GLADSTONE Ports Corporation has announced construction is about to start on a new home for the local Maritime Museum at East Shores.
The Gladstone Maritime Museum will join the HMAS Gladstone II, set to open within the precinct in the coming months.
Acting CEO Craig Walker said the museum would be a welcome addition to the precinct.
“Gladstone has a long maritime history. I am so pleased to see them joining our signature East Shores 1B precinct,” Mr Walker said.
Mr Walker said the Maritime Museum was currently located in the George Young Building within GPC’s industrial precinct but due to COVID-19 had not been open to visitors since March.
“The amount of history that is currently captured in the George Young Building is incredible, there are already parts of the museum scattered around our East Shores parklands, such as the lighthouse and navigational aids,” he said.
“As Australia’s premiere multi-commodity port, with a rich 106-year history ourselves, it just makes sense to have the Gladstone Maritime History Society based in the new precinct – right beside their pride and joy, the HMAS Gladstone II.”
Gladstone Maritime History Society president Lindsay Wassell said the volunteers were absolutely delighted with their new location.
“It will be fantastic to be located so close to the HMAS Gladstone II, making it easier to host tours and educate both tourists and locals alike, all about our maritime history,” Mr Wassell said.
More than 25 people, business and government departments contributed to the restoration of the HMAS Gladstone II, which became an iconic centrepiece of the East Shores precinct after being relocated there in 2014.
Mr Wassell said GPC invested $2.8 million during the relocation and restoration process, assisted by a funding grant of $115,000 from the Queensland Government.
