What’s happening?
A significant part of Townsville’s military history will now be preserved for generations, with HMAS Townsville officially relocated to a public display position at the historic slipway on Ross Street, South Townsville. The move is the result of a partnership between the Port of Townsville and the Maritime Museum of Townsville.
HMAS Townsville is one of 15 Fremantle Class Patrol Boats built and operated by the Royal Australian Navy. Following her decommissioning in Cairns, she was gifted to the Maritime Museum of Townsville by the Commonwealth Department of Defence. The vessel had been based at the Townsville Marine Precinct for remediation works before being towed under escort to her new display site.
Why it matters
Named after the city of Townsville, the vessel regularly visited the port during her service and was sometimes crewed by Navy members from the city. This connection has given HMAS Townsville memorial, spiritual, and social significance for both the local community and those who served aboard. Her new location will allow locals and visitors to see an important symbol of the city’s defence heritage close up.
Local impact
The relocation forms part of the Port of Townsville’s plans to beautify and improve connectivity along the Ross Creek waterfront. Works will include upgraded footpaths and the addition of a public viewing platform, stretching from Lighthouse Park on Palmer Street to the Quayside Terminal. The project is set to enhance the area’s appeal for both residents and tourists while preserving a key piece of naval history.
By the numbers
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15 – Fremantle Class Patrol Boats built for the Royal Australian Navy.
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1 – HMAS Townsville, the only vessel in the class named after the city.
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Years in planning – Multiple stakeholders worked over several years to ensure the best preservation outcome.
Zoom in
Maritime Museum curator Robert De Jong said bringing the vessel near the museum for the first time marked an exciting milestone. “Named after the city of Townsville, often visiting the port and occasionally crewed by RAN members originating from Townsville, the vessel holds special memorial, spiritual and social significance,” he said.
“To have the vessel nearby the museum for the first time is an exciting milestone, not only for myself and the museum’s volunteers, but importantly for the sailors who proudly served on board HMAS Townsville and have deep links to her history.”
Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby said the move was a major logistical effort. “The move was no small undertaking, with the vessel being towed on water under escort from the Townsville Marine Precinct to the Port of Townsville, then down Ross Creek where she was secured into place on the disused slipway on Ross Street,” she said.
“The HMAS Townsville relocation is the first step in works being undertaken to beautify and increase connectivity on Port lands on the banks of the Ross Creek from Lighthouse Park on Palmer Street to Quayside Terminal, with upgraded footpaths and the installation of a viewing platform for residents and visitors to see the HMAS Townsville close up.”
Zoom out
Assistant Minister for Defence Industry and Veterans Janelle Poole said the relocation was a proud moment for the city and its defence community. “This vessel represents the courage and commitment of our Navy personnel, many of whom have strong ties to Townsville. Its new home will allow locals and visitors alike to connect with our rich military heritage,” she said.
“Townsville has always stood tall as a garrison city. Preserving HMAS Townsville in this way honours our past, celebrates our present, and inspires future generations.”
What to look for next
Members of the public can view HMAS Townsville from Lighthouse Park on Palmer Street and various vantage points along both sides of Ross Creek. For safety reasons, the public is not permitted aboard the vessel.
