Department of Public Works (Queensland)
In the same year, construction begins on the Suncorp Stadium redevelopment in Brisbane. The redevelopment of Suncorp Stadium was the biggest and most ambitious project of its kind ever undertaken by the Department of Public Works. It involved a significant expansion of the stadium and the implementation of extensive built infrastructure and technologically advanced building systems.
The 52,500-seat world-class venue opened in June 2003 – on budget and on time – and became home to the Brisbane Broncos rugby league team. Today, it also hosts national and international rugby union and soccer games along with State of Origin matches and music concerts.
Customs House, Rockhampton
To commemorate the centenary of Federation in 2001, the Rockhampton Customs House was one of 43 major projects that received funding through the Queensland Heritage Trails Network Project. The $110 million Queensland Heritage Trails Network was an Australian first, funded through the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments in partnership with local government authorities and local communities. The project was designed to provide the city of Rockhampton with a central cultural attraction. The ground floor office partitions and air conditioning were removed and the area was refitted and currently houses the "Customs House Discovery Centre". The refit included the installation of a smaller air condition unit to the rear of the building on the ground floor. The Discovery Centre, which incorporates static and multimedia displays, introduces visitors to the city's history, Customs House, Quay, river and people of Rockhampton today. The first floor continues to be used for meetings, conferences, functions, etc. In 2003, a lift was installed in the south-west corner of the building, at the rear of the site.