Photos: Extensive termite damage in council’s former baby clinic

The true depth of damage at the heritage-listed Maryborough baby clinic is beginning to become clear: See the photos.

A pest inspection was carried out on the building last year.

The true depth of damage at the heritage-listed Maryborough baby clinic is beginning to emerge.

A pest inspection report was tabled at the Fraser Coast Regional Council meeting on Wednesday, revealing significant termite damage had been found.

No active termites were found at the time of the inspection, but visible evidence of subterranean termite working and damage was found in the subfloor part of the building.

According to the report, there was significant damage to large parts of the floor and workings on walls and floor joists.

The time of the inspection, carried out in January last year, it was found there was an extremely high risk of subterranean termite infestation to the whole property.

The inspector was not able to investigate the entire property, including the roof void, with a recommendation made to fully examine the building.

Ventilation and drainage at the property were found to be adequate.

Evidence of wood decay fungi was found, consistent with the age of the building.

Photos from the pest inspection at the former baby clinic in Maryborough.

The pest inspection was presented after Councillor Jade Wellings moved a motion to find out the cost of restoring the building, explore options for the use of the building, find out how much had been spent on the building to date and find out the approximate market value of the building in its current condition.

However most of the questions went unanswered in the report that was prepared, including how much it would cost to restore the building.

It did note that funds spent on the building had so far been minimal since its purchase in March last year.

“No upgrades or upgrade works have occurred,” the report said.

“The building is now listed on the State Heritage Register which presents some constraints to the options available to restore or repurpose the building.

“In any case, the Maryborough baby clinic building has the potential for a range of possible uses that will be best determined once council has decided upon the site for the new administration building in Maryborough and accordingly, the use of the land adjoining the baby clinic.”

Cr Wellings said another report would be provided addressing her questions.

Photos from the pest inspection at the former baby clinic in Maryborough.

She said she was not especially perturbed by the inspection report.

With her background in real estate, it was not unusual for buildings in Maryborough to have some termite damage, she said.

But the cost of repair would help the council determine whether to keep the building, Cr Wellings said.

She was also interested to know what impact heritage listing had on the price of the property.

The report found the building could have a variety of uses in the future.

“Potential uses for the building include a visitor information centre, an art gallery, professional office space, mayor and councillor office space, community use by an historical society or similar, community meeting rooms, or a cafe.

“However, given council is yet to determine the location of the new Maryborough administration building, and therefore the use of the adjoining land, it is recommended that the determination of the preferred use for the baby clinic site, and subsequent investigations to accommodate that use, are held in abeyance until these decisions have been made.”