HISTORIC BUTCHER SHOP SAVED FROM DEMOLITION
Published Sunday, 14 October, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
A Walkerston shop which was established early last century as a Government-run butcher shop has received a temporary reprieve from demolition.
The Queensland Government has approved a temporary preservation order while the heritage value of the shop is assessed.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the shop at 13 Dutton Street, Walkerston, near Mackay, was to be considered for nomination to the Queensland Heritage Register.
Mr McNamara said the temporary Stop Order prevents any demolition of the building while its heritage value is assessed.
“A development approval for the demolition of the building issued by a private certifier has been received by Mackay City Council,” Mr McNamara said,
“Council raised concern that the building might be demolished and an adjacent significant fig tree removed before the Heritage Council could consider the historic and cultural significance of the property.
“The shop was erected in 1922 as part of an economic program introduced by Labor Premier, T J Ryan, to provide cheaper meat for families.
“The cost of constructing the timber building was approximately £536 ($1072).
“”The Walkerston shop was one of only seven purpose-designed State butcher’s shops, with another 83 outlets operating from leased premises.
“The only other known surviving State butcher shop at Roma is a larger, brick building.
“Three State butcher shops were also opened in Mackay during 1922.
“During its more recent history, the Walkerston shop has been used as a pizza shop, and it currently sells dance supplies.”
Government-run butcher shops were established across the state between 1915 and 1922, with the last of them ceasing trading in 1929.
Other State enterprises established under the State Enterprises Act included a State Insurance Office, a Public Curator’s Office, the Golden Casket State Lottery, sawmills and joinery works and a network of State fish shops.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
The Queensland Government has approved a temporary preservation order while the heritage value of the shop is assessed.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the shop at 13 Dutton Street, Walkerston, near Mackay, was to be considered for nomination to the Queensland Heritage Register.
Mr McNamara said the temporary Stop Order prevents any demolition of the building while its heritage value is assessed.
“A development approval for the demolition of the building issued by a private certifier has been received by Mackay City Council,” Mr McNamara said,
“Council raised concern that the building might be demolished and an adjacent significant fig tree removed before the Heritage Council could consider the historic and cultural significance of the property.
“The shop was erected in 1922 as part of an economic program introduced by Labor Premier, T J Ryan, to provide cheaper meat for families.
“The cost of constructing the timber building was approximately £536 ($1072).
“”The Walkerston shop was one of only seven purpose-designed State butcher’s shops, with another 83 outlets operating from leased premises.
“The only other known surviving State butcher shop at Roma is a larger, brick building.
“Three State butcher shops were also opened in Mackay during 1922.
“During its more recent history, the Walkerston shop has been used as a pizza shop, and it currently sells dance supplies.”
Government-run butcher shops were established across the state between 1915 and 1922, with the last of them ceasing trading in 1929.
Other State enterprises established under the State Enterprises Act included a State Insurance Office, a Public Curator’s Office, the Golden Casket State Lottery, sawmills and joinery works and a network of State fish shops.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004