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Kissing Point and Jezzine Barracks

Kissing Point and Jezzine Barracks saved from development

In August 2006, Prime Minister John Howard announced that Kissing Point and Jezzine Barracks would be gifted to Townsville and preserved as a major heritage and community site.

The Prime Minister outlined a package that protects Kissing Point from any future housing development. It was a great acknowledgement for the efforts of Townsville residents, community groups, local veterans and their associations. They, along with Townsville City Council and the specially formed Kissing Point and Jezzine Alliance, lobbied tirelessly for months to save the site.

Kissing Point and Jezzine Barracks will become a valuable public asset for the people of Townsville. Instead of a housing development, a Community Trust will be established to help create a Master Plan for the area. This plan will preserve the military heritage of Kissing Point and Jezzine Barracks. It also will rejuvenate the area, improving public access and creating world class community facilities.

The gifting of Kissing Point is not expected to occur until 2009, pending the relocation of 11th Brigade to Lavarack Barracks. At the moment, the Townsville City Council is working with the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments to finalise the Community Trust. The Community Trust will have strong local representation.

Master Plan

The architectural concepts on display here are not the finalised plans for Kissing Point and Jezzine Barracks. They have been created by local architects Tippett Schrock to aid public awareness on the future options available for the site. (see images on the right - click on them for a larger view)

While the concepts are broad brush, they point to a style of development that could form part of the Master Plan for the site to be implemented under the Community Trust.

The designs highlight the area's potential as the integrated military history precinct of Townsville, including an enhanced Military Museum, Pacific War Memorial and Honour Board, as well as preserving existing memorials. Also included are recreation areas, board walks and contemplative gardens.

Kissing Point and Jezzine Facts

  • It is thought Kissing Point was named after a feature in Sydney Harbour. The area has been recognised as a heritage site for its military and social history.
     
  • Major Edward Druit of the Royal Engineers designed the original Kissing Point Fort which was completed in 1891 to defend the Townsville harbour from foreign attack.
     
  • The fort was manned by One Battery Garrison and the Kennedy Regiment, made up mostly of volunteers, who held annual encampments in Norman Park, the area now occupied by Jezzine Barracks.
     
  • Jezzine commemorates the Australian 7th Division's celebrated victory over Vichy French forces in Syria in 1941.
     
  • Kissing Point played an important role in World War II operations in Townsville as headquarters for the 265th Australian Infantry Battalion. The beach nearby was also prominent in the war effort as a landing point to embark and disembark men and supplies.