Last week the iconic Grand Hotel in Hughenden burnt to the ground however an ongoing investigation revealed the fire was deliberately lit.
A Queensland Police spokesperson said at this stage they don’t know the exact cause of the fire.
“We are still conducting enquiries and appealing for anyone with information to come forward,” the spokesperson said.
Flinders Shire Council Mayor Jane McNamara said council had only purchased the Heritage-listed property three months ago.
“We were in the middle of doing all our planning for Conservation Management Plans and how to move forward to make the structure safe, then down the track, it would of been a matter of getting funding and applying for grants,” Cr McNamara said.
The two-story timber Hotel stood majestically on the corner of Stansfield and Grey Street when it was constructed in 1910.
Cr McNamara said 2004 was the ‘last big party’ at the venue before it was Heritage listed in 2007.
“Once the investigation is finished council will have a discussion and move forward with whatever the regulations allow.”
“The debris is still on a heritage listed site so we need to consult with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection before making any future plans,” she said.
