OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - QUEENSLAND - 2007

Place:    Herries Private Hospital

Threat:  Destruction

SIGNIFICANCE

The Herries Private Hospital has strong associations with the role of midwives and nurses in Queensland's history and for many older residents of Cairns who were born there. It is a known surviving example of a North Queensland corner commercial building moved from a declining mining area to a more prosperous town. A Second World War air raid shelter (private) is extant in its backyard.

Statement of Risk:

Degree of Risk:           Immediate Risk – no solution agreed

Threats/Risks:             Destruction

Fate/outcome:             Suffering

Occupied by Herries family members until 1996, in 2007 this former private hospital remains vacant and open to vandalism. In 2005 the owner unsuccessfully applied to have the building removed from the Queensland Heritage Register. A Stop Order was served following the removal of verandah cladding. Replacement protective plastic has since blown off.

Desired Outcome / Vision:

This building has been heritage listed since 2001. The necessary steps should be taken to preserve this important North Queensland building.

Bibliography

NTQ file CNS 1/45

Queensland Heritage Register citation, accessed 21 February 2007

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/heritage/index.cgi?place=602137&back=1

Herries Hospital pre 1927