Construction commenced on Maryborough’s mass timber fire station

20 July 2021

David Rowlinson

Hyne Timber’s Strategic Relations Manager, Katie Fowden said the building was unique as the first fire station and regional headquarters for emergency services to be constructed from approximately 500 cubic metres of mass timber (glulam and CLT).

"From the day a mass timber fire station was first mooted during an innovation forum held in Maryborough through to today, everyone involved in the project has been passionate about creating a sustainable building that’s great to work in for our emergency services personnel.

"With the first sod turned, the community will now start to see this project come to fruition.

"From the seedling’s nursery all those years ago, to the mature plantation pine through to the sawmills, glue laminating plant, many local Queenslanders have had a hand in this project.

"It’s exciting to be able to showcase the innovative solutions of the talented, Cross Laminated Timber experts at XLam, to find the best way to showcase Australian mass timber designs and the fire performance credentials of mass engineered timber buildings.

"I would like to thank the teams within the Queensland Government who have supported us from the initial State Development assistance and support of Maryborough Member, Bruce Saunders, the Market Led Proposal team through to working more recently directly with QFES."

The new engineered timber complex will be constructed on the existing site and replace the current building while retaining and restoring the heritage valued façade.

Scott Hutchinson, Chair of Hutchinson Builders said this was their first mass timber project in Queensland.

"What better way to deliver such a sustainable and contemporary building than two historic companies coming together, supported by a project team of experts including another Queensland icon, the University of Queensland.

"Together, and working closely with the client, this building is not only a highly specialist design to meet the operational needs of the fire and emergency services personnel but will be a showcase of local capability and products sourced from renewable plantation forests.

"The team at Hutchinson Builders are excited to work on this project and we thank the Queensland Government for this innovative opportunity.” Mr Hutchinson said.

Photo: Representatives from QFES, Hyne Timber, Hutchinson Builders and Maryborough Member, Bruce Saunders.

David Rowlinson

David hails from Lancashire, England and has lived in Australia since 1994. He studied Architecture at Sheffield University and also has an MBA from Macquarie University and a Master of Marketing from UNSW. Prior to joining Planet Ark in 2016 David was Marketing Manager then CEO of a major Sydney-based manufacturer of modular carpets used in all commercial building applications. His proudest achievement was the development of an industry-leading environmental sustainability agenda, including the unique Earthplus product reuse program.