Ports North to pull down Whites Shed but preserve historic bag stacker

A historic sugar bag stacker used to load ships leaving Cairns has been removed from the ramshackle Whites Shed on the Cairns waterfront ahead of the building’s long overdue demolition.

Whites Shed on Wharf St is in a badly dilapidated state. Picture: Supplied

A historic sugar bag stacker system used to load ships leaving Cairns has been removed from the ramshackle Whites Shed on the Cairns waterfront ahead of the building’s long overdue demolition.

Built in 1923, the ravages of time have taken their toll on the tin-clad warehouse, which is now badly dilapidated with a caving in roof and rusted panels.

An electrical linkage system installed in the shed was used to move sugar bags from railway wagons through a complicated system of conveyors and chutes through the roof of Whites Shed and then onto gantry cranes that filled the holds of waiting ships.

A sugar bag stacker inside Whites Shed of historical significance will be removed and stored in another shed on Ports North land in collaboration with Queensland Heritage Council. Picture: Ports North

White’s Shed was no longer used after the bulk sugar terminal was established at Portsmith in 1964.

Before August 1, demolition contractor Demex will begin the process of dismantling the shed which has been long called for by Ports North but made complex by involvement of the Queensland Heritage Council.

Ports North’s general manager strategy Paul Doyle said deconstruction would be carefully managed to preserve the conveyor for future display.

Ports North has finalised its plan to demolish a historic sugar handling facility near the Cruise Liner Terminal known as Whites Shed. Picture: Supplied

“In addition to flora, fauna and cultural considerations, we have ensured our process will preserve key elements of the conveyor,” he said.

“It’s the only one of its kind known in Queensland and an important part of Cairns’ history.

“Removing the shed will improve public safety, site aesthetics and allow us to make plans for use of that land in the future.”

Before the bulk loading of sugar product was loaded in hessian bags that were moved by a complicated system of chutes and conveyors. Picture: Ports North

The sugar bag stacker and conveyor system will be removed and stored in another Ports North shed.

Ports North stated it’s “likely” the sugar bag system will be returned to the site once the shed is completely removed, but that is subject to further discussions with the Heritage Council and agreement with the port authority about how it would be displayed.

From Monday, July 22 demolition contractor Demex will begin preparing the building for removal. Picture: Supplied

Timing of the demolition coincides with a break in cruise shipping to avoid disruption to services and passengers during which time the surrounding parkland will be fenced off for safety and a section of Wharf Street will be temporarily closed on the southbound side.

It’s understood the demolition of the sugar shed was permitted under a development application approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works and a condition of that approval was that the conveyor components to be used later in an interpretative display.

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Originally published as Ports North to pull down Whites Shed but preserve historic bag stacker