Ross River Meatworks Chimney

The size of the Ross River meatworks chimney is best appreciated from the Ross River Bridge heading south. For a closer look, take the bike path along Ross Creek. This 31 metre high brick chimney supported by an 8.6 metre high firebox is the last remnant of Queensland’s first purpose-built meat freezing works and is our only remaining 19th century meatworks chimney. The meatworks opened in 1892, initially producing frozen meat for export. It had the largest capacity of any meatworks in Australasia in the early 1900s, and in 1912 was proclaimed the most up to date freezing works in either hemisphere. It processed sheep and cattle from across Queensland, Northern Territory and the Kimberley of Western Australia, and was a major employer in Townsville. One of the most protracted and ferocious strikes in Australian history occurred here during 1918-1919. Workers rejected compulsory arbitration in favour of direct bargaining. Riots followed and police fired shots into the 1000-strong crowd in July 1919. Meat production methodologies have changed over time, and in recent years, overseas markets have required live-cattle exports. The meatworks closed in 1995 and were demolished in 1997. A housing estate now surrounds the chimney.