Debate opens on gates’ future

Swan Creek resident Jane Morse, a niece of former Glengallan owner Oswald Slade, believes the time is right to return the gates to Glengallan Homestead. Picture: Sue Keong

Southern Downs Regional Council is seeking public input to determine the future location of the Glengallan Gates which are currently at Warwick’s Leslie Park.
The decision to get feedback from the public was made at a special council meeting held on Monday 13 March during which the council considered a request from the Glengallan Homestead Trust to return the gates for the historic homestead’s 150th anniversary later this year.
The four sandstone pillars and the iron gates were gifted to the council by the then owner of Glengallan Homestead, Oswald Slade, in 1940 to mark the centenary of the Leslie Brothers settling in the area.
The council’s planning and property portfolio councillor Neil Meiklejohn said in terms of current planning requirements, the gates were not a building and as such the planning scheme did not apply.
“While the planning scheme does not apply to this proposal, and there is also no particular requirement for public notification, given the prominence of the gates and the length of time they have stood in Leslie Park, coupled with the knowledge that there are differing opinions in the community about whether the gates should stay or be relocated, the council has decided to invite feedback from the public to inform its decision,” he said.
“The Glengallan Homestead Trust has indicated that if the proposed relocation proceeds, they would cover all costs associated with the relocation of the gates to the Glengallan Homestead and the reinstatement of the Leslie Park memorial site, along with interpretive signage.
“The council encourages the community to get on board and have a say about the proposed relocation by making a submission during the public consultation period.”
The public consultation period opens on Thursday 16 March, for at least 15 business days.
A council spokeswoman said the council had received previous requests for the gates to be relocated back to Glengallan Homestead.
“Previous council decisions to retain the gates in Leslie Park were based on factors including that the gates were gifted to the Warwick community, the condition of the gates and whether they would be damaged during the relocation process,” the spokeswoman said.
“Other factors are the extensive period of time that the gates have been in Leslie Park and are now part of the heritage of Leslie Park, and the impact that the removal of the gates would have on the aesthetics of the park.
For information on how to make a submission contact the council on 1300 697 372 or visit www.sdrc.qld.gov.au.