Latest Mackay Seaport News

Port timber to be preserved in Canberra

Originally published on 11 May 2004

Timber recovered from the demolition of the original sugar shed at Mackay Harbour will soon find a final resting place at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

The 70-year-old timber structure on Number Two pier is being demolished to make way for future facilities.

Between 60 and 70 tonne of grey iron bark, hand cut in the Mackay area in the1930s, will be recycled as floor boards and bench tops, including a bar as part of the restoration of Old Parliament House.

Like a good wine - the timber has improved with age.

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor said the timber was in better condition now, than when it was originally laid in the late 1930s.

The Royal Cut Timber has been allowed to season and dry slowly. Lengths of more than seven metres in such good condition are rare and are keenly sought after by restorers, he said.

The demolition work will start tomorrow (Wednesday) and is expected to take up to six weeks to complete.

The timber will be transported south by three semi-trailers.

It's comforting to know that a piece of Mackay's heritage will find its final resting place in the nation's capital, especially in a historic building such as Old Parliament House, Mr Taylor said.

Every room in Old Parliament House is said to have a story to tell. I'm sure there have been a few great yarns spun under the roof of our old shed over the years.