The station complex is located on the northern side of James Street at the western end of the main commercial precinct.
The passenger station is a long gable-roofed chamferboard building with a corrugated galvanised iron roof with square 'fascia' gutters. On the street side, the roof extends to form a shade supported on timber posts by solid timber brackets. Large decorative brackets are spaced at regular intervals under the eaves. The lowset building is set on concrete stumps. Concrete steps lead up to doorways, a small timber landing is situated adjacent to a boarded up window of the ticket and freight office. Several metres from the building, two long sandstone block steps, topped with concrete run along half the length (western end) of the building. Some panelled doors remain, but the door to the ticket and freight office has been replaced with a flush sliding door. Windows are 4-pane colonial sash. The platform side has a curved shade supported on timber posts with plain struts and concrete bases. A section on the eastern end is enclosed with battens to form a storage area for a forklift. The platform on which the station building sits is concrete edged and is of compacted soil topped with blue metal gravel and is furnished with a single timber bench seat bearing the word 'YEPPOON' in black letters. Two similar seats are placed on the street side of the building. On either end of the building a timber sign is mounted off the wall at an angle, painted dark green and with raised letters painted beige to match the building bearing the name 'YEPPOON'.
The ticket and freight office, located at the western end of the building is a large rectangular space with walls and ceiling lined with tongue and groove boards. A set of cupboards is built in to the western end of the room to waist height. It has four doors and a safe located in the centre, below the window to the waiting room. Wall-mounted timber shelving is located to the right of the window. The room contains a mix of modern and original furnishings and fixtures. Two panelled timber doors with square fanlights above open to the platform. Two windows open to the platform and two to the street side.
The former waiting room is adjacent to the ticket and freight office and is enclosed to the platform side by timber battens with a door offset to the eastern end. It has a window opening to the ticket and freight office.
The parcels room is a large open space with centrally located double timber doors opening to the outside of the building on either side. The western wall is lined with four shelves. The roof and walls are lined with tongue and groove boards. The floor is of timber boards. The wall to the platform side has exposed framing.
At the eastern end of the building are male and female toilets with doors opening to the platform side.
","history":"In 1867, residents of Rockhampton signed a petition asking the Surveyor-General to mark out a town at the nearest point on the central Queensland coast where they might be able to enjoy a day at the beach. Although Yeppoon, then known as 'Bald Hills', was proclaimed as a Town Reserve, as a watering place for Rockhampton on 30 April 1868, for many years access to it was difficult, the first road with culverts being built in 1878. It suffered in its rivalry with Emu Park (declared a Town Reserve on 9 January 1869), where land was taken up by influential Rockhampton businessmen and squatters from further west who built holiday houses there. These two resort towns were among the first in Queensland and the first on the Barrier Reef lagoon.
Pastoralists and selectors were the first to settle and develop the Yeppoon area. The first land sale was held on 4 August 1873 when P. F. McDonald, the pastoralist and investor bought 15 of the 17 blocks sold, and local selectors two. Yeppoon town site lay in a hollow between steep hills, below the line of dunes, and in wet weather it was swampy. The only large enterprise was the Yeppoon Sugar Plantation, which in its twenty years of existence was handicapped by the lack of roads and rail. Yeppoon with a higher rainfall than Rockhampton or Emu Park, and fertile soil, became an agricultural area with land near the town occupied by selectors within 10 years of its proclamation and surrounding areas being used for grazing.
The beginning of the 1880s brought changes to the district as people began to take more of an interest in the town. Between 1881 and 1884, it was predominantly residents of the area who purchased the remaining 30 town lots. These lots had not sold at the first land sales in 1873. When an additional town area was surveyed in 1881, however, these lots had all sold out by 1885.
The first length of rail line in the region was opened to Westwood some thirty miles (fifty kilometres) from Rockhampton in 1867. The line was extended beyond the coastal ranges in 1872, reaching Emerald in 1879. The Central Railway was progressively extended further west reaching Longreach in 1892, and remained an isolated railway system, with no connection to the southern division of Queensland railways until 1903.
In Brisbane a railway line to Sandgate was completed in May 1882, later extended to Shorncliffe, giving residents access to the beach. It is one of the few surviving seaside stations; others including Pialba, Urangan, Cleveland, Southport, Tweeds Heads and Coolangatta have been demolished.
Following this southern success, the Rockhampton owners of holiday houses at Emu Park also wanted a railway. Their petitions were successful and a rail link from North Rockhampton to Emu Park was approved in 1885 and opened in December 1888. The railway also served the Lakes Creek Meatworks and gold mining at Cawarral and New Zealand Gully. It ensured that Emu Park gained the holiday traffic, and the township grew rapidly.
Yeppoon residents and the Sugar Plantation agitated for an extension to Yeppoon, for without it rail travellers continued to take the train to Tanby, then coach to Yeppoon. In 1890 a survey for a rail corridor to Yeppoon was undertaken and a second in 1900. The extension to Yeppoon was approved, and the first section of five kilometres from Sleipner (New Zealand Gully) to Mount Chalmers was opened in November 1908 to transport workers, supplies and metal. The next 27 kilometres to Yeppoon was opened on 20 December 1909, in time for the Christmas traffic. The official opening was by the Governor, Sir William McGregor on 21 January 1910.
The passenger station, engine shed and a carriage shed were built in 1909. A parcels and luggage room were added in 1910. By 1943 the complex included a goods shed, station master's house, guards' quarters, drivers' quarters, forkline and loading ramp. The goods shed was relocated within the railyard in 1966.
Tourist services to Yeppoon and Emu Park departed from the passenger-only Archer Park station [600777] in Rockhampton. Also serving other passenger services to Mount Morgan, St Lawrence and Mackay it closed in February 1970.
On the first Rockhampton-Yeppoon train 128 passengers travelled, paying three shillings and ten pence for a second-class fare. On Boxing Day 1910, 700 people attended the traditional races on Yeppoon Beach. Large group picnics brought full trains to Yeppoon on weekends. An exceptionally large one was a Railway workers' picnic on the beach in 1924 which 3,500 people attended. . The railway with fares much cheaper than the coach, opened Yeppoon to all classes and brought rapid progress. Betty Cosgrove has written: 'very few working class people went to Yeppoon until the 20th century', but it became more popular than Emu Park with an ambience more tolerant and welcoming. The train to Yeppoon became the predominant means of travel to Yeppoon until after World War 2.
The siting of Yeppoon railway station one kilometre from the beach was not for the convenience of holiday makers, but for freight handling. On flat land on the edge of the town it allowed the loading of produce including cattle which could be yarded on the western end of the complex. Its position did not deter residents and visitors from 'meeting the train', a practice continued from that of meeting the coach from Rockhampton. Passengers were the interest, and people 'dressed' for the train's arrival.
Pineapples became a major crop in the district and the main freight carried. In 1953 a cannery opened at Koongal, Rockhampton, to which pineapples were railed. When it closed pineapples were railed to the cannery at Northgate in wagons adapted for bulk transport.
Boarding schools for girls were opened in Yeppoon in 1917 and 1923, allowing families on the Central Railway line to send their daughters direct to Yeppoon. During the most fearful period of World War 2, when a Japanese invasion seemed imminent, St Faiths School was evacuated to Barcaldine in February 1942 , with girls, beds, desks, pianos and boxes of books sent west by rail. The boarders from St Ursula's college were similarly evacuated to Our Ladies' College at Longreach.
With approximately 70,000 American troops in the Rockhampton district, troop movements within the district were by road, but soldiers on leave patronised the train. On Sunday 20 September 1942 all seaside trains out of Rockhampton were cancelled, as lines and rolling stock had to be available for transport of the troops who were then moving out to New Guinea. The camp sites were quiet until March 1943.
Peak passenger numbers were in 1950 with 40,083 passengers. After World War 2 car ownership became widespread, the Rockhampton-Yeppoon road improved and passenger travel on the railway fell. In 1964 the service to Emu Park closed and the station building has been demolished. Also in 1964 the weekday service to Yeppoon was provided by rail car and passenger services withdrawn in the 1970s. Up until the 1970s the lack of an all weather sealed road over the Drummond Range to Central Western Queensland ensured that the railway line remained the best method of holiday transport from the west to Yeppoon which had gained the unofficial title of "rouseabout's Bondi". The line has been used sporadically for freight or tourist services since. Occasional special heritage trips were made in the early 1980s.
In 2004 QRail announced that pineapple traffic would be put onto road transport and the Yeppoon line would be closed and dismantled. Investigation found that a possible commuter/tourist service would not be viable. By mid 2007 work had commenced on removing rails, sleepers, signals and other infrastructure.
","criteria":"Yeppoon Railway Station is important in demonstrating the pattern of Queensland's history. The terminal of branch line opened in 1909, it is important surviving evidence of a rail service to a seaside resort. Passengers from Rockhampton and throughout Central West Queensland used the service to Yeppoon. The line also contributed to coastal development serving mining, agricultural, educational and pastoral interests in the area. In particular it was important in the establishment of Yeppoon as a centre for boarding schools to service Central Queensland. It recalls an era when the railway played an important role in conveying day trippers to the seaside and complements Archer Park [600777], the principal point of departure for passengers on this railway.
|The Yeppoon station building is important as a rare surviving and substantially intact seaside resort station, comparing with Shorncliffe and Pialba and others including Urangan, Cleveland, Southport, Tweeds Heads and Coolangatta since demolished. The extant earth platform is also rare in Queensland.
","criteria_letters":"Criterion A | Criterion B","criteria_definitions":"The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history | The place demonstrates rare, uncommon or endangered aspects of Queensland's cultural heritage"}, {"heritage_type":"State Heritage","site_id":15433,"place_ref":600658,"name":"Raspberry Creek Homestead","alternate_name":null,"street_address":"Raspberry Creek Homestead","suburb":"BYFIELD","lga":"LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL","register_entry_date":"1992-10-21","description":"Raspberry Creek Homestead is located in the grounds of the Byfield and District Historical Society, along Byfield Road.
The homestead comprises three sections which were originally attached. Since being moved to the society grounds, the original slab section has been detached. Some of the original material on the slab section of the homestead has been replaced, whilst in other sections the timber framework is exposed.
The two later extensions, located to the west of the slab section, remain attached. The larger of the two sections is constructed of timber on timber stumps with weatherboard cladding and has a verandah on three sides. The building has a corrugated iron roof. It is attached to the smaller extension on the north-east side. The smaller section is timber framed set on timber stumps, clad with weatherboards. A timber ramp is located on the south-eastern side of the larger, three roomed building where it joins with the smaller two-roomed section.
The homestead currently contains items that form part of the material collection of the Byfield and District Historical Society. A library is located in one of the rooms of the larger section. This material is not necessarily related specifically to the Raspberry Creek Homestead nor to the Hutton family.
","history":"The Raspberry Creek homestead was built by James Hutton and Mary Hutton nee Cameron, pioneers of the Shoalwater Bay area in central Queensland. Originally, a slab hut was constructed in the early 1860s and in ensuring years as the family grew, the homestead was extended. In 1965, the homestead was included in the area taken up as the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. In 1988 the Raspberry Creek Homestead was moved to its present location in the grounds of the Byfield Historical Society.
James Hutton was the son of William Hutton and Rose Ann Hutton nee Cleland. William was a farm labourer and native of Inch, Downshire, Ireland, and Rose Ann was a farm servant and native of Killyleagh, Downshire. William and Rose had ten children, all born in Ireland. The family migrated to Australia, departing from Greenock on 21 May, 1841 on the ship Percy. Arriving in Sydney on 28 August 1841. Mary Cameron was the daughter of John and Margaret Cameron of Fort William, Inverness, Scotland. John was a boat builder. He and Margaret had eight children, all born in Scotland. They migrated with six of their children on the ship Blonde, arriving 27 December, 1849.
Both the Camerons and the Huttons settled at or near Falconer Station, later Falconer Township, in the New England area of New South Wales. The families became close through intermarriage: James Hutton married Mary Cameron in 1852; Jemima Hutton married John Cameron in 1855; and Maxwell Hutton married Ellen Cameron in 1861.
Nine years after their marriage, James and Mary Hutton moved with their children to Central Queensland, taking up the Raspberry Creek run, north of Rockhampton, in 1863. The journey took six months and the family brought with them all their possessions, loaded on two buckboards driven by Mary and their seven year old son William, and some few hundred head of cattle. Family lore has it that James Hutton had previously visited the area with Robert Ross and his sons, James and John, who were also from the New England district. James Hutton and James Ross formed a partnership to acquire the Raspberry Creek Run. James Hutton then returned to New South Wales selling their property and organising the journey north to Central Queensland.
On arrival, the party went first to Cawarral, where Mary and the children remained until the first bark and slab huts were erected at Raspberry Creek. These huts were about three miles from the site finally selected and were later moved. The present homestead was built using pit sawn timber for the walls and shingles for the roof.
By 1868, the partnership between Ross and Hutton had dissolved and the Huttons became the sole owners of Raspberry Creek. From 1869, following resumption and opening of the resumed land to selection, the Huttons took up further selections at Shoalwater and Banksia. When the family grew larger, weather boards for extensions were brought in by boat along Shoalwater Creek most stores were brought in by boat as it was easier than overlanding.
In 1894, the Huttons moved to Sydney where they stayed until Mary's death in 1896. James returned to Raspberry Creek and continued to run the station with his eldest son William until his death in 1898. William Hutton resided at Raspberry Creek Homestead until his retirement in 1911. During his time on Raspberry Creek, William, and his wife Rose, gained a reputation for their refined hospitality.
Raspberry Creek was sold to William Naughton in 1914 and passed out of the ownership of the Hutton Family. William Naughton divided and sold the property with Fred and William Flowers brothers applied for resumed portions and forming their stations. Raspberry Creek was bought by Tom Creed in 1939.
Under Commonwealth Acquisition 728, Raspberry Creek homestead become part of the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area on 1 July 1965. Whilst included within the training area, Raspberry Creek homestead was not in permanent use, though it had been utilised as a base camp for reconnaissance parties and by the Federal Department of Construction employees working within the training area. From mid-1987, Raspberry Creek homestead was not utilised as a base camp.
Relocated from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in 1988, with the aid of a Bicentennial grant, the Raspberry Creek Homestead is sited on a reserve for Cultural & Historical Purposes under the trusteeship of Livingstone Shire Council and leased by Byfield & District Historical Society Inc. The Society operates a museum and library in the former homestead.
","criteria":"(Criterion under review)
|The former Raspberry Creek Homestead is significant as a extant example of the type of early pioneer construction in the Shoalwater Bay area. With later extensions, Raspberry Creek Homestead provides evidence of the evolution of vernacular architecture.
|The former Raspberry Creek Homestead is valued by the community as demonstrated by the project to preserve it as an important part of the history of the area, and it is associated with the historical society whose focus it has been since the late 1980s.
|The former Raspberry Creek Homestead is significant for its association with James and Mary Hutton, early pioneers in the Shoalwater Bay area.
","criteria_letters":"Criterion A | Criterion D | Criterion G | Criterion H","criteria_definitions":"The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history | The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places | The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons | The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history"}, {"heritage_type":"State Heritage","site_id":15434,"place_ref":600659,"name":"Joskeleigh Cemetery","alternate_name":"Sandhills Historical South Sea Islander Cemetery","street_address":"Joskeleigh","suburb":"JOSKELEIGH","lga":"LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL","register_entry_date":"1992-10-21","description":"The South Sea Islander village of Joskeleigh is located 40 kilometres from Rockhampton, on the coast.
The cemetery site comprised approximately a quarter of an acre and was originally part of a 100 acre freehold block. It is bounded on the north by Joskeleigh Road and to the south, west and east by freehold property on which is located mature vegetation, including mango and pine trees. All headstones within the cemetery face easterly.
The plaque bearing the names of those buried there is mounted on a large memorial stone. Oral history suggests that some Islanders are buried outside the present cemetery boundaries [in some cases it is said that people are buried outside of the cemetery grounds even though their headstones are located within the grounds].
Glass ornamentation and shells surround most the graves. Shells were used quite often to decorate not only the graves, but also garden beds. Some graves are marked with timber crucifixes. There are a number of marble headstones, one of which has a metal grave surround.
A timber rotunda is located with the cemetery. The cemetery is surrounded by a timber fence with access via Joskeleigh Road.
","history":"The use of the area that became the Joskeleigh Cemetery was established on privately-owned land at Sandhills/Joskeleigh by the late 1890s/early 1900s by the local South Sea Islander community. By 1983 there were fifth generation descendants of the original cane workers brought to the Rockhampton district in the late 19th century living in the Joskeleigh area.
In the period 1863-1904, South Sea Islanders were the principal labour force in Queensland's sugar industry, and until about 1880 also worked in the pastoral and maritime industries. Approximately 50,000 Islanders took up indentures to work in Queensland in this period, many signing up more than once. Following federation of the Australian colonies in 1901 and the resultant triumph of the 'White Australia' movement, the new Commonwealth Government passed the Pacific Island Labourers Act of 1901, which proclaimed that the recruiting of South Sea Islands labour was to cease from 1904 and that as many Islanders as possible were to be repatriated by 1907. Between 1904-08, 7,068 Islanders were repatriated and another 194 were deported in 1914. However, between 2,000 and 2,500 Islanders were exempt from repatriation and acquired Australian citizenship. In the late 1990s their descendants number around 15,000.
In Queensland, Islanders were introduced firstly as labour in the cotton industry and on pastoral properties, and later to work on the sugar plantations along the coast. Clearing the land before planting the sugar cane. In the Rockhampton area, extensive sugar plantations were established in the Yeppoon, Farnborough, Cawarral, and Joskeleigh districts. Sugar was first tried at the Sand hills by Mr Joske [after whom Joskeleigh is named] but the land was too arid. The Yeppoon Sugar Plantation employed up to 180 South Sea Islander workers, both men and women.
When forcible repatriation of Islanders was introduced by the Commonwealth Government in the early 1900s, the Islander population around Rockhampton comprised 79 island born, 47 Queensland born, and 8 married women not liable to deportation. No children were to be sent back, and of the island born all but 23 had lived in Queensland for more than 20 years and so could claim exemption from deportation. Of these 23, five were married to women who did not come from their own island, and so were permitted to remain, and the other 18 were able to stay because they were mostly earning their own living on land they either owned or leased.
The majority of Islanders who chose to stay in Central Queensland settled in the Keppel Sands [originally Sandhills] area at Joskeleigh, which has a beach frontage of several kilometres and is the nearest ocean beach to Rockhampton. By 1914 the population was estimated at 200. The Joskeleigh School was established in 1915, and by the 1930s the population had peaked at around 250-300. The community estimates that the Islander population had a 10% intermarriage rate with an Aboriginal tribe which lived in the area until the 1930s, when the last of these Indigenous people were forcibly removed to reserves.
The Islander community first rented land from Bill Cuff, the Sandhills storekeeper, for a nominal 2/6 per year, and on this they built thatched huts of blady grass in the traditional manner, with Tea Tree Bark and traditionally made rope from the wild hibiscus bark. The Islanders soon became self sufficient by growing crops and market gardens to provide food and an income for their familles. Their families grew up there and soon began buying their own blocks of land south of Mr Cuff's who first invited the South Sea Islanders to the Sandhills. He originally worked at the Yeppoon Sugar Plantation Sugar Mill at Farnborough. When the mill ceased to operate in 1904 he invited some of the Islanders who worked on the plantation to work for him on his newly purchased acreage. Another land owner, AC [Alexander Charles] Huth sold them some of his land. They worked for him in his gardens [cultivations] and with their earnings paid for their land.
Traditional skills in fishing, net-making, medicine, horticulture and building continued to be practised and even taught in the local school, and this was a rich source of cultural pride and community cohesion. Between 1901 and 1914 the Islanders accepted Christianity, taught by Gospel hall missionaries from Rockhampton, but retained many of their island religious customs and spiritual beliefs.
When someone died, a wake was held and in days gone by this celebration lasted for three days with a huge feast prepared and cooked island style. It was a happy time and celebrated that the spirit of the deceased had gone to a happier place. Inexpensive use of glass ornamentation, and shells around the graves, were used to decorate the graves. Shells were used quite often to decorate not only the graves, but also their garden beds. Glass ornamentation was used as the families could often not afford anything else.
The Joskeleigh Cemetery is associated mostly with the first generation of Australian Islanders who resided at Sandhills. Twenty-two men, women and children are buried there, almost all Islanders except for one English women who had married into the community. [Oral history suggests that there are other unmarked graves outside the boundaries of the cemetery].
The burial ground, established on about a quarter of an acre of a 100 acre freehold at Sandhills, appears to have been abandoned when the Islander community took up their own land south of Sandhills. By the early 1980s the cemetery had been badly damaged by farm machinery. Twenty of the graves had been bulldozed; headstones were broken and picket fences had abeen burnt to clear some of the area. This caused considerable distress amongst Joskeleigh residents whose relatives were buried there. In response, the local Islander community, led by Mrs Mabel Edmund, encouraged the National Trust to list the site [1981] and formed the Joskeleigh Historical and Progress Association [1983] to preserve the place.
Fund raising commenced and negotiations with the then landholder were undertaken in order to purchase the area of land where the graves were located. These discussions were unsuccessful and the Association, led by Mrs Edmund, lobbied the Queensland Government to resume the burial ground and officially declare it a reserve for cemetery purposes. This was achieved in 1984.
The State Government bought a quarter acre of land surrounding most of the graves to preserve the area as an historical site. The land was held in trust by the Joskeleigh Historical Society, however in recent times this has been handed over to the Livingstone Shire Council. The community also maintains the grounds. Little restoration work was undertaken until 1991, when graves were marked; headstones re-erected where possible; a stone monument was erected with a plaque which bears the names of all those buried in the cemetery; a fence and gates were constructed and a sign painted.
The most recent burial in the Joskeleigh Cemetery was Mrs Evelyn Warcon in 2001. The Joskeleigh Cemetery has become an important and attractive part of the landscape and a source of pride to the community and a permanent reminder of South Sea Islander heritage.
","criteria":"Joskeleigh Cemetery is important in illustrating the pattern of Queensland's history as evidence of the development of Joskeleigh and surrounding area as a settlement predominantly of South Sea Islander people, who owned or leased land, farmed it, and lived in the area since the 1890s.
A well-known landmark, Joskeleigh Cemetery, with its grave surrounds, markers and headstones, set in a tended lawn, with the surrounding area bounded by mature vegetation, particularly mango and pine trees, is significant for its aesthetic appeal.
|The Joskeleigh Cemetery is comparatively rare in Queensland, as the final resting place for, predominantly, South Sea Islander people.
|Joskeleigh Cemetery illustrates some of the principal characteristics of a small burial ground, including a lack of denominational divisions and locally-connected interments.
|Joskeleigh Cemetery is especially important for its strong social significance and for the association it holds for descendants of the early South Sea Islander families of Joskeleigh and surrounding area with their heritage and the experiences of their ancestors in Queensland.
","criteria_letters":"Criterion A | Criterion B | Criterion D | Criterion G","criteria_definitions":"The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history | The place demonstrates rare, uncommon or endangered aspects of Queensland's cultural heritage | The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places | The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons"}, {"heritage_type":"State Heritage","site_id":15435,"place_ref":600660,"name":"St Christophers Chapel","alternate_name":"St Christopher's Chapel","street_address":"St Christophers Chapel Road","suburb":"BERSERKER","lga":"LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL","register_entry_date":"1992-10-21","description":"St Christopher's Chapel is located fronting St Christopher's Chapel Road, Berserker, to the southeast of Rockhampton. The site is located on the southeastern side of low hill, and the entrance to the chapel faces in an easterly direction.
The single storeyed open-sided chapel has a concrete base, and is constructed of undressed timber posts and beams supporting King post trusses with struts and a ribbed metal gable roof. The chapel is open at the front and to both sides, with a low random rubble stone wall to the perimeter. The low stone wall has a central opening at the front, and returns either side of concrete steps which provide access to the chapel from the entrance path. The gable end has fibrous cement sheeting with timber battens, and a cross of undressed timber at the apex. The entrance is flanked by two marble plaques; the southern plaque commemorates the maintenance of the chapel by the Returned Services League of Australia, and the northern plaque commemorates the erection of the chapel in 1943 by the United States 542nd Special Engineer Regiment.
The rear of the structure has a raised platform separated from the body of the chapel by timber altar rails. A random rubble stone wall to the underside of the roof trusses creates a recessed central altar with a door to either side accessing rear side rooms. The altar has a central rose window consisting of coloured glass in a fretwork frame, below which is a large shelf surmounting a marble cross set in the stone wall. A free-standing random rubble pulpit is located at the southern side of the altar. The rear side rooms are enclosed with fibrous cement sheeting, and each has a sash window at the rear and a door opening onto a recessed porch behind the altar. The northern room contains a commemorative plaque fixed to the side wall.
The chapel has a wide centre aisle with timber pews to either side. The struts to alternate roof trusses have been painted in red, white and blue, and the Australian and American coat of arms are depicted on panels fixed to the roof truss above the altar rails. Timber planks displaying American servicemen's athletic records have been attached to the upper section of both sides of the chapel.
An octagonal band rotunda is located on the northern side of the chapel. This structure has a concrete and random rubble stone base, and is constructed of undressed timber posts and rafters, with sawn cross members, supporting a pitched ribbed metal roof. The rotunda is open to each side, with concrete steps providing access from the eastern side. A low timber bench seat is located around the perimeter, and timber pews have been placed in the rotunda facing the adjacent chapel altar. A stone plaque fixed to the stone base commemorates the erection of the rotunda.
The entrance to the chapel is via commemorative metal gates and arch, with the name SAINT CHRISTOPHERS CHAPEL outlined in large metal lettering, fronting a parking area off St Christopher's Chapel Road. Similar gates are located at the southern end of the site. The entrance path is lined by a number of commemorative plaques fixed to stone cairns, and garden beds with stone borders are located adjacent. The site also includes many trees scattered around the vicinity of the chapel.
","history":"St Christopher's Chapel at Berserker was erected in 1943 by the American 542 Engineers, Ship and Shore Battalion. The timber and stone chapel was built on Harbour Board land made available to the U.S. Army by the Queensland Government. It reflects the presence of American troops in Queensland during the Second World War and stands as the only structure of its kind in Australia.
The area around the chapel had been used as a convalescent camp for American troops based around Rockhampton, and other U.S. units which had been sent to Rockhampton to rest after combat operations in the Pacific islands. During the peak time of American occupation more than 70 000 American soldiers from the 24th, 32nd and 41st U.S. Army combat divisions, and One Army Corps - '1 Corps', were stationed in the Rockhampton area.
In 1943 several army chaplains recognised the need for a non-denominational chapel, and approached the Corps Commander for assistance. The 542 Engineers Ship and Shore were given the task of constructing the chapel under the supervision of the chaplains. The timber roof trusses and the stones used in construction were collected from the surrounding area. When the work was completed late in 1943, the four chaplains (two Protestant, one Roman Catholic and one Jewish Rabbi) consecrated the chapel as a place of divine worship where non-denominational services could be held.
After the United States troops left in February 1944 there was a gradual deterioration in the building until Henry Beak, whose grazing property adjoined the chapel, began to take care of it in July 1947. From mid 1955 the Livingstone Shire and Rockhampton City Councils assumed responsibility for the chapel.
In 1958, Master Sergeant Jack Bauman, U.S. Army, returned to Rockhampton and attempted to raise funds for the restoration of the chapel. Jack Bauman died before funds were raised but the 41st Division in America forwarded $130 to the American 41st Division Association in Rockhampton to paint the chapel. An octagonal band rotunda was erected in honour of Master Sergeant Bauman adjacent to the chapel.
In 1959 vandals destroyed a number of articles in the chapel which precipitated the formation of a committee and the appointment of trustees from the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. and the 41st Division Association to preserve and maintain the chapel. The committee established an annual service held on the Sunday closest to 4 July, American Independence Day.
During the time the committee looked after the chapel the memorial fence was erected with each donor's name engraved on a stainless steel panel. The lower gates were donated by the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. Rockhampton Branch and the main gates were a gift from Henry Beak. The signs commemorating athletic events, which are located around the sides of the chapel, are mementos collected from a sports oval which was located near the chapel and used by the troops during their occupation. These signs were placed in the chapel by Henry Beak.
In 1986 the committee dissolved, at which time the R.S.L. was approached to be the new caretakers for the chapel. The chapel is now under the authority of the Livingstone Shire Council and is a public place.
","criteria":"St Christopher's Chapel, erected in 1943, reflects the presence of American troops in Queensland during the Second World War. The area surrounding Rockhampton had sustained around 70 000 US soldiers who were fighting in the Pacific, and this non-denominational chapel was constructed to service the religious needs of those troops.
|As the only structure of its kind in Queensland and Australia, the chapel is a rare and unique testament to the American presence throughout Australia.
|St Christopher's Chapel is of aesthetic significance as a rustic open-air structure constructed of local natural materials, and the place makes a considerable aesthetic contribution to the surrounding landscape.
|It has special association with the American troops who used the chapel as a place of worship whilst resting or convalescing in Rockhampton.
The chapel has special association for the people of the surrounding communities as a local landmark and a place for worship and ceremony.
|The chapel is also a rare surviving example of the presence of American servicemen during the Second World War.
","criteria_letters":"Criterion A | Criterion B | Criterion E | Criterion G | Criterion H","criteria_definitions":"The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history | The place demonstrates rare, uncommon or endangered aspects of Queensland's cultural heritage | The place is important because of its aesthetic significance | The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons | The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history"}, {"heritage_type":"State Heritage","site_id":15980,"place_ref":601216,"name":"Leeke Homestead","alternate_name":"Leekes Homestead","street_address":"Great (South) Keppel Island","suburb":"GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND","lga":"LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL","register_entry_date":"2000-07-28","description":"Leeke Homestead is located on Great Keppel Island, east of Yeppoon. The Homestead is on the northern side of the island on a hillside overlooking tidal mangrove plains and Leeke's Beach beyond. The homestead is accessible by 4wd vehicle or walking. A simple timberlog fence defines the boundary around the homestead paddock. The house is sheltered by large spreading fig trees with several large, weatherbeaten Hoop Pines and Date Palms scattered throughout the yard. A number of recent, ancillary buildings are also located within this paddock.
The homestead is a simple square plan building with a pyramidal roof form without eaves. it is elevated on short timber stumps. Both the walls and roof are clad with corrugated iron, with some sections of weatherboards including those lining a small verandah on the north-west side of the house. This verandah has cross-braced balustrades, effectively the only external "decoration" on the house.
Internally, the house has six rooms. Floors throughout are wide boards of rough-sawn timber and walls and ceilings are lined with painted plywood with coverstrips. The former kitchen is located on the eastern side of the building with a large stove recess that used to accommodate a wood stove. The recess is clad externally with corrugated iron and has a galvanised steel flue. A recent kitchen and bathroom has been fitted in a small room in the north-east corner off the kitchen, that was previously a small bedroom (where Bill Leeke used to sleep as a boy). The largest interior space is the living room which is now furnished with a few pieces of period furniture and has framed family pictures on the walls. A small store room is located on the southern side of the living space, adjacent to the large bedroom. The largest bedroom is L-shaped in plan and has vinyl floor sheeting. The only internal doors are to the store room and bedroom. Windows throughout the house are double-hung, unpainted timber sashes.
The woolshed is constructed on the tidal plain. It has been recently re-built and has a concrete slab floor, structural timber frame and galvanised steel cladding.
","history":"Leeke Homestead, constructed c.1922-24 is a basic, timber and corrugated iron residence located on Great Keppel Island, near Yeppoon. The house was the home of Lizzie Leeke (formerly O'Neill) who lived on the island from 1922 until 1945. She originally moved to Great Keppel from Gladstone with her husband Michael O'Neill and they depastured sheep on the island from 1918 when they purchased the pastoral lease on the island. The O'Neills were by no means pioneers of the island, Great Keppel had been occupied by Europeans for over fifty years by the time they took up the lease. In these fifty years, dramatic and tragic events had already occurred in order to enable white occupation of the islands.
Cook sailed into Keppel Bay in 1770 and named the bay and islands after his superior in England, Rear Admiral Augustus Keppel. There were subsequent visits by other exploratory parties, however, white exploitation of Great Keppel Island began in earnest in 1866. Prominent Central Queensland squatter, Robert Ross, obtained leases over both Great Keppel and North Keppel Islands "from year to year and not exceeding five years" in partnership with C.E Beddome and Sir Arthur Palmer (MLA for Port Curtis, 1866-78 and Minister for Lands 1866-69). Over the next year, Ross began to "prepare" the island as a cattle property by driving 84 indigenous people into a cave and murdering them. In 1882, Ross acquired secure tenure for Great Keppel Island through land dummying, and depastured 4000 sheep on the island.
W. T Wyndham became stockkeeper for Ross and declared himself the first European to live permanently on the island. Despite his association with Ross, who was justifiably feared by the Aborigines, Wyndham was able to establish a good relationship with the Keppel Islanders. He had previously worked for Dr Walter Roth, the Northern Protector of Aborigines and had lived previously with Aboriginal people in New South Wales. Wyndham was a remarkable man who went on to make his home at Boyne Island, near Gladstone. He spoke a number of Aboriginal languages and recorded much valuable anthropological data in his diaries. On the island, Mount Wyndham and Wyndham Cove are named for him, his grave on Boyne Island, near Gladstone, is entered in the Queensland Heritage Register [601811].
In September 1883, Ross came across to Great Keppel and kidnapped seven men and twenty three women and children by luring them onto a boat with the promise of food. Wyndham resigned and told the story to the "Queensland Figaro" which ran the story titled, "Kidnapping Keppel Island Blacks." A public battle of claims and counter-claims followed. Years later, Dr W Roth, using Wyndham's diaries and his own observations, stated that "human lives were sacrificed for sheep."
Ross died in 1893 and his family nearly lost control of the islands until his brother Colin re-acquired the lease. James Lucas came to the island with his family and took up as stockkeeper, soon acquiring a reputation for cruelty and maltreatment of the remaining Keppel Islanders. By this time, the run had a two-roomed weatherboard house, a small shearing shed and several small fenced sheepyards. This house is not the Leeke Homestead and was located closer to the creek. The shearing shed, however, was subsequently used by Lizzie. By 1902, Meston, the Southern Protector of Aborigines had removed the remaining Keppel Islanders to government reserves, including the one at Fraser Island.
Lucas, who had acquired the leases from the Ross family, forfeited them in 1903. For many years after the removal of the Aborigines, the Keppel Islands attracted little interest. They were used mainly by boating parties and although several leases were issued, no stock was depastured and nor did anyone live on the island before the 1920s. The grazing lease for Great Keppel, covering almost the entire island was transferred to Michael O'Neill in 1918. O'Neill, who had several farm properties near Gladstone, unsuccessfully sought a more secure tenure than occupation licence through the support of George Carter MLA. O'Neill had depastured 1500 merino sheep upon taking up the lease and he and Lizzie moved to the island to live permanently in 1922, however, O'Neill died soon after in early 1923. Lizzie stayed on and "remained as a resolute and colourful character on the island for twenty-three years."
In October 1924, she married Ralph Leeke, a young fisherman from Keppel Sands. Lizzie continued to run sheep on the island and Ralph worked as a fisherman - they were considered an eccentric couple, not least because Lizzie was about 17 years older than Ralph. There is uncertainty about whether it was Leeke or O'Neill who built the homestead. Accounts from the Leeke family claim that Ralph took a barge to his home in Keppel Sands, dismantled the house and shipped it back to the island. He landed at the shearing shed and carried the material up the hill and re-built the house. The shearing shed remained from previous lease-holders, however, a new site was chosen for the homestead. Other accounts claim that O' Neill built the homestead before he died.
Bill Leeke, Ralph's nephew, spent many holidays on the island in the 1920s and 30s. He remembered the homestead thus:
I slept on the verandah of the Homestead on a stretcher bed. The bed had a spread made of possum skins lined with a cloth material. It crackled a bit when you sat on it. Possums were declared a pest and the Government paid a shilling a skin. The floor of the house was littered with possum skin rugs. The windows in the front of the house looking onto the verandah had curtains and the doorways had hanging screens made from reeds that grew in the salt pan and along the creek. There was a small parlour with lace cloths on occasional tables with pieces of coral and rare shells. The kitchen was at the back of the house and that is where we ate. Although the house was built of corrugated iron it had a woman's touch and always seemed cool and homely to me.
In 1933 Ralph left Lizzie and the island and Lizzie was left by herself to run the stock. The mid 1930s saw the beginning of a greater public use of the island, Fisherman's Beach was regularly being used by people as a camping area for various lengths of time. With the increase in the number of visitors to the island, stories of Lizzie and her life on the island became more common. Comments were often made of the physical and mental toughness of the woman to be able to not only survive on the island, but to also run the sheep successfully. Apart from shearing time when a shearer and wool classer would come to the island, the only help she had was from her two dogs.
Lizzie sold the lease in 1945 and died on the mainland a few years later. The lease passed through several hands and it appears that the homestead was never lived in permanently again as consequent lease holders built other houses on the island. In 1971, the grazing lease and the homestead were sold to the resort management at the time. The resort management retain tenure of the property. The shearing shed has been re-built and the homestead has been repaired and partly furnished and interpreted as Lizzie's home. Visits to the homestead are offered as an activity for guests at the resort.
","criteria":"Leeke Homestead is important in demonstrating the evolution of Queensland's history, being a representation of the development of Great Keppel Island. The Homestead is a part of the story of attempts to establish viable pastoral operations on the island through the violent displacement of the indigenous population. The Homestead is the only remaining physical link between the 4000 years of Woppaburra occupation and the tourist development that now dominates the island. Leeke Homestead illustrates the tenacity and determination of Lizzie Leeke in staying on the island for so long, tolerating isolation and flouting social convention in order to live the independent life of her choosing.
|Leeke Homestead demonstrates the principal characteristics of an isolated island residence. Built by the owner, at a time when the transport of materials was difficult and skilled labour was unavailable, Leeke Homestead is distinctive as an example of the kinds of dwellings erected under such circumstances in remote locations along the Queensland coast.
|Leeke Homestead is of aesthetic significance, due to its setting among Hoop Pines and fig trees on a high point of the island. The simple design and rudimentary construction techniques contribute to its aesthetic qualities and assist in the integration of the house in the landscape.
","criteria_letters":"Criterion A | Criterion D | Criterion E","criteria_definitions":"The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history | The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places | The place is important because of its aesthetic significance"}, {"heritage_type":"State Heritage","site_id":16483,"place_ref":601746,"name":"Old Byfield Road and Stone-Pitched Crossing","alternate_name":null,"street_address":"Old Byfield Road","suburb":"BYFIELD CREEK","lga":"LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL","register_entry_date":"2004-07-09","description":"The portion of the old Byfield Road under consideration lies between the Yeppoon-Byfield Road and Richters Road, and is just under 450 metres in length. The road incorporates a stone-pitched crossing over Byfield Creek at its northern end.
The stone-pitched ford crosses Byfield Creek in a north-south direction at a bearing of 20°. It has a rectangular frame of timber sleepers fitted together and secured by bolts, presumably iron coach bolts, and filled with stone pitching to create a causeway across the creek.
The exposed fording is 4.8 metres wide by 9.4 metres in length. The average dimensions of the framework logs are: western log 40cm diameter; eastern log 30cm diameter; southern log 24cm diameter; and northern log 15cm diameter.
The stone pitching extends into the northern embankment past the water-mark. Within the crossing some stones have become loose and dislodged from their positions, which may be a result of natural erosion (scouring), or from motor-vehicles. Some subsidence has occurred, with the level of some stones lower in position compared to others, and cracking of some stones is evident. The predominant area of weathering and subsidence occurs in the middle of the ford, where water appears to be permanent to semi-permanent. This part of the ford is the most vulnerable to erosion associated with high water velocity during flooding.
A natural sand deposit on the southern bank of the creek is encroaching onto the crossing, and plant shoots are growing between the stone pitching. The log at the southern aspect is exposed for only a small portion, less than 50cm, the remainder being covered by encroaching sand deposits, up to an approximate depth of 20cm. Sediment deposits currently extend to approximately 4.6m from the point of the southern sleeper into the fording.
At the south-west cross-section, an exposed bolt is located in the middle of the southern log, approximately 12cm from its upper edge. Exposed height of the bolt is approximately 9cm and it appears to be an iron coach bolt.
In the south-west corner, the log appears to extend into the creek bank and is covered by sediments, indicating a continuation of the fording. Combined with the presence of sandy loam sediments extending approx 12 to 13 metres further south up the embankment, the apparent extension of the log may indicate the fording extends further into the southern bank than what is currently exposed.
From the crossing, the southern section of the old stock route extends approximately 420 metres to the Yeppoon-Byfield Road. There is a large sandy deposit extending 12m to 13m up the bank from the creek, which appears to have been washed downslope from loose deposits. Above the sand-bank, the roadway is comprised of clay and stone which rises for several metres before levelling out, with the soil changing to a loamy composition. Native trees, ferns and palms grow thickly along the embankment and creek bank.
Continuing towards the Yeppoon-Byfield Road, the path is covered with ground vegetation, leaf litter, including pine needles and fallen branches mixed with loose sand and soil. Towards the intersection with the Yeppoon-Byfield Road, a culvert has been created for draining water away from the road. Ground vegetation, mainly grasses and some saplings, provides a masking effect along the side of the Yeppoon-Byfield Road, making the entrance to the old road easy to overlook when driving past.
The northern section of the old road extends approximately 20 metres from the northern bank of Byfield Creek along what is now part of Richters Road reserve. There is no sand deposit, with the embankment comprised of a clay-based soil. There is thick ground-cover vegetation to either side of the path leading up the embankment and onto Richters Road, which is predominately blady grass. This ground-cover hides the entrance to the old road from Richters Road. Native trees, ferns and palms grow along either side of the pathway on the embankment down to the creek.
","history":"The road leading to and from the ford at Byfield Creek was established in the 1860s when the district was occupied by pastoral interests. It was a section of the sole track from Maryvale Station north to Byfield Head Station, and continuing on to stations in the Shoalwater area. A specific date of construction for the stone-pitched ford across Byfield Creek on this road has not been established, but as the ford facilitated access to Byfield Head Station and to properties to the north and west of Byfield, it may date to the 1860s when Byfield Head Station was established on the northern bank of the creek opposite where the ford is now sited. The crossing is the only known surviving section of stone pitching along what was, from settlement in the 1860s to the 1930s, the only access route to stations directly north of Yeppoon.
Byfield [originally Bayfield] is an isolated district, sandwiched between the Byfield Range and the Capricorn Coast. Traditionally it was home to the Butcha-Bura people (meaning men of the Banksia or Honey Suckle Tree). The Butcha-Bura belonged to the Ningebul tribe, which in turn was part of the Darrambul Nation, and they lived within the Byfield district until the latter part of the 19th century.
The area was explored by Ludwig Leichhardt and Thomas Mitchell between 1844 and 1846 and provided the most manageable overland route to the grassy plains of Shoalwater and Broadsound to the north. Land management practices of the Butcha-Bura people contributed to the development of these plains, which later proved ideal for the grazing of sheep and cattle. Fire stick farming enticed wallabies and kangaroo to feed on sweet new growth of grass, making hunting practices easier and more predictable.
Broadsound and the Isaac River country were explored by William Landsborough and J McDonald between 1847 to 1858, for the purpose of marking out runs. On 10 January 1854 the New South Wales Government proclaimed the Port Curtis Pastoral District open to settlement under pastoral occupation license. Landsborough acquired the Shoalwater run for a short period before L Samuel won a tender for it in 1858. The run was re-named Raspberry Creek due to the abundance of native raspberry in the area.
The first wave of permanent non-indigenous settlers to the Byfield and Shoalwater districts commenced in the early 1860s, with the arrival of the Hutton, Ross, Atherton and Tucker families, mostly from the New England district of New South Wales. In February 1863 the Tucker family selected the Maryvale and Bayfield [later Byfield] runs. Robert Ross and James Hutton took over the Raspberry Creek license from Samuel in 1863, along with the leases of Shoalwater and Banksia Plain in the same year. Hutton later bought out Ross' share in Raspberry Creek. The Ross family, with various financial partners, obtained much of the coastal country from the mouth of the Fitzroy River north to the peninsula at Shoalwater Bay. The Peninsula run was forfeited by Ross in 1864 and was successfully bid for at auction by Edward Hampton (Cranky) Baker. By 1865, Elliot of Tilpal had joined the Huttons, Newbold and 'Cranky' Baker as being among the first to permanently settle to the north of Byfield Creek in the Shoalwater area.
In the 1860s the Byfield and Shoalwater districts were accessed via a single circuitous route from Rockhampton, by-passing the Berseker Range which lay between the coast and the Fiztroy River. Materials, livestock and other goods were transported to and from these remote northern properties via this route, which linked head station to head station, and crossed Byfield Creek near Byfield Head Station.
An October 1868 survey of Maryvale Run [survey plan P42.90] shows the 'Road to Byfield' linking Maryvale and Byfield head stations. Byfield Head Station was located on the northern bank of Byfield Creek [see survey plan PALM40.4 (1870)], on what is now Lot 5 on RP613780, near the creek crossing.
In the mid-1880s the Byfield district was surveyed into farm portions and opened for agricultural selection. Pastoral leases gave way to agriculture, encouraged by longer tenure and high yields from relatively small areas. An 1887 survey plan [PALM40.125] of the farm portions surrounding the Byfield Head Station block [portion 171, surveyed in 1870] shows the old route linking Byfield with stations to the north and west, circumventing the homestead block along its eastern and northern boundaries. In 1887 this route was surveyed officially as the main road to Raspberry Creek and Peninsula stations [see also plan PALM40.126 (1887)], and heading south to Maryvale, crossing Byfield Creek in the approximate location of the stone-pitched ford, although the ford itself is not indicated on the map. The section of this road which follows the eastern boundary of the Byfield homestead block is now known as Richters Road. A second track, marked as 'old postman's track', was also indicated on the 1887 survey plan [PALM40.125]. This track traversed the Byfield homestead block diagonally from northwest to southeast, meeting Byfield Creek at the approximate location of the stone-pitched ford and the road south to Maryvale, and joining the road to Raspberry Creek north of the Byfield Head Station block.
The influx of new settlers increased traffic over the old Byfield Road across Byfield Creek. They needed to bring goods in and out by wagon and required a reliable crossing for foot traffic, vehicles and animals. In 1888 a weekly Mail Service [No.142] from Yeppoon to Raspberry Creek via Maryvale and Byfield commenced. The route was over 80 miles using two or three horses with pack saddles to carry mail and goods to be delivered. Jock Cowan continued this service to the residents of Byfield and Shoalwater for 40 years, using the Byfield Creek crossing to gain access to the northern route to Raspberry Creek via what is now Richters Road.
In the 1930s the Sherriff brothers introduced motorised delivery vehicles on the mail route. Beginning with motor bikes and then a utility fitted out like a little shop, they sold cigarettes, chocolates and odds and ends to residents along with delivering the mail once a week on a Sunday, using the crossing to access northern properties.
Well into the 20th century, horses and cattle continued to be driven along the old Byfield Road into Yeppoon for the sales. The Huttons of Raspberry Creek and Shoalwater runs were prominent in the establishment of the pastoral industry in Central Queensland, and worked with the Flowers brothers of nearby Yandouble and Pine Mountain to establish a live cattle export from Port Clinton to New Caledonia. To get cattle to the Rockhampton market, the Huttons and other graziers would drive them along the Byfield Road, using the fording to cross Byfield Creek to reach Adelaide Park Road, which follows the Mt Hedlow route around the Berserker Range. The Huttons, as with many families in the region, also bred their own racehorses along with work and saddle horses. Horse breeders such as the Huttons and Geddes found there was more profit in selling horses to India as army remounts and polo ponies than selling cattle. To get these horses to markets, they either needed to be driven along the route that crossed Byfield Creek, or loaded onto ships at Port Clinton.
Country race meetings and other social events were held on the station runs between 1879 and 1909, attracting visitors to the Shoalwater district from as far afield as Mt Hedlow and The Oaks. These races were held under the banner of the Palmerston Amateur Turf Club, formed in 1879, and known as 'The Raspberry Creek Races' although events were held at Banksia, The Oaks and Tooloombah as well as Raspberry Creek. Travel to and from the northern stations for these and other social engagements was only possible via the old Byfield Road and required traversing the Byfield Creek crossing either by buggy or on horseback.
Byfield district graziers and fruit-growers used the old road over Byfield Creek until a by-pass was opened in the early 1940s, in response to pressure from an increasing number of residents attracted to the area. A c1936 map of the area shows the development of the bypass as being nearly complete, but resumption of land through Lot 10 delayed completion of the road until the early 1940s.
The bypass, known as the Yeppoon-Byfield Road, gives access to the Byfield State School, Post Office and General Store and provides a comfortable journey for travellers between Yeppoon and properties north of Byfield Creek, with overpasses constructed over creeks and the roadway designed as a durable all-weather passage. This bypass circumvents the road leading to and around the boundary of Lot 171 and rejoins the original route at the northern intersection of Yaxley and Byfield Roads.
Although the Byfield Creek crossing on the old Byfield Road was cut off by the bypass, it remained in use as a short-cut for local property owners and council workers, being used by foot traffic, horseback riders, vehicles and heavy machinery, until very recent times. In an effort to stop vehicles using the crossing, the Livingstone Shire Council placed bollards across the old roadway, but these were removed shortly after by persons unknown and have not been replaced. By the early 21st century the old road south of the Byfield Creek crossing was overgrown, with re-growth vegetation, fallen trees and branches making it difficult for vehicles to access the crossing. The road following the eastern boundary of Lot 171 [Richters Road] is still in use, but no longer crosses Byfield Creek. It is unlikely that the stone-pitched crossing will return to regular local use.
Local interest in the stone-pitched crossing and the portion of the old road bounded by the Yeppoon-Byfield and Richters roads has remained strong, with the local Byfield State School using the area for Remnant Vegetation studies since the late 1990s. For descendants of the early pastoral and agricultural settlers still residing in the Byfield district, the stone-pitched crossing and road remains a tangible link with the past. Continued community involvement in the maintenance and conservation of the old road and ford resulted in its nomination to the Queensland Heritage Register.
","criteria":"The Old Byfield Road was in use from the 1860s and is important in illustrating the pattern of non-indigenous settlement in the Byfield, Shoalwater and Broadsound districts of central Queensland. The old road was the only access route to stations north and west of Byfield until the early 1940s, and was important in the establishment of the cattle and later fruit growing industries of the Capricorn Coast. The stone-pitched crossing which fords Byfield Creek along this route may date to the 1860s, and is integral to our understanding of the function of this road as a principal access route.
This crossing was the only made access to the northern end of Byfield and outlying properties until the final section of the Yeppoon-Byfield Road was opened to traffic in the early 1940s.
|The place is significant as the only remaining unmodified section of the original road through Byfield to and from properties in Shoalwater and Broadsound.
The stone-pitched crossing is important in demonstrating a method of constructing fords which is no longer practiced, and is of particular interest as the only remaining stone-pitched crossing in the Byfield area in an unmodified condition.
|The stone-pitched crossing is important in demonstrating a method of constructing fords which is no longer practiced, and is of particular interest as the only remaining stone-pitched crossing in the Byfield area in an unmodified condition.
|The place is valued by the Byfield community for its historical and educational associations. The crossing and early road has special association for the local community with the work of early settlers and postal workers, and is valued for its important role in early transport and communication in an otherwise isolated district. The place is also valued by the community for its remnant native vegetation.
","criteria_letters":"Criterion A | Criterion B | Criterion D | Criterion G","criteria_definitions":"The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history | The place demonstrates rare, uncommon or endangered aspects of Queensland's cultural heritage | The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places | The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons"}, {"heritage_type":"State Heritage","site_id":16862,"place_ref":602126,"name":"Yeppoon War Memorial","alternate_name":null,"street_address":"Normanby Street","suburb":"YEPPOON","lga":"LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL","register_entry_date":"1999-07-23","description":"The Yeppoon War Memorial is situated over three streets and a park in Yeppoon, all located in the central section of the town. The beach foreshore and esplanade, Anzac Parade has a row of mature hoop pines (Araucaria cunninghamii) evenly spaced by approximately two metres. This row extends around the corner into Normanby Street, with four mature hoop pines centre planted into a specially created tree reserve. The avenue continues in Normanby Street between Mary Street and Arthur Street planted in the roadside reserve. A row of Coconut Palm Trees is centre planted in James Street under which small concrete cairns are located. Each cairn carries two brass plaques commemorating an individual serviceman. Two original plaques remain in situ, on a short timber pickets.
The monumental style War memorial is located in Beaman Park. A simple white concrete obelisk is located in the centre of a double stepped base that has polished concrete horizontal surfaces and white vertical surfaces. The obelisk has marble tablets inset into each face of the obelisk, representing the four conflicts in which Yeppoon residents enlisted. The obelisk culminates in a pyramidal apex.
","history":"The Yeppoon War Memorial comprises a series of avenues of trees, located over Anzac Parade, James and Normanby Streets planted in 1921 and 1984, to commemorate the servicemen lost from the local community. The memorial Obelisk, erected in 1952, is located in Beaman Park at the intersection of Normanby and Hill Streets, commemorates all servicemen and women from the Yeppoon district. Together they create an integrated precinct of remembrance for the international conflicts in which Australia participated.
Up until the early twentieth century, there were few statues or monuments in Queensland. However, as a result of the First World War (1914-1918), memorials were erected in almost every Queensland town. Such public expression of both grief for the dead and pride in the nation has not been generated by previous or subsequent wars. Memorials erected following subsequent wars were often adjuncts to the original commemorative symbols.
The First World War had an enormous impact on the Australian population. Of those who went to war, almost one in five did not return. It was common for families to lose more than one son and for small communities to lose a whole generation of men.
In 1916, the British Government prohibited the exhumation and return of bodies. This, coupled with the impracticality of visiting distant graves ensured war memorials became an expression of public mourning, revered as cenotaphs (literally meaning empty tomb) by those who erected them. Placed in prominent locations, such as planting of memorial trees in Yeppoon's main thoroughfares, they became symbols of remembrance and were considered to be as sacred as gravesites.
Materials, design principles and symbols suggesting permanence, reverence and commemoration were important elements. In Yeppoon, trees symbolising continuing life were planted in 1921, at The Esplanade, James and Normanby Streets, as the original public commemoration. Native Australian Hoop Pines were selected as the preferred tree, suited to the harsh seaside conditions and longevity of up to 700 years making them an ideal choice for a continuing memorial. At this time The Esplanade was renamed Anzac Parade. While the trees in Anzac Parade flourished, those in James Street declined after the 1940s. Most of the memorial plaques for individual lost soldiers located under trees in James Street had disappeared. In 1984, Yeppoon Returned Services League and Livingstone Shire Council cooperated to replace the trees and plaques and to extend the memorial to those who died in World War Two, Korea and Vietnam. Palm Trees were planted in James Street and plaques moulded in brass in the pattern of the originals and set in small concrete cairns honour 29 Yeppoon residents.
The Ulam marble Yeppoon Honour Board, financed by public subscription and listing 68 townsmen enlisted in World War One, was originally housed in a glass-fronted case in the Yeppoon railway station. This marble tablet was incorporated into the 1952 obelisk placed in Beaman Park as the Yeppoon War Memorial. A marble plaque reading 'Lest we forget' inserted above the original inscriptions, was a gift from local businessman, B.C. Kent. Plaques commemorating the enlisted for World War 2, Korea and Vietnam have also been added to the obelisk.
","criteria":"War Memorials are important in demonstrating the pattern of Queensland's history as they are representative of a recurrent theme that involved most communities throughout the state. They provide evidence of an era of widespread Australian patriotism and nationalism, particularly during and following the First World War. They manifest a unique documentary record and are demonstrative of popular taste in the post war periods.
|Avenues of trees were uncommon in Queensland, a form of memorial favoured by the southern states and in particular rural Victoria.
|The memorial at Yeppoon demonstrates the principal characteristics of a commemorative form erected as an enduring record of this community's contribution to events of national significance. In Yeppoon, this is achieved through a combination of avenues of trees, the renaming of Anzac Parade, plaques to individuals sacrificed in war and a symbolic monument dedicated to all who enlisted in the Australian armed forces.
|The Yeppoon War Memorials are an important aesthetic element in the townscape.
|The range and extent of memorial selected by this small community demonstrates the enormous impact that war had and the importance of the commemorative process.
The mature hoop pines on Anzac Parade and Normanby Streets have landmark qualities for the township of Yeppoon.
","criteria_letters":"Criterion A | Criterion B | Criterion D | Criterion E | Criterion G","criteria_definitions":"The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history | The place demonstrates rare, uncommon or endangered aspects of Queensland's cultural heritage | The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places | The place is important because of its aesthetic significance | The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons"}, {"heritage_type":"State Heritage","site_id":17139,"place_ref":602326,"name":"Bell Park","alternate_name":"Botanic Gardens Reserve","street_address":"Hill Street","suburb":"EMU PARK","lga":"LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL","register_entry_date":"2003-04-29","description":"The Botanic Garden remnant known as Bell Park consists of Park and Recreation Reserve. The Park is an area of 11 hectares bounded on the south by Hill Street, to the west by the caravan park and swimming complex, to the north by Lions Park and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. No longer a densely vegetated area as it was described in the 1890s, Bell Park has large, open, grassed areas with some more formally planted rows of hoop pines, particularly in the southern section of the park.
Access to Bell Park is from Hill Street with low timber fencing marking the car park area from the remainder of the park. Bell Park contains a range of mature pines on the eastern border [sea side] and open grassed areas. Other areas of mature vegetation include hoop pines along the Hill Street entrance to the park; pines and coconut palms in the south-west corner; along the western boundary near the caravan park and particularly, in the northern end of the park, an area that generally, has less infrastructure than the remainder of the reserve.
Structures within Bell Park include a timber tower thought to be a judges box/starters box, near this structure is a large, open grassed area said to be a runners track; two timber rotundas, one constructed with tree trunks for uprights, while the second rotunda has uprights made from sawn timber. A timber stall is located to the north of the timber tower and located near this stall is a large, mature ficus sp.
Bell Park has other facilities available including toilets, play equipment, footbridges and concrete pathways for pedestrian access. A brick stage with a concreted area is also located in the park.
","history":"Bell Bark was gazetted in 1899 as a Reserve for Botanic Gardens and Public Reserve, following an earlier gazettal in 1892 as a Reserve for Public Purposes. Following developments, particularly in the early 1910s with the establishment of pathways and seating by the Emu Park Ladies Improvement League, the Reserve became a popular venue. The popularity of the park was re-established during the 1940s when large company picnics were held there. Bell Park is still very much valued by the community and continues to be a focal point as a recreational destination for residents and visitors.
In 1867, residents of Rockhampton signed a petition asking the Surveyor-General to mark out a town at the nearest point on the central Queensland coast where they might be able to enjoy a day at the beach. The place selected was on the Cawarral cattle run, owned by Messrs Ross, Beddome and Palmer. By 9 January 1869, a proclamation appeared in the Queensland Government Gazette declaring Emu Park a Town Reserve.
One of the more important aspects of Emu Park's development occurred with the establishment of a railway line from Rockhampton in 1888. The survey for the line was begun in 1885, and on 30 September of that year, Parliament approved a direct line via Lake's Creek. To save the expense of bridging the Fitzroy River, the line started from North Rockhampton, and as a result of this, was to be the creation of two separate railway systems for Rockhampton, similar to Bundaberg. The original survey by Robert Ballard called for a line traversing a mangrove swamp for a distance of six miles [eleven kilometres] for the run into Emu Park. The permanent survey for the line however showed that the Ballard route was situated below the high water mark. A cheaper [but longer] route was adopted instead. Fountain Brothers were awarded the contract on 27 October 1886. Heavy rain interrupted construction, however the line was opened on 22 December 1888, in time for the Christmas period. During its history, sometimes as many as five trains, with up to 13 carriages each, were handled by the turntable at the Emu Park Railway, especially on picnic days.
Whilst the Rockhampton to Emu Park line was predominantly a recreational line, within twenty years of its proclamation, Emu Park, with only a small local population and dependent on Rockhampton for support and assistance in almost every aspect of its development, had a railway line, new school, boarding houses and hotels to cater for visitors as well as other service facilities. Most significant however, were the number of private holiday homes being established in the town
Emu Park was made even more accessible when, in late 1899, the Rockhampton Junction Railway was completed. As a result, people further afield, including Mount Morgan residents, could enjoy a break at the beach. From the outset, two trains ran each way daily including Sundays and three on Saturdays.
As the town of Emu Park developed, the Emu Park Progress Association, sought to preserve an area facing Fisherman's Beach close to the town. It was an area of greenery, that was considered to be unique in the area. Correspondence of 9 December 1889 requesting the improvement and proclamation of the area as a Park reserve was sent from the Gogango Divisional Board to the Under Secretary for Lands in Brisbane. This request, was initially rejected, but was however, successful later, when in 1892, an area was set aside as a Reserve for Public Purposes. The same area was re-established, in 1899, as a Reserve for Botanic Gardens and Public Purposes. This area was later to be re-named Bell Park.
Originally, the Botanic Gardens Reserve included an area of around 40 acres from Hill to Pybus Streets and from the coast to the railway yards. The gazettal was sought to preserve the 'natural' garden space rather than any intention to create a formal botanic garden. Located on the sea front, the Botanic Gardens was considered to be an oasis of beauty and recreation for families and visitors, in the middle of the original Emu Park township. In 1906, the Livingstone Shire Council [The Livingstone Shire was formed by a change of name from Gogango Shire on 8 August 1903] requested the Deeds of the Botanic Gardens Reserve and the adjacent Fishermen's Reserve. This was granted and gazetted on 16 May 1908.
Whilst it was gazetted as a Reserve by 1892, the Botanic Gardens Reserve did not become easily accessible to the public until the early 1910s. By 1915, souvenir pamphlets on Emu Park advertised the assets that was the Botanic Gardens Reserve. At this point, Reserve was still predominantly dense brush and was described as breaking the 'unvarying sweep of the shore.' Also by this time, the care and maintenance of the Reserve was being undertaken by the Emu Park Ladies' Improvement League, headed by the President, Mrs E Bell.
The League had a small fund to carry out works such as the opening up of pathways and the provision of seats and tables. By c1920, the timber rotundas had been constructed in the Park. It was suggested at the time that, whatever is done in the direction of upkeep and maintenance should be done carefully and that the all too common error of opening up straight tracks of any sort to the beach, should be 'most carefully avoided.' The Botanic Gardens was renamed Bell Park in the 1930s, in recognition of Mrs Bell and her role in organising the opening up and maintenance of the park.
By the end of the 1940s, the days of large, company and community picnics had become well established. The annual picnics of the Central Queensland Meat Export Company at Lakes Creek and the Rail Department, Rockhampton, developed into huge proportions. The Mount Morgan community, particularly those associated with the mine also showed much support for Emu Park as it was the only resort on the coast that was easily accessible by train.
Earlier in Emu Park's history, Mount Morgan Limited had arranged for picnics for employees, however these ceased after 1927. By 1949, when a social club run by employees was established, picnics of the mine employees continued once again. The social club developed its annual picnic at Bell Park, often with 3000 or more people attending. An advance party of four would arrive at Emu Park three days before to prepare the ground and other necessary arrangements for marquees, races and catering. On the day of the picnic, which was generally near the May Day weekend, the first train left Mount Morgan at dawn, with the last train returning by midnight.
A section of Bell Park with a long, grassed area is suggested to be the area where races were held. The races were called by a person located in a nearby timber tower.
On 3 August 1950, the Botanic Gardens proclamation was rescinded in favour of a Park and Recreation Reserve [R666] and a Camping and Recreation Reserve in two parts [R665 - which now comprises Lots 31 and 92]. A caravan park is now established on Lot 31 and controlled by Livingstone Shire Council as is a swimming pool complex.
Recently in a study on open spaces and recreation areas in the Livingstone Shire, it was recommended that areas of cultural significance and high scenic value be protected. As one of the most popular parks in the Livingstone Shire, Bell Park is included in this study.
","criteria":"Bell Park is significant for its continued use as a cultural and recreational destination at Emu Park, which was established as a resort town for the people of Rockhampton and surrounding areas in the 1860s.
|Further, the judges box and the associated running track are particularly significant for their rarity.
|With its mature vegetation and landscaped areas, built structures including timber rotundas and judges box, and its sweeping easterly views toward the Pacific Ocean, Bell Park is significant for its visual amenity and for the contribution it makes to the Emu Park townscape.
|Bell Park is especially important for its strong social significance. For over 100 years, the area has held a special association with the people of Emu Park and surrounding area, with the community actively involved in the gazettal of the original densely vegetated area in the early 1890s, through to the activities of the Emu Park Progress Association and Emu Park Ladies Improvement League and later, when large company and community picnics were held in the grounds of the park. Bell Park is generally held in high regard by the community and is a popular place for visitors to Emu Park.
","criteria_letters":"Criterion A | Criterion B | Criterion E | Criterion G","criteria_definitions":"The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history | The place demonstrates rare, uncommon or endangered aspects of Queensland's cultural heritage | The place is important because of its aesthetic significance | The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons"}, {"heritage_type":"State Heritage","site_id":19524,"place_ref":602404,"name":"Yeppoon State School (former)","alternate_name":"Queen Street Community Hall","street_address":"29 Queen Street","suburb":"YEPPOON","lga":"LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL","register_entry_date":"2003-12-03","description":"The former Yeppoon State School is a single storey timber building clad with weatherboards, set on high timber stumps set into a concrete base. The building has a gabled roof running east-west, clad with asbestos cement sheeting. The building appears to have been extended on the north-east side. This section also has a gable roof clad with asbestos cement sheeting.
The building has a centrally located porch, on the southern side, with a gable roof. Timber steps, lead to a concrete landing. The central gable is infilled with timber shingles, below which is a rounded lintel with dentils. The central gable and end gables have plain bargeboards. Similar to the central gable, the end gables at the western and eastern sides of the building are infilled with timber shingles. Timber, louvred ventilation openings are located high in the western and eastern elevations. The building has verandahs to the north and south sides.
The southern elevation, the main entrance to the building, has two double timber doors leading to the main internal room. Located above the two doors are timber framed rectangular window openings with each holding three square panes of glass. The front [southern] verandah has been enclosed on the western side with two, two-pane early casement windows still in-situ. The verandah has timber balustrading with timber posts and heavy, curved timber brackets.
The western elevation has a large feature window with eight rectangular timber framed openings, divided into three levels by different types of windows. The bottom level has casements; the second level has pivoting windows and the top level has fixed windows which slope in an easterly direction toward the main room of the building. At the top of the windows, between them and on the outer wall is a panel of mesh. The window is surmounted by a timber framed hood clad with corrugated iron.
The rear [northern] verandah has been enclosed with weatherboards and louvres at the eastern end and with vertically joined timbers on the western side. The enclosed area at the western end has early timber framed, sliding glass windows in-situ. Along the eastern elevation, the later gabled extension to the building has two rectangular window openings with each holding three square panes of glass. The window is surmounted by a timber framed window hood. A similar window feature is located along the northern elevation of the later extension.
A steel and concrete staircase is located on the northern side of the building leading to concrete stairs, which in turn, lead to the rear of the site and a concrete court area.
Internally, the building is composed of one large room which was originally partitioned into two classroom. The room has two circular ceiling vents with lattice covers. Tie-rods run from the northern to southern walls at both the western and eastern ends. The ceiling is lined with timber boards and is level in the centre with the northern and southern sides sloping at an angle to the wall. The walls are also lined with timber boards.
Evidence remains of a folding partition across the centre of the building which would have divided the large room into two smaller classrooms. Hinge marks are located on vertical posts on each side along with reinforced brass holes in the floor for bolts. There are hinged flaps in the skirting boards. Some of these have their original hinges and bolts. There are four doors in the building-two on the southern side and two on the northern. The two on the southern side are original double doors, while only the door on the western end of the northern wall is an original double door. The door at the eastern end of the northern wall is a later addition.
There are two sets of four pivoting windows on the northern and southern sides. These are placed opposite each other above the doors. There are three mullions in each set of windows and each window has three panes. In each set the windows are paired and attached together with a bar so that opening one opens its partner.
Very high up on the walls there are some old hooks which may have been used to hang charts. There are four on the northern wall, one on the west and one on the east. Some of these only retain their base plate and the hook has been broken off.
Toilets, constructed of besser block, are located in the central western side of the undercroft area. The north-eastern corner of the undercroft has also been enclosed with timber flooring and a timber frame clad with corrugated iron.
The site on which the hall is located slopes in a northerly direction away from Queen Street, with Queen Street sloping from east to west. The grounds are uneven with rocky outcrops and roughly grassed with remnant original plantings. Terraces have been constructed with dry-stone rubble walls. Mature plantings on the site include two large, frangipani trees as well as shrubs such as loquats.
A stone retaining wall has also been constructed on the southern side of the site with timber balustrading running east-west indicating the extent of the wall. A picket fence is located at the front of the building along the Queen Street frontage.
","history":"The former Yeppoon State School was constructed in 1889, following the establishment of the Provisional School in 1885.
In 1867, residents of Rockhampton signed a petition asking the Surveyor-General to mark out a town at the nearest point on the central Queensland coast where they might be able to enjoy a day at the beach. An area to become know as Bald Hills [and later still Yeppoon] was proclaimed a Town Reserve on 30 April 1868. Rockhampton residents also demanded that the government proclaim a second site, Emu Park, around 35 kilometres from Rockhampton, as Town Reserve. It was considered by the residents that it would be necessary to cater for the future needs of the expanding town of Rockhampton. Emu Park was declared a Town Reserve on 9 January 1869.
Following its gazettal as a town, Yeppoon remained comparatively unpopular with Rockhampton residents, who preferred Emu Park, consequently, it was pastoralists and selectors who were the first to settle and develop the Yeppoon area. The land in the area was very fertile, with a yearly average rainfall higher that than of either Rockhampton or Emu Park, and by 1878, the immediate Yeppoon hinterland had been largely developed for agriculture, with the surrounding area used for grazing.
The beginning of the 1880s brought changes to the district as people began to take more of an interest in the town. Between 1881 and 1884, it was predominantly residents of the area who purchased the remaining 30 town lots. These lots had not sold at the first land sales in 1873. When an additional town area was surveyed in 1881, however, these lots had all sold out by 1885.
The first school opened in Yeppoon was a provisional school which opened in 1885 with 25 pupils. At the time, it was necessary to show that there were at least 30 pupils ready to be enrolled before a state school could be provided. By January 1889, enrolments had grown, with 60 children at the school. At this time, a new building was constructed to accommodate the larger number of children. As the first school was a provisional school, the existing building is the first state school in Yeppoon.
In January 1884, Mr James Atherton, on behalf of the community requested that the Department of Public Instruction for a teacher to be appointed to teach the Yeppoon children. Along with the request, Mr Atherton offered his house for the purpose.
On 7 June 1884, the application to have a provisional school established at Yeppoon was sent to the Department explaining why a school was needed. The current site was chosen [although the area was not set aside as a Reserve for School until March 1888]. On 18 June 1884, the Minister for Public Instruction, Sir Samuel Griffiths, approved the application, and finally, on 4 May 1885, Provisional School number 442 opened at Yeppoon.
By September 1888, the Yeppoon community again wrote to the Department of Public Instruction, on this occasions requesting an application form for the establishment of a state school. The formal application was sent on 31 October 1888.
On 21 March 1889, a tender in the Queensland Government Gazette called for the construction of new State School Buildings at Yeppoon. The new school was opened in August the same year. At this time, the old provisional school building was added to the teacher's residence in order to enlarge it.
Several extensions and additions to the school were added over the years, including a fifteen foot extension in July 1900 [possibly the extension to the north-east side of the building ]; other additions in January 1901; repairs in July 1911; commencement of the planting of gardens in April 1917 and new school buildings in 1918. In June 1930, tenders were called for the purchase and removal of the teacher's residence. By July 1929, tenders were invited for the construction of additions to the school, following which, an eastern wing, with two classrooms was opened.
On 10 June 1945, a public meeting was held to discuss the urgent need for representations to be made to the Minster for Education requesting that a new school on a new site be provided as both the existing school and site had become overcrowded. It was to take some time before the Department a new school site, and once again, three more classrooms were added to the eastern wing - two in 1950 and one in 1953.
Finally, in August 1955, the Department of Education acquired an area of 42 acres in Jeffries Street and the site was set aside as a school reserve. The Queen Street school became the Infants' School consisting of the 1889 building, including offices and staff rooms. The remaining buildings were moved to the Jeffries Street site to form part of the new state school. The site remained the site of the Infants' School until 1971, when it became a Reserve for Recreation Purposes, when the building became a fitness centre. The adjacent land, now a freehold block, remains as offices of the Yeppoon and District Kindergarten Association.
In July 1993, the Reserve for Recreation Purposes was rescinded and the site became a Reserve for Local Government Purposes, with a sub-purpose as a local hall. Since that time, the former Yeppoon State School building has been used as a community hall, and continues to be used regularly by various community groups.
","criteria":"Constructed in 1889, the former Yeppoon State School is significant as the first state school established in Yeppoon, following the establishment of the provisional school in 1885. The former school building provides evidence of the growth of the Yeppoon and surrounding area during the 1880s due to the increasing attraction of coastal living. The former Yeppoon State School is further significant providing evidence of the development of the education system throughout Queensland.
|Largely intact, the former Yeppoon State School is significant as an example of a building type developed by the Department of Public Works for the Department of Public Instruction. The former Yeppoon State School building demonstrates the principal characteristics of a building of its type by its form and use of materials, reflecting the ways in which architects of the Works Department have addressed problems of light and ventilation in response to climatic conditions, particularly the use of large feature windows and hinged skirting boards to allow for cross ventilation.
|Its simple form and materials contribute to the aesthetic significance of the place and the contribution of the building to the Queen Street streetscape.
|The former Yeppoon State School is important for its connection with the community in and around Yeppoon as a provider of public education for several generations. The former Yeppoon State School is further significant for its later use as community hall.
","criteria_letters":"Criterion A | Criterion D | Criterion E | Criterion G","criteria_definitions":"The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history | The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places | The place is important because of its aesthetic significance | The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons"}, {"heritage_type":"State Heritage","site_id":null,"place_ref":650231,"name":"Yeppoon State School","alternate_name":null,"street_address":"Tucker Street","suburb":"YEPPOON","lga":"LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL","register_entry_date":"2019-08-21","description":"Yeppoon State School occupies a 10.9ha steeply sloping site on the northwest edge of the coastal town of Yeppoon, approximately 35km northeast of Rockhampton. The school is primarily accessed from Tucker Street to the east, and is bounded by the Yeppoon Railway (south; no longer in operation), Norton and Caroline streets (north), and residential properties (east, north and west). The school features a complex of teaching and administration buildings, connected by covered walkways and located at the highest part (northeast corner) of the site. Sloping down toward the southern playing field, terraces defined by retaining walls form platforms on which buildings and courtyards stand.
\nThe heritage boundary incorporates the eastern end of the school site (total area of 4.42ha). Features of state-level cultural heritage significance within the school complex are:
\nSite Planning
\nThe site planning is characteristic of master planned Queensland schools from the 1950s, with long, narrow buildings, linked by covered walkways and surrounded by open-ended, wedge-shaped courtyard play and assembly spaces. The buildings are in a north-facing alignment, arranged in a splayed formation with a central Administration Wing (former), and linked by a spine of covered walkways around courtyard spaces. The buildings and courtyard spaces follow the slope of the site, with terraces forming levelled building platforms. Of the significant buildings, Blocks A and B are at the highest level, with the terrain stepping down to Blocks C and D and the Administration Wing (former), and then down to Blocks E and F.
\nBlock A (1958); Block B (1958); Block F (1959) - Highset Timber School Buildings with open-web steel floor trusses [F/T7]
\nBlocks A, B and F are highset teaching buildings with north-facing first floor verandahs accessing classrooms on the south sides. Blocks A and B are connected by a central raised walkway and stair, and have stairs at the east and west ends, respectively. Block F is accessed via an eastern stair and a raised walkway links north from the west end of Block F to Block E.
\nThe first floor layouts are intact, retaining open verandahs with bagrack balustrades, and most original partitions, including the door between classrooms. The layout of each building is as follows:
\nThe understorey is largely intact and retains early toilet and end-wall enclosures, and exposed open-web steel trusses. Later enclosures to the formerly open play space are not of state-level cultural heritage significance.
\nFeatures of Block A, B and F also of state-level cultural heritage significance are:
\nBlock C (1958) – lowset variation of Highset Timber School Building with semi-enclosed stair [F/T4]
\nBlock C is a single storey teaching building with a ground level, north-facing verandah providing access to two southern classrooms. The verandah has a separate skillion roof, which allows light to enter the interior spaces from clerestory windows.
\nFeatures also of state-level cultural heritage significance relating to Block C are:
\nBlock D (1929; extended 1950 and 1953, with 1957 understorey) - Sectional School Building [D/T1], extended with Highset Timber School Building with semi-enclosed stair [F/T4]
\nThe 1920s and 1950s phases of Block D’s construction are evident in the building fabric, with the Sectional School Building segment at the west end of the building and the Highset Timber School Building with semi-enclosed stair extension at the east.
\nBlock D is a highset teaching building with a north-facing (now partially-enclosed) verandah, and a series of south-facing classrooms. The understorey comprises open play space, original toilets and southern bracing walls.
\nMost classrooms have had dividing partitions removed to form one long room, and many wall and ceiling linings are not original. Block D’s interior layout and finishes, and verandah enclosures are not of state-level cultural heritage significance.
\nFeatures of Block D also of state-level cultural heritage significance are:
\nBlock E (1957) - Highset Timber School Building with semi-enclosed stair
\nBlock E is a long, highset teaching building with a north-facing first floor verandah, accessing southern classrooms. Stairs are at the east and west ends of the verandah, with timber-framed glazed screens semi-enclosing the adjacent verandah spaces.
\nThe first floor layout comprises five classrooms, with a former principal’s office projecting from the east end, separated from the classrooms by a walkway leading south to Block F. The verandah has been mostly enclosed, with parts of the verandah wall removed (former window locations) to expand classroom sizes (not of state-level cultural heritage significance). Bulkheads indicate the original layout.
\nThe understorey retains its original open play space, seating, bracing walls, enclosures for toilets, and former medical room.
\nFeatures of Block E also of state-level cultural heritage significance are:
\nAdministration Wing (former) (1957)
\nThe Administration Wing (former) stands over a terrace, providing an understorey at its south end. It opens onto a covered walkway along its west side, which connects the understory of Block D with the first floor of Block E. An extension on its east side is not of state-level cultural heritage significance, and is identifiable by a change in roof form and wall cladding, and by internal wall nibs and bulkheads.
\nThe first floor contains a classroom (formerly two classrooms) that has had its eastern wall removed to open into the extension. The understorey includes two store rooms.
\nFeatures of the Administration Wing (former) also of state-level cultural heritage significance are:
\nCovered Walkways (1957-59)
\nCovered walkways form a central spine connecting Blocks B and D; Blocks D, E and the Administration Wing (former); and Blocks E and F. They have corrugated metal-clad roofs and timber posts that follow footpaths of concrete and timber floor boards.
\nA highset covered walkway links Blocks A and B and features a timber stair; glazed, timber-framed screen (some panels have louvres); timber floor boards to first floor; and post-and-rail timber balustrades.
\nThe covered walkway between Block D and E that forms part of the Administration Wing (former) has: a flat ceiling lined in flat sheets with square cover strips; square timber posts; a post-and-rail timber balustrade; and a timber floor to the highset sections and concrete floor to the lowset sections.
\nCourtyards (1957-59)
\nOpen courtyards for play and assembly spaces, located between Blocks A and C; Blocks B and D; Blocks D and E; and south of Blocks C and E, are characteristic of the 1950s planning. They generally have a bitumen surface; and their open nature enables the significant buildings to have a direct visual relationship to, from and between each other.
\nLandscape Features
\nThe school grounds are well-established, and incorporate open space around the significant buildings, which facilitates natural light and ventilation of the interiors.
\nConcrete retaining walls (1957-59) provide level platforms for the school buildings and adjacent courtyard spaces. They are located: north of Blocks A and B; between Blocks A and B and Blocks D and C; and between Blocks D and C, and Block E. The walls have concrete spoon drains at their bases, and concrete stairs provide access between levels.
\nConcrete-edged and walled garden beds (1957-59) are formed between Blocks A and B, and are incorporated in the retaining wall to the north of Block E.
\nA large playing field (1963), featuring a cricket pitch, is located at the south end of the site and is defined on the north and west sides by a formed earth bank.
\nThe main entrance (by 1970) into the school complex from Tucker Street is defined by a driveway with a bitumen surface.
\nFeatures not of State-level Cultural Heritage Significance
\nFeatures of Yeppoon State School not of state-level cultural heritage significance are:
\nYeppoon State School, established in 1885 as a provisional school, is located in the coastal town of Yeppoon, approximately 36km northeast of Rockhampton. Located on its current site from 1957, the school retains seven timber buildings arranged in a layout typical of 1950s site planning. The buildings are: one Highset Timber School Building with semi-enclosed stair (Block E, 1957); a Administration Wing (former, 1957); three Highset Timber School Buildings with open web steel floor trusses (Blocks A, B and F: 1958, 1958, 1959); a lowset variation of a Highset Timber School Building with timber floor trusses (Block C, 1959) and a Sectional Building with Highset Timber School Building with semi-enclosed stair extensions (Block D, 1929, extended 1950, 1953, 1957); connected by covered walkways; set in landscaped grounds with retaining walls, stairs and garden beds, and play and sporting areas. The school has a strong and ongoing association with the past and present school community.
\nPart of the traditional lands of the Darumbal People, a town reserve at Yeppoon (called Bald Hills) was proclaimed on 30 April 1868, in response to a petition by Rockhampton residents to the Surveyor-General for a coastal recreation town. Yeppoon was surveyed in 1872, and the first land sale held on 4 April 1873, but sales were slow as nearby Emu Park proved to be a more popular seaside resort. Nevertheless, pastoralists and selectors settled and developed the fertile and well-watered land around the township of Yeppoon. By 1878, the immediate Yeppoon hinterland had been largely developed for agriculture, with the surrounding area used for grazing.[1]
\nIn 1884 the Yeppoon Sugar Company commenced operations, with a large mill at Farnborough and 2000 acres (809.37ha) of land worked by South Sea Islanders. This industry boosted the town’s development. Sawmills were established, and fishing and oystering commenced. The township’s growth led to the opening of a provisional school at Yeppoon on 4 May 1885, with 15 pupils.[2]
\nThe establishment of schools was considered an essential step in the development of new communities and integral to their success. Locals often donated land and labour for a school’s construction and the school community contributed to maintenance and development. Schools became a community focus, a symbol of progress, and a source of pride, with enduring connections formed with past pupils, parents, and teachers.[3]
\nBy January 1889, further population growth at Yeppoon had increased school enrolments to 60 children. Having surpassed the enrolment number required for establishment of a state school, Yeppoon State School [QHR 602404 Yeppoon State School (former)] was established. A new state school building replaced the provisional school building, on the same 1.75 acre-site (0.71ha) at the eastern end of Queen Street, close to the town’s centre.[4]
\nYeppoon and its district continued to develop in the decades leading up to World War II. As the result of lobbying, the government opened a branch railway line from Sleipner to Yeppoon on 22 January 1910. This line connected the town to the Central Railway Line, which linked Rockhampton and Longreach, boosting Yeppoon’s importance as a Central Queensland coastal resort.[5] Its settled populated also rose, reaching over 600 by 911. In August 1922, a hospital opened in Yeppoon and three boarding schools commenced in town between 1917 and 1940, serving the educational needs of Central Queensland. Yeppoon’s population reached about 900 by 1933. In 1939, the Scenic Highway between Emu Park and Yeppoon opened, stimulating further growth.[6]
\nDue to this development, pupil numbers at Yeppoon State School continued to increase, requiring further accommodation. In 1919, a second classroom building was added to the school site and in 1929 a two-classroom Sectional School Building was also erected.[7] This highset timber school building, designed to enable the building to be extended in sections by detaching the western end wall, was a common standard plan building form constructed by the Department of Public Works (DPW) in this period.
\nIn the immediate post-World War II period, the Yeppoon State School population increased from 348 in 1945 to 635 in 1955, seriously overcrowding both the school’s Queen Street site and its classrooms. This reflected the enormous demand for state education between the late 1940s and the 1960s, which resulted from immigration and the unprecedented national population growth now termed the ‘baby boom’. Queensland’s Department of Public Instruction was largely unprepared for this demand. To cope, many new buildings were constructed and existing buildings were extended.[8] At Yeppoon State School, the Department of Public Instruction responded by acquiring a 42-acre (17ha) site in 1950, for future development. This was located on Tucker Street, about one kilometre northwest of the Queen Street site. Rather than immediately occupying the site, the Department extended the 1929 Sectional School Building by two classrooms in 1950 and by one classroom in 1953 of a Highset Timber School Building with semi-enclosed stair building type. [9]
\nOvercrowded conditions at the school continued and plans were approved in April and June 1956 for the new Yeppoon State School. In 1956 construction of two buildings (known as Blocks D and E) on the Tucker Street site commenced, with an estimated cost of £26,014, rising to £29,038 in the following year.[10] These buildings were joined at their east ends by covered walkways and a timber Administration Wing comprising two staff rooms.[11] Blocks D and E splayed out from the Administration Wing to form a wedge-shaped, open-ended courtyard, which was filled, graded and finished with bitumen to form a parade area.[12]
\nBlock D, the 1929 Sectional School Building extended in the 1950s, was relocated from the Queen Street school site and erected on concrete piers.[13] A northeast verandah was used for circulation and a room was added to its east end for a library. The understorey featured bracing walls, built-in seating, and a western toilet enclosure.[14]
\nBlock E, a Highset Timber School Building with semi-enclosed stair (the same type as the 1950s extensions to Block D), conformed to the new standard plans for school buildings introduced from 1950. This building type comprised a highset timber-framed structure with the understorey used as covered play space. It was a long and narrow building with a gable roof. A semi-enclosed stair connected the understorey to a north-facing verandah running the length of the building. Classrooms opened off the verandah and had extensive areas of windows; almost the entirety of the verandah wall and the opposite classroom wall were glazed, allowing abundant natural light and ventilation. This type was the most commonly constructed in the 1950s in Queensland.[15] Block E comprised five classrooms with a store, a head teachers room at its east end, and a north-facing verandah. It was set on concrete piers, with the west end of the understorey enclosed for toilets, and the east end enclosed for a store and medical room.[16]
\nYeppoon State School opened on its new site in 1957, when grades 4-8 moved to the campus at the beginning of the school year. Grade 3 transferred during the year. The Infant School (grades 1-2) remained at the Queen Street site.[17]
\nThe population of the new primary school continued to increase and more buildings were constructed. Blocks A and B, built in 1958, to the north and northeast of Block D, were a refinement of the standard Highset Timber School Building type. Introduced in 1957, this type used an open-web steel joist that spanned further and removed more understorey stumps. This structural system was employed with reinforced concrete piers to support large loads at minimal costs.[18] Block A had a northwest-facing verandah, and two classrooms with a western store room. Block B had a northeast-facing verandah and had three classrooms with a store room on the west side of the easternmost classroom. These buildings were connected to each other by a covered walkway, which ran roughly east-west and featured a glazed screen. This walkway connection linked to Block D via another covered walkway, which ran roughly north-south.
\nIn 1958 a new secondary department (‘High Top’) opened at the Yeppoon State School, with Year 9 students. Additions for secondary classes were built in 1959 for an estimated cost of £6101.[19] In keeping with the Queensland Government’s continued focus on vocational education during the 1950s and 1960s,[20] a building that was a lowset variation of the Highset Timber School Building with timber floor trusses standard type, used for domestic science (Block C), was erected in 1959 and featured clerestory lighting over its verandah wall and two classrooms with a small staff room and a fitting room. Block C was located east of Block D and connected to it by verandahs and a covered walkway on the north elevation.[21] At the same time, a Timber School Building with open web steel floor trusses (Block F) was erected to the south of Block E. This comprised two classrooms, with its northern verandah connected to the eastern end of Block E via a covered walkway. [22] The Yeppoon Secondary Department was officially opened by Vin E Jones, MLA, on 4 September 1962.
\nThe siting of the buildings on the new Yeppoon State School campus reflected master planning concepts developed by DPW architects in the 1950s. During a period of high demand for more classroom accommodation, DPW architects introduced school master planning, a concept to plan for controlled growth and change. During the period emphasis shifted away from grid-like layouts to nuclear layouts, centred on a nucleus of core facilities. The plans balanced the need for correct orientation and an appropriate response to contours and existing vegetation. Generous courtyard spaces between classroom wings were used for assembly and play areas.[23] Yeppoon State School features open-ended courtyard spaces between Blocks E and D (parade ground), Blocks D and B, and Blocks C and A, and south of Block C.
\nThere was also a focus on more appropriate siting of new schools within their neighbourhoods, and ideal solar orientation. Educationalists argued that the ideal orientation of classroom buildings was ten degrees east of north, with verandahs protecting the northern side and classrooms facing south. This led to the construction of school buildings that were oriented in relation to the sun rather than the site boundaries.[24]
\nThe Yeppoon State School site slopes from north to south, necessitating cutting into the hillside to create building sites for the school buildings. Retaining walls dating from the 1950s, to the north of Blocks A and B, to the north of Blocks C and D, and to the north of Block E, were required and form part of the school’s landscaping.[25]
\nAn important component of Queensland state schools was their grounds. The early and continuing commitment to play-based education, particularly in primary school, resulted in the provision of outdoor play space and sporting facilities, such as ovals and tennis courts.[26] Yeppoon State School completed its two tennis courts and a basketball court by 1961, playing field with cricket pitch in 1963, and its swimming pool in 1968. In 1987, a second playing field was developed at the Ranger Street end of the school site and named after the school’s longest serving principal, William (Doc) Noon.[27]
\nThe Yeppoon Secondary Department moved from the Yeppoon State School site to a separate campus in Rawlings Street in 1969-70,[28] freeing up classroom space for the primary school.
\nAlterations to the original buildings at Yeppoon State School have been made since the 1950s. Enclosure of Block F’s understorey occurred c1962, and this space was converted for use as a Tuckshop in 1972. Enclosure of the understorey of Block A for a janitor’s room took place c1972, and Block C’s verandah enclosure occurred c1980.[29] In 1971, the first floor of the former Administration Wing’s staff rooms was converted into an administration complex and the ground floor housed a storeroom. By 1998 the first floor was being used as Reading Resource Rooms and by October 2018 the building had been extended.[30]
\nAdditional buildings were erected on the site as the school’s population rose. The Infant School moved to the southeast corner of the Tucker Street site in new buildings from 1971.[31] Five demountables (Block M) were installed in the late 1970s. A new Administration Building was constructed in 1978. A Preschool Campus in Tucker Street commenced in February 1979 and was officially opened in July 1979. A Special Education Unit at the school was officially opened in June 1985. Between 1991 and 1992, Block I (classrooms) was constructed. A federally funded School Hall and Resource Centre (Library) was officially opened in 2010.[32]
\nEnrolments at the school peaked in 1992 with 855 pupils. Since then, pupil numbers have declined, resulting in two of the Block M demountables being removed.[33]
\nOver Yeppoon State School’s long history, it has had strong community involvement. An active Parents and Citizens organisation (P&C) raised funds for school improvements, and anniversaries of the school’s commencement have been celebrated. In 1939, the school’s 50th anniversary was celebrated with entertainments including a grand jubilee ball. In 1985, its centenary was recognised with a published school history. For Yeppoon State School’s 125th anniversary in 2010, a history of the school in photographs was published by the P&C.[34]
\nThe school grounds have been reduced in size since the school’s establishment, through alterations to its surrounding roads and subdivision of the site for residential properties. In 2018, the grounds comprised 10.9 hectares featuring an environmental studies area, two sporting fields, a swimming pool and a basketball court.[35]
\nIn 2019, Yeppoon State School continues to operate from its 1957 site and has an enrolment of about 320 pupils.[36] The school retains seven DPW-designed buildings arranged in a manner reflecting 1950s master planning, in landscaped grounds including retaining walls, stairs and garden beds, and play and sporting areas. The school is important to Yeppoon and its district as a key social focus for the community.
\n","criteria":"
Yeppoon State School (established as Yeppoon Provisional School in 1885, and relocated to its current site in 1957) is important in demonstrating the evolution of state education and its associated architecture in Queensland. The place retains good, representative examples of standard government designs that were architectural responses to prevailing government educational philosophies; set in landscaped grounds with assembly and play areas, and sporting facilities.
\nIt is also important as a demonstration of the Queensland Government’s provision of schools on new, master planned sites in booming population centres across Queensland in the 1950s, a time of pronounced population growth.
\nThe layout of the administration and classroom blocks, the covered links between them and associated open spaces, demonstrate the mid-1950s introduction of organic master planning at state schools, which responded to the existing contours of the site and provided for ordered growth from a nucleus.
\nThe 1950s buildings at Yeppoon State School demonstrate the evolution of Department of Public Works (DPW) designs during this period. These buildings include the: Highset Timber School Buildings with semi-enclosed stair (Block E, 1957; and extensions to Block D, 1950, 1953 and 1957); Administration Wing (former, 1957); lowset variation of Highset Timber School Building with timber floor trusses (Block C, 1959); three Highset Timber School Buildings with open web steel floor trusses (Block A, 1958; Block B, 1958; and Block F, 1959).
\nThe large site with provision of assembly and play areas, and sporting facilities, demonstrates the Queensland Government’s recognition of importance of play and aesthetics in the education of children.
|Yeppoon State School is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a Queensland state school of the 1950s. These include its: site planning; range of highset and lowset timber-framed buildings of standard designs that incorporate understorey play areas, verandahs and classrooms with high levels of natural light and ventilation; and a generous, landscaped site with garden beds, retaining walls, stairs, and assembly, play and sports areas.
\nThe site planning is intact and important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of 1950s Queensland state school master planning, which provided for ordered growth from a nucleus. The collection of buildings (Blocks A, B, C, D, E and F, and Administration Wing (former)) at Yeppoon State School contribute to the concept of long, narrow buildings, arranged in a splayed, north-facing formation with a central Administration Wing, and a spine of covered walkways linked around open-ended courtyard assembly and play spaces.
\nThe Highset Timber School Buildings with open web steel floor trusses (Blocks A, B and F) are good, intact examples of their type, demonstrating the incorporation of trusses into school designs to enable unimpeded play space under the classrooms. The buildings retain their: highset character with exposed trusses under; timber-framed construction; gable roof; north-facing verandahs for circulation; large banks of south-facing timber-framed awning windows, with centre-pivoting fanlights; and early classroom widths.
\nThe Highset Timber Teaching Building with semi-enclosed stair (Block E) demonstrates the principal characteristics of its type. These include its: highset character with covered play space under; timber-framed construction; gable roof; north-facing verandah for circulation; timber-framed glazed screens semi-enclosing verandah ends; large banks of south-facing timber-framed awning windows, with fanlights; early classroom widths and its understorey bracing walls, concrete posts, toilet partitions, and timber seating.
\nBlock C is an intact example of a Highset Timber School Building with timber floor truss standard type, varied to be lowset. Block C demonstrates the principal characteristics of the type, including its: timber-framed construction; gable roof; north-facing verandah for circulation; large banks of south-facing timber-framed awning windows; north-facing clerestory windows; and early classroom widths.
|Yeppoon State School has a strong and ongoing association with past and present pupils, parents, staff members, and the surrounding community through sustained use since its establishment in 1885. With over 130 years of association with the Yeppoon community, and over 60 years of operation from its current site, the establishment of the school reflected the post-war population boom of the area, which resulted in a strong community demand for state-run education. The place is important for its contribution to the educational development of Yeppoon, with generations of children taught at the school, and has served as a prominent venue for social interaction and community focus. The strength of association is demonstrated through repeated local volunteer action, donations, and an active Parents and Citizens Association.
","criteria_letters":"Criterion A | Criterion D | Criterion G","criteria_definitions":"The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history | The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places | The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons"} ]}