December 22, 2008
Mystery remains after dig
An archaeological investigation into Queensland’s first European settlement sites officially wrapped up on Friday, 19 December 2008.
While the dig failed to uncover pieces of Redcliffe’s past, a drain believed to date back as far as the early 20th century was unearthed.
Mayor Allan Sutherland said while it was disappointing not to find remnants of the first Commandants house, he was optimistic future investigations could be more successful.
“We know from historical records Redcliffe was the site of the first European settlement in Queensland,” Cr Sutherland said.
“Earlier this year we scanned two other sites in the area with ground penetrating radar– and maybe one day we’ll have an opportunity to further explore them with an archaeological dig.
“We have always been proud of our heritage and it would be great to have something significant from the era to remind residents and visitors of Redcliffe’s historical significance.”
At this preliminary stage, the drain is believed to have been built by Father Ryan, who lived somewhere between John Street and Humpybong Creek in the early 1920’s.
Cr Sutherland thanked the owners of the residential premises where the dig took place.
“Their overwhelming cooperation and patience throughout the five-day exercise was appreciated,” he said.
The initial ground penetrating radar investigation was part funded by Moreton Bay Regional Council and the Queensland State Government’s Q150 grants program, which marks next year’s 150th anniversary of Queensland as a state.
[...] While this dig failed to uncover pieces of Redcliffe’s past, a drain believed to date back as far as the early 20th Century was unearthed. [...]