diocese meeting the cost of the project, admitting things were very tight.

"All donations are greatly appreciated and a project of this scale calls for significant generosity," Bishop Heenan said.

"A great deal of effort has gone into fundraising which has coincided not only with the downturn in the economy, but also Mother Nature's severe impact through cyclone and flooding across the land."

The restoration works have included significant upgrades to the plumbing and draining of the structure, as well as replacement of damaged stone and timber work.

Bishop Heenan said thanks to support from Beef Week 2012 organisers, information on St Joseph's Cathedral restoration project would be available at the expo in May.

Bishop Heenan said donors would be formally recognised through registers and dedicated plaques in the restored St Joseph's Cathedral which will be blessed in a special ceremony.