Iconic Queenslander pub burns to the ground
A SOUTHEAST Queensland community has been left devastated after an iconic century-old pub burnt to the ground.
Rural fire teams and locals could only watch as fire tore through the Kandanga Hotel in the Mary Valley, inland from Noosa, from 5am — the roof of the Queenslander collapsing before fire crews could sweep the building.
Experienced publicans Doug and Carolyn Greensill, who bought the pub with their son John earlier this year, escaped the blaze and confirmed no one else was inside.
The ‘Dangie’ first opened in 1914, and is the social heart and lifeblood of the Kandanga community, recently becoming a major set for the new Australian horror film “BOAR”, directed by Christopher Lee Sun.
“A lot of the footage was filmed in the bar at the hotel and on the veranda,” Councillor for Mary Valley Julie Walker said.
“It was really rustic and full of atmosphere — a very iconic country pub,”
“It’s a huge hole in the community.”
Cr Walker said the pub regularly housed council meetings, gatherings and fundraisers for local clubs and organisations.
She said it was too early to determine the cost to the local economy.
Locals took to Facebook to express their sympathies — some swapped memories and others posted links to builders who could help restore the site.
“Sorry but we are closed for renovations,” the owners posted to Facebook.
“Any chance of anyone bringing a few bbq’s down here?? We will supply the meat and beers.”
A police spokeswoman said the fire was believed to have started in the kitchen and while the cause was unknown it was considered non-suspicious on preliminary investigation.
EARLIER: AN iconic pub on the Sunshine Coast has been burnt to the ground this morning.
Fire broke out at the century-old Kandanga Hotel, southwest of Gympie, just before 6am.
The Queenslander was completely ablaze when rural fire crews arrived.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said the ceiling collapsed, making it impossible for fire crews to sweep the building.
The Kandanga Hotel, on Main St in Kandanga, first opened in 1914, and was a social hub for the community.
It is understood the owners were home at the time of the fire and informed fire crews there was no one else inside.
Two crews remain on scene dampening the wreckage.
It is not yet known what caused the fire.
Source: The Courier Mail, Amy Price, 12th December 2015
