The Premier has inspected construction works and met with workers of Rockhampton's new $31.5 million Museum of Art with Mayor Margaret Strelow and local MPs Barry O'Rourke and Brittany Lauga today.
The Premier said the new Rockhampton Museum of Art which her government has invested $15 million in, was a critical project for the region.
"This project is not only keeping locals in jobs during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic but when finished will drive tourism to the region for years to come," the Premier said.
"The new gallery, constructed by Rockhampton-based Woollam Constructions, has provided much needed employment opportunities for the region with building work continuing throughout the COVID-19 restrictions," the Premier said.
"The project is supporting more than 100 jobs during the construction period and around 80 per cent of subcontractors are locally based.
"Construction is at the half-way mark and it's fantastic to see this incredible project coming to life which will bolster the city's reputation as the vibrant home to the one of the nation's leading regional galleries.
"It will be a significant tourism driver to the city supporting regional employment, which is an important element of the Palaszczuk Government's recovery plan: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs.
"When it's finished, the museum will house the works of some of Australia's most significant artists including Arthur Boyd, Russell Drysdale, Sidney Nolan, Jeffrey Smart and Margaret Olley."
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said that from the beginning, the Palaszczuk Government had supported Rockhampton Regional Council's vision for a new art gallery that connects the community, shares our stories and celebrates our heritage.
"The Rockhampton Museum of Art will deliver significant benefits to the community, generating tourism, economic benefits, and opening up new opportunities for local artists," Minister Enoch said.
"Rockhampton's collection is one of Queensland's regional treasures and the new building will house the collection in a beautiful contemporary space," Minister Enoch said.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said, "The new Museum of Art will offer more exhibition and public programming space, multi-purpose education spaces, expanded commercial areas, amenities and more storage and loading space.
"The former Rockhampton Art Gallery has been an integral part of the community for decades, and this new building will continue to inspire Rockhampton residents for generations to come with an active, vibrant and inclusive art space for the local community and visitors," said Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said construction is tracking on schedule with construction now 50 per cent complete.
"The project was well committed before COVID-19 and will be a beacon project for us to celebrate as we focus on pushing our economy along," Mayor Strelow said.
"The structural framework is making great headway – the first floor concrete slab is complete, walls have been erected, and works are now in progress on the second floor.
"Around September we anticipate the roof will go on and once façade works commence later this year the structure will begin to resemble the architect's images and we will see the design really take shape.
"I commend the State and Federal Government for seeing the value in this project. It is already opening the door to new and exciting opportunities that will show the rest of Australia that the Rockhampton Region is a maturing destination for cultural tourism."
The Queensland Government's has invested $15 million towards the new Rockhampton Museum of Art. The Federal Government committed $10 million and the Rockhampton City Council committed $6.5 million.
