Picturesque Paronella Park repairs to get funding boost

Repairs to the historic mock castle building at Paronella Park near Innisfail will be completed thanks to an $80,000 grant from the Queensland Government.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the heritage-listed park and its iconic castle had taken a battering when Tropical Cyclone Larry hit the region in March 2006.

Mr Pitt today (January 23) handed over a cheque for $40,000 to Cassowary Coast Regional Council mayor Cr Bill Shannon, which represents 50 per cent of the approved grant. The balance will be paid once the project has reached 75 percent completion.

“Paronella Park at Mena Creek is one of the far north’s most popular public assets and it unfortunately suffered significant damage on the morning that Larry crossed the coast,” Mr Pitt said.

“Due to the specialised nature of the heritage restoration work on the castle structure, there have been delays in progressing the repairs.

“However, I am pleased to announce that a grant of $80,000 will be provided to complete the works through the Queensland Government’s Rural Living Infrastructure Program.”

Cassowary Coast Regional Council will administer the grant on behalf of the owners.

Cr Shannon welcomed the funding, saying it was important to repair and maintain heritage-listed buildings in the far north to preserve the area’s character.

“These iconic buildings are part of Queensland’s history and both local residents and tourists would be happy to see them brought back to their original condition,” Cr Shannon said.

“Repairing heritage-listed buildings is particularly difficult as owners are required to use similar materials and building techniques wherever possible.”

Paronella Park was built by José Paronella and his family between 1929 and 1935 as pleasure gardens and a reception centre for the enjoyment of the public.

The castle was constructed with poured concrete reinforced by old railway track and covered with a plaster made from clay and cement, which was applied by hand.

Mr Pitt said the park gained National Trust listing in 1997, and had been recognised with11 tourism awards between 1998 and April 2000.

“It is currently ranked in fifth spot in voting for the State’s ‘Must Do’ list of attractions being compiled by the RACQ and Tourism Queensland as part of Queensland’s 150^th anniversary celebrations.”