TRANSFER CEREMONY, JEZZINE BARRACKS, TOWNSVILLE

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, the Queensland Minister for Main Roads, the Hon Craig Wallace MP and the Mayor of Townsville City Council, Councillor Les Tyrell, today signed the documents effecting the transfer of the majority of the Jezzine Barracks site to the Townsville City Council.

“In August 2006 the Australian Government announced that most of the Jezzine Barracks site would be gifted to the Council to protect its heritage values and provide for community use of the site. Today we saw the passing of the land to the Townsville Council to allow it to be opened up for public use and enjoyment,” Dr Kelly said.

“Defence, the Townsville Council and the Jezzine Barracks Community Trust have worked closely together over the past 18 months to bring this dream to reality. The signing of the Deed transferring the site is a historic moment for the Townsville community.

“This event demonstrates the depth of relationships that can be developed with co‑operation and willingness to work together at all levels of Government to deliver an excellent outcome.”

The Funding Agreement with the Queensland Government and the Jezzine Barracks Community Trust was also signed today.

“This Agreement will release another $20 million to the Community Trust and enable them to turn the vision that has been articulated in the Trust’s Strategic Concept Plan into reality,” Dr Kelly said.

The Kissing Point Headland has been used by the military since the 1880s and the land known as Jezzine Barracks has been a Defence site since 1909. The site has played an important role in the area’s military, cultural and indigenous history. 

Further Information: Mark Tanzer Defence Public Affairs 0407 467 235

Media contacts:

Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):     02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220

Defence Media Liaison:                  02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664