Elise Archer,Minister for the Arts
Significant works are now underway at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) as a result of funding from the Tasmanian Liberal Government to protect the museum's important heritage buildings and the State collection.
Hansen Yuncken has been contracted to undertake the works, which include replacing the slate roof of the Bond Store and re-rendering the exterior to preserve the historic brickwork.
The works are being undertaken thanks to the Tasmanian Liberal Government's $50 million Public Buildings Maintenance Fund, with TMAG receiving $3 million for essential maintenance projects through this process in 2020.
TMAG is an important part of our arts sector and also our visitor economy, attracting thousands of visitors every year, which is why it is so important to invest in its safety and preservation.
Additionally, works are underway to stabilise and re-render the Watergate Wall, through funding under the joint Tasmanian and Australian Government Southern Extreme Weather Event Recovery Fund to assist those impacted by the destructive Hobart storms in May 2018.
Since the damage to the historic wall that occurred during those storms, TMAG has undertaken extensive investigations – including an archaeological dig – to identify the best way to stabilise the wall, which will be with steel supports set in concrete.
I am pleased these critical works are now proceeding, to help preserve this important part of the historic Commissariat Complex at TMAG.
The works are due to be completed by mid-2023, and while they will cause some disruption to visitors during this time, this is a critical project that will protect TMAG's buildings and the State collection for future generations.
