Council Approval Brings Tully Heritage Centre Closer

Dr Rob Magarey and William Moran outside the former Tully Visitor Information Centre, one step closer to realising their vision for an agricultural heritage centre. Photo credit: Helen Cook

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The former Tully Visitor Information Centre is one step closer to a new lease of life, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council approving a Facility Use Agreement with the Wet Tropics Agricultural Heritage Centre. The agreement is subject to conditions, including a decision on the future of the Australian Sugar Heritage Centre's collection, formerly housed at Mourilyan, and provision for the Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct group.

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The decision, announced on 30th October, follows months of interest in the prominent Bruce Highway site from two community organisations, each with ambitious plans for its future.

For the Wet Tropics Agricultural Heritage Centre, the approval is a significant step towards establishing a permanent home for the region's agricultural history, including the sugar, banana, timber and cattle industries.

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The project gained momentum following the closure of the Australian Sugar Heritage Centre at Mourilyan after Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.

Committee members William Moran and Rob Magarey have been working with industry representatives and community supporters to establish a centre incorporating historical collections, machinery, photographs and personal stories.

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Their plans also include reopening visitor information services and encouraging travellers to explore Tully and the wider Cassowary Coast.

Dr Magarey welcomed Council's commitment but cautioned that the project still depends on a decision by the Australian Sugar Heritage Centre regarding its collection and associated funding, with Gordonvale also under consideration.

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"We've cleared the first hurdle. There are a couple more after that, with a meeting this week, so we'll see how we go," he said after receiving the news.

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Meanwhile, local artist and arts advocate Dr Valerie Keenan, who has been leading efforts to establish a permanent Tully Arts and Cultural Precinct, congratulated the agricultural heritage group and wished them every success.  

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While Council's agreement includes provision for the arts group to retain current space in the building, Dr Keenan said ambitions extended beyond this arrangement.

"We appreciate the consideration given to our group, but our long-term vision is for a dedicated home for arts and culture in Tully," she said.

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"Support for a Tully Arts & Cultural centre continues to grow stronger, and we hope Council will recognise the important role arts and culture play in bringing people together and enriching our community. We remain committed to making that vision a reality."

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Mayor Teresa Millwood acknowledged the important contribution of community organisations.

"These agreements recognise the strong role local organisations play in delivering services, activities and opportunities that matter to their communities, from small rural recreation facilities through to tourism, environmental and heritage activation.

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"We thank these community organisations for working with us to help ensure valued community assets continue to be used, improved and enjoyed for local benefit across the Cassowary Coast."

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