Taking history to soaring new heights

BESIX Watpac helps boost CQ tourism with award-winning Qantas museum project.

In the heart of Central West Queensland, a Boeing 747 and a stunning, rippled roof provide the canvas as the history of Australia’s airline is played out through an immersive light and sound experience that can only be described as extraordinary.

This spectacle is the result of the work of the team at BESIX Watpac, with the Qantas Founders Museum Airpark Project at Longreach honoured as Project of the Year and winning the Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million category at the 2021 Central Queensland Housing & Construction Awards.

The museum tells the story of Qantas, from its beginnings in outback Queensland through to present day. The new Airpark Enclosure and hi-tech Luminescent Longreach experience were a long-held dream of the Qantas Foundation Memorial Ltd Trust, the custodian of the historic infrastructure, memorabilia and aircraft at the site.

The project has created a new experience for the tourism industry in the region, as well as delivering additional economic and community benefits.

Project Manager, BESIX Watpac Senior Contracts Administrator Mitch Wight, said The Trust identified the need several years ago for a roof to protect the aircraft from the outback sun and reduce the need for regular expensive maintenance.

“One of the things they were having issues with is that the planes themselves cost millions to repaint – the 747 in particular is really expensive due to its size” Mitch said.

“The Muesum was able to secure funding from the Commonwealth government for the main roof structure, and then the Queensland government funded the light show element of the project.

“They wanted to have a drawcard, so that when you’re flying or driving into Longreach, it’s the first thing you see.”

The two-stage project saw BESIX Watpac construct the Noel Robinson-designed 8,072m² Airpark Roof, Viewing Deck and Biobox supporting services, including the backbone infrastructure for the light show. The Buchan Group completed the active data equipment, fit-off of the projectors and speakers, and the sound and images.

Watpac has a long and proud history with the museum, having constructed the original building with Noel Robinson Signature Architects, and were keen to be involved in the new project under the BESIX Watpac name.

The project was supported from not just Longreach but also the surrounding communities. The regional location was a first for Mitch – but an experience he and the team revelled in.

Our site manager Dan Smith had his second child born in the Longreach Hospital, we sponsored the soccer team to get new storage for their sports equipment, things like that – it was a pleasure to be a part of the local community.

“Where possible we tried to engage the local community to assist in completing the project. The concreters, steel fixers, and the plumber were locals, we had a sparky from Bowen, a roofer from Rockhampton, the glazing for the windows comes from Emerald. The project was supported from not just Longreach but also the surrounding communities”

The construction – and the outback location – weren’t without their challenges for Mitch and the team to overcome.

“Unfortunately for us, the museum has its ‘lull’ period over the summer, so we had to build it throughout the hottest season in Longreach – it was a minimum 35 degrees, and it would get up to around 40 degrees, so there was a bit of trouble with that,” Mitch said.

“Our design manager, construction manager and I were heavily involved during the design phase and getting riggers and things like steel manufacturers on board early to try and use their smarts to keep it on budget.”

Being an active airport site brought extra safety considerations into the mix around aircraft and the use of cranes. In addition the roof was built around the 747 and 707 planes as they couldn’t be moved by the Museum.

Ingenuity played a major role in the success of the project, with the ARAMAX-style, ripple profile roof rolled on site in 50-metre-long aluminium sheets with no purlins required, using the one mobile mill in Australia capable of producing the desired outcome.

After COVID devastated the local tourism industry, as well as impacting Qantas’ 100- year anniversary celebrations, Mitch said The Trust and the Longreach community were thrilled with the final result.

“With the structure, I think they love the elegance of it – when you look up at it from the ground, it’s beautiful. It’s worth seeing the light show at night - it’s an immersive experience.”