Queensland 
Place: Jezzine Barracks, North Ward, Townsville
Threat:  Disposal and demolition

Significance of Place

Jezzine Barracks has been the site of continuous military activity for over a century, and was associated with the local Kennedy Regiment formed under the Defence Act of 1884. It was used in World War II as a Radio Direction Finding Station. While the concrete station has been demolished, several huts and a substantial workshop survive from the period.

The Barracks, together with the associated Commonwealth and Queensland Heritage listed Kissing Point fortifications, was an integral part of the naval defence of Australia, particularly of the northern coastline of eastern Queensland at a time of expansionist activity by several European nations, and demonstrates the insecurity the emerging Australian colonies felt in a location far removed from the security and protection of Britain.

Description of Threat

Jezzine Barracks is a Defence Department property which is under consideration for disposal.

It is located on multi-million dollar prime real estate, located on the shore of Cape Cleveland , Townsville. The community believes that imminent sale of the Barracks by the Department of Defence is likely, and developers are showing considerable interest as a site for intensive high-rise development.

Action Required

The separation of the Barracks from Kissing Point Forts occurred post WW2, and so the recent decision to exclude Jezzine Barracks and list only Kissing Point Fortifications on the Queensland

Heritage Register and on the new Commonwealth Heritage List, is a distortion of the sites’ history. Any distinction between the two places is an artificial and very recently created one.

The Department of Defence must fulfi l its obligations under the EPBC Act, and assess the heritage values of the Barracks, prior to any decision regarding disposal. To protect the values of this signifi cant site, the Barracks should be listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, and be placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List. If Defence does decide to dispose of the Barracks following this Heritage assessment, they should not simply offer this site for sale, but should instead find an alternative use for the Barracks which respects the significant cultural heritage values of the site.