A monument marking 160 years of Public Works in Queensland was unveiled in Brisbane’s Queens Gardens today.

The circular sandstone bench – erected at the site of the first lumber yard of the Moreton Bay Penal Colony in 1825 – pays homage to the instrumental contributions of Queensland’s Public Works employees over the last 160 years.

QBuild stonemasons crafted the monument using traditional tools similar to those used in the construction of the historic buildings surrounding the Gardens, including the former Treasury; the old Lands Administration Building; the former Family Services Building; and the former State Library – all of which were constructed with the involvement if Public Works employees.

The monument’s location was chosen to create a sense of community within the Gardens, while also providing a place of relaxation and reflection for visitors to the area.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Public Works, Mick de Brenni:

“Erecting this monument in Queens Gardens, where Public Works effectively began with an engineer’s cottage and a lumber yard, is an amazing connection to the Department of Energy and Public Works of today.

“I will say that a job with public works is not just constructing buildings, it is literally building the state. Today we recognise the teams that have done that for 160 years, and I’m determined they will do it for hundreds more to come.

“Over the last 160 years, there has been thousands of groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, and plaque unveilings, but they do not tell the full story. It is the incredible achievements and challenges, the masterpieces and monoliths, the lives given to the trade and the lives lost at work.”

“Today we formally recognize the contribution of Public Works employees in helping to provide government services in this state.

“All across this state, Public Works staff are involved in the construction and maintenance of public buildings, and without them, the work of government in providing services to remote and rural areas would be so much more difficult.

Further information:

• The Queensland Government Architect, which over the years has been involved in the design and architecture of many of the state’s most notable buildings, worked with Hassell architects on the design.
• The unveiling comes as the Queensland Government this week announced QBuild’s frontline staff will double to 1000 tradies by 2026, with plans to increase numbers further to 1500 by 2029.
• Over its proud 160-year history, Public Works employees have helped construct and maintain public buildings right across Queensland, including: schools, offices, social housing and government employee housing.