Parties must secure hydrogen hub here
SO “the federal government has snubbed Townsville in a major hydrogen funding announcement, with Herbert MP Phillip Thompson saying the region just isn’t ready”. (TB, 23/9).
Well, I’m sorry, but the leadership capabilities of the federal MP for Herbert need to be questioned here.
This is a poor performance, to say the least, and I hope that people see it for what it is.
Oh, I know some will argue that this is the fault of state Labor and/ or the Townsville City Council, but let’s be clear here, this is federal funding not coming our way, and our federal member saying we are not ready. Absolute codswallop! Absolute political codswallop!
This is what happens when all you care about is point scoring for your political party, and not your community.
For the sake of North Queensland, stop the nonsense. The Red and the Blue must get on the same song sheet when it comes to projects that will enhance the North, bring opportunity and employment, otherwise nothing will ever change.
NANETTE RADECK,
Alice River.
BUILDING MUST BE SAVED
WHAT a great headline “Historic hotel to be brought back to life” in the Townsville Bulletin on September 18.
Hats off to the owner of the historic Empire/republic Hotel, Brodie Jankovic, for restoring the old pub back to its original glory.
But what about the Criterion Hotel that has been approved for demolition by Townsville City Council?
Viewing both properties from the outside, the Empire/republic Hotel looks in far worse condition than the Criterion.
It seems strange to me a small minority within our community are hellbent on seeing the demolition of the Criterion Hotel but at the same time are happy the Queens Hotel will be retained as part of the Hive development, which it obviously should be.
It is important that a couple of issues should be considered here. Firstly, the construction of the Criterion was completed in 1904 making it now 117 years of age.
The construction of the Queens Hotel was not completed until after the mid 1920s.
The Criterion has had some changes made to it over the years but so has the Queens Hotel.
“The rear of the building has been substantially altered” “Internally, the building has been substantially altered”. (Telecasters North Queensland Heritage
Listing – Entry 600936).
Secondly, the Criterion was designed by architect A.B. Polin, the same man that designed the Queens Hotel and, as I understand it, the Strand Rotunda.
Arthur Polin was the managing partner of the Townsville office of architectural firm Eaton, Bates and Polin.
Their Townsville office was opened in 1901.
Yes, the Cri has been left to run down but is still obviously a sound and straight building.
Which historical building will be next on the hit list?
The Great Northern Hotel? If one ventures into the city take time out to look at the rear of the building. Sadly, is starting to get that Criterion Hotel look about it.
Therese Smith, the managing director of the Gleeson Group which is developing the Hive project is on record as saying the iconic block should be developed correctly and that it represents a great community precinct into the future. (TB 16-2-21). Does demolishing an iconic historical building fit well with this statement?
It is beyond belief that our local council has approved the demolition of the 117-year-old Criterion Hotel, most likely to make way for a multistorey metal, glass and concrete monolith.
A town that destroys its history destroys its soul.
TERRY GILLMAN, Kirwan.