MARBURG Hotel owner Dan Bowden has revealed the location the historic Carroll House is planned to be moved to.
Ipswich Councillors approved a development application for a KFC outlet on the site of heritage-listed Carroll House at Goodna in a special meeting of council on September 6.
The decision paves the way for the historic home to be relocated to a site detailed by developers as a heritage precinct in Rosewood.
Mr Bowden said he had been informed that Carroll House was planned to be relocated to a vacant lot in Matthew St, Rosewood.
“As for the land in Rosewood, well it could be a great spot for a house, but will Carroll House keep its historical significance if it is moved there?”
Mr Bowden is the grandson of pioneering Ipswich teachers John and Mary Carroll, who established the first school in Redbank Plains and whose son Edward is the Carroll behind cinema chain Birch, Carroll and Coyle.
The Carrolls purchased 16 Queen Street, Goodna in 1906, and built their family home Carroll House.
Mr Bowden said the home’s story would be lost forever if it was moved from Goodna.
“Within the walls of Carroll House are stories of war, heroism and many memories from the family throughout the generations,” Mr Bowden said.
“My grandmother Mary Carroll passed away when I was six years of age, but I still recall memories with her.
“The Carroll family were involved in the film industry and the arts and their lifelong
involvement and dedication to the community of Goodna is very significant.
“The Carroll family were heavily involved in construction and amongst their projects was the St Frances Xavier Catholic Church in Goodna in 1881 which was dedicated to St Patrick, the opening of the first school in Redbank Plains in 1874 and the construction of the first railway line from Ipswich to Grandchester.
“John and Mary’s son, Edward John Carroll, founded the national cinematic chain of Birch Carroll and Coyle, to Ipswich, Toowoomba and other parts of Queensland and Australia.
“Known in the community for their willingness to help and for their love for family, they were a close-knit unit, who were for many years the heart of Goodna.”
Mr Bowden said the pioneering family had its share of hardships and was outraged by the decision from half of the councillors not to stand up for the city’s heritage.
He recalled the setbacks that his uncles faced as returned soldiers after serving on the Kokoda Track campaign in World War II, the scars that remained and their struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“This is a very significant house for the family and for the area of Goodna and it is important to know that I am not against the development but I am truly passionate about keeping the house in Goodna,” Mr Bowden said.
“I have expressed my opinions to council. I believe the home should be moved to Warren Park in Goodna which is in the close vicinity of the historical precinct of Goodna, or the Catholic Church should be approached to gain permission to move the home onto their
grounds.”
Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully was the only councillor to speak out and take a stand to protect Goodna heritage when the decision was made to allow the home to be relocated at the September 6 meeting.
Cr Tully has vowed to fight the decision and is taking the matter to the Queensland Heritage Council for consideration.
Carroll House is listed as a Place of Interest in the 1991 Ipswich Heritage Study, is featured on Ipswich City Council’s heritage trails and the council unveiled a plaque in front of the home in 2012 noting its significance to Goodna.
