RESIDENTS have the opportunity to comment on the Ipswich City Council’s plans to return the trusteeship of the historic Tallegalla School back to the State Government

The school opened in 1879 and has been closed since 1992. Since 1998, the upkeep of the buildings have been the responsibility of the Council under a trusteeship agreement.

According to Council, after decades of use, the facilities need rehabilitation to meet existing standards and maintenance obligations.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the school was a snapshot of cultural heritage in need of preservation.

“It has been determined it will cost about $120,000 to restore the buildings, with an extra $180,000 required for maintenance over the next 10 years,” Cr Harding said.

“If council has trusteeship of the land, public funds will be required to complete the refurbishment and ongoing maintenance.

“We are now looking at two options: to surrender the land to the Queensland Government for another organisation to take over the trusteeship or to rehabilitate the buildings and facilities and enter into a lease with an organisation willing to take on the costs of maintaining the property.”

Cr Harding said council wanted to hear from residents so it can make a decision on the future of the old Tallegalla School that is supported by the community.

Finance and Governance Committee Chairman Paul Tully said the council took seriously its “commitment to preserving Ipswich’s history and heritage and would consider any views put forward by the public”.

“We should also make sure we strike a balance between these principles and the costs involved with maintaining the property, especially when these aging buildings require refurbishment and ongoing maintenance works,” Cr Tully said.

The main school building, which was built just before the official opening in 1879, is an example of Ipswich’s earliest colonial history and the growth of small bush communities in the 1800s. The former teacher’s residence was erected in 1931.

The school was established when the district, then known as the Rosewood Scrub, was being settled by mainly German migrants and comprised of little more than a rail station, post office, two churches, a hotel and a cemetery.

Division 4 Councillor Jim Madden said all options were on the table.

“Given the current state of the buildings, it must be considered whether another organisation is better placed to meet the restoration requirements of these buildings,” he said.

“Once community consultation is complete, council will assess the feedback the community submits and provide updates on the next steps.”

Tallegalla School was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1998.

Keep the school says former councillor

FORMER Ipswich City Councillor, David Pahlke, has expressed his disappointment about any move by Council to hand back the responsibility of maintaining the Tallegalla school buildings.

“Personally, I have had strong links to the school building for more than 40 years,” David said.

“I was friends with Jack (now deceased) and Tom Else, who is in his mid-80s lived just across the road from the school on Else Road.

“Tom went to school there in the 1940s.”

He could also recall a number of community groups, including Landcare, being based there over the years.

“I am so disappointed that Council is even considering handing this unique icon back to the State Government.

“Why has Council let it fall into disrepair?

“When the school opened in 1879 it was a thriving little rural community.

“It remains a unique part of our local Rosewood history.”

Mr Pahlke suggested Council make the repairs, find a tenant and lease out the former teacher’s residence in return for maintenance of the property.