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Cape Pallarenda Quarantine Station set for $4.7 million government upgrade

A Townsville landmark will receive a multimillion-dollar upgrade to conserve the heritage-listed site and provide sustainable uses for the historic area.

Steve Figg from W&F Constructions, Senior Ranger Paul Andersen, Environment Minister Leanne Linard and Ranger-in-Charge Joe Jess. Picture: Supplied
Steve Figg from W&F Constructions, Senior Ranger Paul Andersen, Environment Minister Leanne Linard and Ranger-in-Charge Joe Jess. Picture: Supplied

A Townsville landmark will receive a multimillion-dollar refurbishment and upgrade to conserve the heritage-listed site and provide sustainable uses for the historic area.

The Miles Government confirmed that it was investing $4.7 million to upgrade and repurpose the Cape Pallarenda Quarantine Station to improve local ranger services and security for the site, while also preserving the heritage-listed location.

The former Quarantine Station is managed by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) as part of Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park and is a Queensland Heritage Register site.

“The Cape Pallarenda Quarantine Station is an important historic cultural landscape that is recognised on the Queensland Heritage Register,” Environment Minister Leanne Linard said.

“Allowing rangers and staff to work from the station, and encouraging visitors to enjoy this site, is a critical step for the future conservation of this important site by fostering a deeper connection between the community and these remnants of Townsville’s history.”

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the project aimed to preserve Townsville’s history.

“The original quarantine station was built on Magnetic Island in 1884-85, but the facility was transferred to Townsville between 1915 and 1916 reusing structures from Magnetic Island as well as new buildings.”

He said the Cape Pallarenda Battery was built to defend Townsville and the surrounding harbour in 1943 and the site continued to be used for defence as well as quarantine purposes until 1974.

“This $4.7 million project will not only ensure this site is preserved for years to come, but the refurbished station will provide state-of-the-art facilities for our rangers, who play an integral role in protecting this environmentally and culturally significant part of the world.”

Originally published as Cape Pallarenda Quarantine Station set for $4.7 million government upgrade

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/townsville/cape-pallarenda-quarantine-station-set-for-47-million-government-upgrade/news-story/6f046f79a5e75b20b80e9cf001866fe2