OLD SILOS MAKING WAY FOR MURAL ART
ONE of Toowoomba’s major landmarks will soon host beautiful public artwork, following the demolition of most of the GrainCorp silos on Anzac Avenue.
Local company Darling Downs Metals has nearly finished pulling down all but one of the silos opposite Drayton Cemetery in Harristown.
The remaining structure will then be beautified with a special mural completed by a local artist, before being added to the Australian Silo Artwork trail.
Demolition company owner Paul Frasle said while he had plenty of experience with pulling down old silos, the Anzac Avenue job was unique considering its location.
“When this came up, I presented to (the owner) with what we do, and that was because of this unique demolition space,” he said.
“It was a 10-day schedule, (because) the rail was shut for that time period — once we got (the silos) to a height of 8m, we didn’t pose a risk to the rail corridor.
“It’s a rare situation where you have the urban population and then the rail and the road on either side.
“We were very sensitive in getting all the approvals, but the method we put in place was important.
“We’re on schedule, and we’ll be close to finishing.”
The company used a special demolition machine to dismantle the silos from the top down.
Mr Frasle said virtually all the material would be recycled overseas.
“Ninety-nine per cent of the product is recycled, unfortunately it does go offshore into steel mills, but it may be made into a beam or washing machine,” he said.
The mural is expected to be painted in 2022.