HMAS Townsville docks for final time

A significant part of Townsville’s military history will be preserved for generations to come with Port of Townsville partnering with Maritime Museum of Townsville to put HMAS Townsville on public display.

HMAS Townsville is one of 15 Fremantle Class Patrol Boats built and operated by the Royal Australian Navy and was gifted to her namesake city’s Maritime Museum following her decommissioning.

The vessel has been relocated from the Townsville Marine Precinct where she has undergone remediation works, to a new display position at the historical slipway on Ross Street, South Townsville.

Maritime Museum of Townsville curator Robert De Jong said the vessel had a historic naval connection with the city.

“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,” Mr De Jong said.

“The vessel was decommissioned in Cairns and gifted to the Maritime Museum of Townsville by the Commonwealth Department of Defence,” 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 Chief Executive Officer Ranee Crosby said the HMAS Townsville relocation had involved years of planning between multiple stakeholders to ensure the best outcome to preserve the historic vessel.

“I want to thank the Maritime Museum of Townsville for working closely with our Port staff to make this project a reality,” Ms Crosby said.

“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.

“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.”

Assistant Minister for Defence Industry and Veterans, Janelle Poole, said the relocation of HMAS Townsville 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,” Assistant Minister Poole 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.”

Members of the public who are interested in viewing the HMAS Townsville can do so from Lighthouse Park on Palmer Street and various other vantage points along both sides of Ross Creek.

The HMAS Townsville relocation project is a partnership between the Port of Townsville and the Maritime Museum of Townsville.

Please note due to safety, the public is not permitted aboard the vessel.