In 1933 Jose Paronella established Queenslands first privately owned Hydro Electric System at his Pleasure Gardens, Paronella Park, south of Innisfail at Mena Creek.
Time and the elements have taken their toll and the system hasn't been operational since the late 70’s.
In March 2006 Cyclone Larry cut grid power to Paronella Park for 4 weeks.
This provided the impetus to start planning the refurbishment of the Hydro system.
The two main stumbling blocks were the $250,000 cost, and the retrieval of the original turbine from its home adjacent to the Mena Creek waterfall. The original system was delivered to the Park on the back of a truck, having travelled all the way from England, and lowered into its present position using block and tackle. The walls and roof were then built around it.
The challenge today is to remove the turbine and associated equipment without damaging the heritage integrity of the building and the equipment.
Electricity transmission company, Powerlink Queensland, and its principal contractor, Downer Engineering, were using a large crane in the region during construction of the replacement high voltage transmission line between Tully and Innisfail.
Powerlink North Queensland Project Manager, Tom Graham, worked with the Powerlink and Downer construction teams to determine that a small window of opportunity existed to provide access to the crane for the removal of the turbine.
This Friday, the 100 tonne crane with a reach of 75 metres will be transported to Mena Creek Falls to carry out the lift.
The turbine and associated equipment will once again journey across the world to Germany, where it will be refurbished. The return journey will have the equipment re-installed in September, and electricity generation by December.
Powerlink’s support of this important project allows an important part of Queensland’s heritage to be preserved, and also assists a small business in its endeavours to create a cleaner and greener world.
12th April 2008
Californian - Huell Howser Productions films at the park.
150 locals pack the local conservatorium for a 20 min preview of The Silent Woman, followed by a screening of the movie "All Men Are Liars" (filmed mainly in South Johnstone).
Producer/Actor Robbert Smit along with star Judy Roberts and Director Darren Powell come along to meet and greet the patrons.
The movie is set to be released later this year nation wide.
24th February 2008
TV program "Fresh TV" makes a prawn sandwich.
Channel 9's Fresh TV puts together a segment at the park today, featuring staff member Luke V taking host Pete Evans for a tour. Pete then makes a delicious Prawn Sandwich in front of our waterfall!
The show is set to air Monday 28th April at 11:30am.
18th September 2007
Cowboys take time off at Paronella Park
Players Steve Southern and Luke O'Donnell on a promotional road trip thought they would take some time out at Paronella Park; Taking a tour and really loving the scenery before heading to Innisfail's Good Counsel College for some footy with the kids!
11th September 2007
ABC TV film at the park for "Nexus"
Nexus is a daily TV program connecting people and ideas across the Asia Pacific region. Featuring a wide range of stories about Australian culture and life, providing a window into Australia for audiences in the region.
Paronella Park is part of Series 7 - episode 59.
6th September 2007
JTV visits Paronella Park as part of Innisfail's AWOL concert.
"Switch on, log on or download new music, interviews, current affairs, documentaries and comedy that takes triple j's irreverence, independence, authority and attitude, and brings it to life in a whole new dimension."
JTV visit the park and talk to Mark Evans about the Bent Wing micro Bats in our Tunnel of LOVE!
3rd September 2007
Silver Fox Productions comes from New Zealand
As part of the Magnetic Island Race week, Silver Fox visited places along the Great Tropical Drive, Magnetic Island, Townsville, and Paronella Park!
Early August 2007
Movie: The Silent Woman - Filming at Paronella Park
ROBBERT SMIT ENTERTAINMENT presents in association with SHOT TO PIECES Studios THE SILENT WOMAN film
starring JUDY ROBERTS WAYNE HYSTEK PETER SMYTH NEVILLE CHALKER
produced by ROBBERT SMIT directed by DARREN POWELL
original story by ROBBERT SMIT story development ROBBERT SMIT DARREN POWELL script writer MEGAN ALBANY
Producer/Actor Robbert Smit along with star Judy Roberts and Director Darren Powell visit the park for 3 days of filming. They feature the Parks name in the movie as Paronella Island, a secret island used for party's during WW2.
On the last night a party scene was shot, using 20 locals as extras including some of Paronella Park's staff!
20th March 2007
General Cosgrove and the Cyclone Larry operation recovery task force return to Paronella Park 12 months on.
Players Steve Southern and Luke O'Donnell on a promotional road trip thought they would take some time out at Paronella Park; Taking a tour and really loving the scenery before heading to Innisfail's Good Counsel College for some footy with the kids!
Japoonvale Rd (Old Bruce Highway)
PO Box 88
Mena Creek
Queensland 4871
Australia
