The Palaszczuk Government has called on the owner of the Broadway Hotel to carry out essential work to ensure the historic building is protected.
Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said a Development Tribunal ruling last Friday upheld an enforcement notice regarding works to stabilise the Broadway Hotel at Woolloongabba, requiring the owner of the heritage listed building to install props to stabilise the former hotel's walls.
"We welcome the tribunal's decision to uphold Council's Enforcement Notice, which was issued after calls from the Palaszczuk Government for Council to do its job and utilise its more extensive powers under the Building Act," she said.
"The Tribunal's ruling upholds Council's authority to compel the owner to carry out any necessary works to stabilise and preserve the building," Ms Enoch said.
"And now it is up to the owner to ensure essential work is carried out to ensure the building continues to be protected."
Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said she fought to ensure this historical part of the South Brisbane community was protected from demolition, with the Palaszczuk Government issuing several Stop Order notices since the fire in September last year.
"As the local member, I wasn't going to stand by and watch a piece of our community's history be destroyed. These Stop Order notices prevent any demolition of the Broadway, and now it's up to Council to do their part and make sure these works are completed as a matter of urgency," Ms Trad said.
"The Broadway Hotel was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in October 1992, and earlier this month, a sixth Stop Order was signed for the Broadway Hotel prohibiting demolition of the building's surviving masonry walls, and providing additional time for decisions to be made about the building's future."
Minister Enoch said the Department of Environment and Science had commissioned several expert reports after a fire at the unoccupied former hotel in September 2018.
"The reports confirmed the fire had not compromised the building's overall structural stability, and only limited demolition was necessary.
"However, the reports showed that temporary propping of masonry walls was required and a new roof was needed to ensure the building's long-term preservation."
Built in 1889-1890, the building is described as illustrating the characteristics of a large, masonry, 1880s Brisbane hotel, designed as a local landmark to attract local custom and as superior accommodation to attract country and family visitors.
