Daredevil tradies hanging out at Museum of Tropical Queensland

Tradies working on the roof of the Museum of Tropical Queensland have been giving passers by an unexpected sight, as work is undertaken to replace the curved metal sheet roof after it was damaged during the 2019 monsoon event.

The work is being overseen by QBuild, the construction arm of the Palaszczuk Government, who are working with local company Matz Roofing to restore the iconic sail roof on the Flinders Street venue.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the brave abseiling tradies were part of a crew of 11 local roofers working on the project.

“These highly skilled local tradies are taking on the job of fixing the unique sail roof, so that the museum is ready to enjoy once it is able to reopen again.

“These works are part of the $3.6 million internal and external remediation and repair works the Palaszczuk Government has undertaken in the wake of the 2019 monsoon event.

"Local tradies have played a leading role in getting Townsville back on its feet and back to normal after the monsoon, and they are showing their spirit again now," Mr Stewart said.

"Work is on track. And the view from the roof is hard to beat I would imagine."

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the Museum of Tropical Queensland was a great Queensland asset.

“Repairing the sail roof is essential to protecting the exhibitions inside, so that we can continue learn from them for generations to come.

“Work on the sail roof should be completed around mid-year, with workers maintaining social distancing to complete the works safely.

"We have tradies working all over Queensland, still dedicated to the job of building and rebuilding our state," he said.

Matz Roofing Director Matthew Newman said, “We were very excited to be selected by QBuild to replace the museum’s distinctive sail roof, something most locals have come to identify with the city’s modern skyline.

“I knew the curvature of the roof would present some interesting challenges and was able to employ a team of abseiling subbies to help us deal with it,” he said.

“At this point in time we’re just getting on with the job and not allowing ourselves to be distracted by doom and gloom – the museum needs a new roof and that’s that.

“At the same time, I want to praise my crew for their dedication to their work and assure them and their families that their safety on the job is my number one concern.

“I think we’re lucky to be in the construction industry, mainly working outdoors and where social distancing is easier compared to other jobs.”