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MULGR
EDITION 41, JULY 2013
Gordonvale Water Tower The Gordonvale Water Tower has stood for nearly 100 years at the heart of the community. Thetower was constructedbetween1932and1935. The Tower was later used as a watchtower during WWII to warn of approaching Japanese bombers and was decommissioned as a water supply in 1953. Council has endorsed the removal of the tower with a provision for the development of a suitablecommemorativehistoricdisplay. Three options have been explored that range from an adaptive use of the lower section of the tower to a full demolition. These options are displayed at the Gordonvale Library, the Display Board in Norman Park and in the related documents on the Council website. Each option includes site interpretive displays which explore the history of the tower and commemorate this key landmark and the role it played in thiscommunity. Council would like your feedback regarding your preferred option for the structural component of the commemorative display. Take part in the survey online or return your completed form to the Gordonvale Library by 9 July, 2013. The Gordonvale Community has been invited to nominate their preferred option for the new structure tocommemoratethewatertower. PleasecompleteasurveyformattheLibrary. The survey is also available online at www.cairns.qld.gov.au/aboutcouncil/community-engagement/current/current-projects/gordonvale-watertower. The water tower at Gordonvale’s Norman Park will be thoroughly documented forhistoricalpurposesbeforeitmakeswayforpublicspace. Following public consultation regarding the future of Norman Park, Council voted to remove the 78-year-old structure, which is deteriorating and represents a public safety risk. Division 1 Councillor Steve Brain said photographs and detailed drawings would be taken of the structure, with copies to be submitted to various historical organisations.“While it is not Heritage Listed, the water tower does have some historical value to the town of Gordonvale and we want to make sure a detailed recordofitsexistenceisretained,”CrBrain said. A survey circulated within the Gordonvale community and other users of the park asked whether respondents wanted the tower retained and upgraded.“It was a fairly
even response, with a slighter higher proportion of respondents supporting removal of the tower, rather than restoration,”CrBrain said. “But there is also strong support for improving the park as public space. Given the costly estimate for restoration – about $840,000 – and the restrictions that would place on further upgrades to the park, removal of the tower is considered to be the most appropriate option. Under existing regulations, we would not be permitted to add anything to the tower, such as a clock or lookout platform, so any upgrade would be purely to make it safe in itspresentform.” The tower was used to supply water to the town of Gordonvale from 1935 to 1953, when it was decommissioned as a result of Behana Gorge becoming the primary water supply for the area. The structure has been deteriorating for many yearsduetoconcretecancerandafencecurrently preventspublicaccess. Upon removal of the tower, fragments will be made available to historical organisations and members of the public as a souvenir and some components will be retained for an interpretive historical display at the park. Removal of the water towerwill cost$150,000,whichwill besourcedfrom the2013-14budget. Council is currently investigating further improvements to Norman Park, such as enhanced facilities and playground equipment, with work to commence this financial year.
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