The awnings were removed a few years ago due to public safety concerns … two sets of windows have been boarded up while masking tape appears to be holding another pane in place

February 27, 2023

Kingaroy’s biggest eyesore may soon be no more … the row of dilapidated buildings along the lower section of Kingaroy Street could soon be demolished.

South Burnett Regional Council has been working with the owners of the buildings for months to get some action on the site.

On Monday, Mayor Brett Otto said the Barron family had agreed to demolish the buildings to create a vacant site ready for redevelopment.

Contractors will handle the specialised asbestos removal.

Mayor Otto said the next step would be to cost the potential upgrade of the roadway and footpath in front of the area.

“I will be taking this to council to consider as part of the process. This section of road along with the old kerb and channelling and footpath is long overdue for replacement,” he said.

The buildings formerly housed Russ Mackay’s Carpet Court, a hair salon and an army disposal store.

In 2018, owner Gary Barron told the media he wanted to pull the buildings down “within six to nine months”.

However, little occurred then other than the removal of some of the remaining footpath awnings.

The Mayor said the demolition of the buildings would be “the end of an era that is part of our town’s history”.

“However, the old buildings have had their day and it’s time for something new that will meet the needs of the community,” he said.

The Mayor thanked the property owners for their co-operation and commitment to the Kingaroy community.

The shops are vacant, in some cases for years, and holes have been kicked into some of the walls
Building owner Gary Barron with South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto (Photo: SBRC)
FLASHBACK: The damaged and sagging footpath awning on the buildings in Kingaroy Street in March 2016 .. some of the shops were still in use at the time

  ,

 

4 Responses to "Wrecking Ball Promised For Eyesore"

  1. The people of Kingaroy have for many years heard the weak and tragic excuses to ignore the people’s plea to demolish these despicable buildings that are the deplorable entrance to the Kingaroy CBD.

    We do not want this to be a long, drawn out procrastinating situation as we have already been through.

    We want this area to be demolished NOW. This town has waited long enough. Immediate action is required.

    Reply

  2. Yeah, I’ll believe it when I see it. Over the years it’s been nothing but excuses and excuses. Let’s hope they put something there for the kids.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.