Proposal to name an historical site as Byrnes Reserve within the Gympie Regional Council area
In accordance with the Place Names Act 1994, notice is given that the Minister for Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts proposes to name an historical site as Byrnes Reserve within the Gympie Regional Council area.
Queensland place names plan QPN1205 (PDF, 622K)* shows the location of the place considered under the proposal. The plan is also available for viewing at the following locations:
- Department of Environment and Resource Management Business Centre, Gympie Office, 27 O'Connell Street, Gympie
- Kilkivan Museum, 12 Bligh Street, Kilkivan.
Submissions close 3 February 2012.
Submissions in writing, either in support of or against the proposal, may be sent to the Regional Services Director, South East Region, Department of Environment and Resource Management, PO Box 573, Nambour Qld 4560.
Enquiries about the proposal should be directed to Mr Ross Norman by telephone on (07) 5451 2252 or by email to ross.norman@derm.qld.gov.au.
Background
DERM is currently considering a proposal to name an historical site as Byrnes Reserve, located adjacent to the Wide Bay Highway, approximately 12 kilometres east of Kilkivan.
The site of the proposed feature was originally a Reserve for Water and Camping, Parish of Brooyar, County of Lennox being 500 acres and was gazetted on 12 May 1877, page 1398. The reserve was rescinded on 14 April 1906, page 1269 and re-gazetted on the same date as a Camping and Water Reserve (R.78), Parish of Brooyar, County of Lennox being about 30 acres. This reserve was finally cancelled by gazettal on 27 November 1971, page 1392 and converted to freehold title.
Historical survey plans L37425 (1875) and L37418 (1876) shows a dwelling or building in the middle of ten chain wide road adjoining the subject Camping and Water Reserve. The dwelling is referenced as “Byrne’s”, which most likely refers to the name of the occupant or squatter.
Research has revealed that on 24 June 1876, Mark Hobson Byrne was granted conditional purchase over Portion 707 on plan L37418, Parish of Brooyar when these lands were originally alienated. This property is located directly opposite the subject reserve.
On 13 May 1882, the dwelling was mentioned in an article published in the Brisbane Courier called “A Visit to Kilkivan” where the correspondent noted that they stopped at a celebrated humpy known as Mrs Burns hoping to get refreshments.
The Kilkivan Historical Society advises that the area has always been known locally as Byrnes Reserve and that the site was also used as a change over post by Cobb & Co Coaches.
It is proposed to name this historical site in honour of the pioneering Byrne family and maintain this significant link with the history of Queensland.
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last reviewed 13 March 2012
Last updated 1 December 2011