
The Queensland Cement and Lime Company has a rich history that spans over a century. Founded in 1888, the company was initially established to supply cement and lime to the growing mining industry in Queensland.
The company's early success can be attributed to its innovative production methods, which allowed it to produce high-quality cement and lime at a lower cost than its competitors. This led to a significant increase in demand for the company's products.
As the company grew, it expanded its operations to include the production of other building materials, such as concrete and aggregates. This diversification strategy allowed the company to maintain a strong market presence even during times of economic downturn.
The company's legacy can be seen in many of the iconic buildings and structures throughout Queensland, including the iconic Brisbane City Hall and the Queensland Parliament House.
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History
The Queensland Cement and Lime Company has a rich history that spans over a century. The company was established in 1914, operating a cement factory at Station Road (now Station Avenue), Darra in Brisbane.
From 1916, the company obtained limestone from Gore on the Darling Downs, which was later replaced by coral from Moreton Bay in 1936. This change in material source allowed the company to expand its operations and increase production.
In the decade following World War II, the company acquired the Australian Army ship Crusader and the former HMAS LST 3022, which were renamed Cementco and Coral respectively. These vessels played a crucial role in transporting coral from Morton Bay to the company's cement factory at Darra.
Here's a brief timeline of the company's major milestones:
- 1914: Company established at Station Road, Darra
- 1916: Obtained limestone from Gore on the Darling Downs
- 1936: Ceased using limestone from Gore in favour of coral from Moreton Bay
- 1969: Replaced road transport with a 3.5 km overhead conveyor
- 1988: Renamed Queensland Cement Limited following company mergers
- 1995: Unable to renew dredging licences for Moreton Bay, leading to the closure of the Darra factory in 1998
- 2003: Merged with Australian Cement Holdings to create Cement Australia
Powerhouse (Former)
The Powerhouse (Former) is a significant structure that still stands on the site today. It's the original brick building that was part of the Queensland Cement and Lime Company's operations.
The company was established in 1914 with the purpose of supplying locally manufactured cement to Queensland. This was a crucial time for the state's development, and the company played a vital role in providing cement for many major building works.
The Powerhouse (Former) remains a testament to the company's history and legacy.
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Historical

The Queensland Cement and Lime Company was established in 1914, operating a cement factory at Station Road (now Station Avenue), Darra in Brisbane. This marked the beginning of a long history for the company.
In 1916, the company started obtaining limestone from Gore on the Darling Downs. This was a crucial step in their cement production process.
By 1936, the company had switched to using coral from Moreton Bay instead of limestone from Gore. This change was likely due to the increasing availability of coral and its suitability for cement production.
The company built Oxley Wharf on the Brisbane River at Seventeen Mile Rocks in the early 1930s. This wharf played a significant role in the company's operations, particularly in the transportation of coral to the Darra factory.
The company had a dredge at Mud Island in Moreton Bay, which was used to obtain coral for cement production. This coral was then transported up the river to the wharf, where it was conveyed via the company's private road to the Darra factory.
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Here are some key dates in the company's history:
- 1914: The Queensland Cement and Lime Company was established.
- 1916: The company started obtaining limestone from Gore on the Darling Downs.
- 1930s: The company built Oxley Wharf on the Brisbane River at Seventeen Mile Rocks.
- 1936: The company switched to using coral from Moreton Bay instead of limestone from Gore.
- 1969: The company replaced road transport with a 3.5 km overhead conveyor.
- 1988: The company was renamed Queensland Cement Limited following some company mergers.
- 1995: The company was unable to renew its dredging licences for Moreton Bay, leading to the closure of the Darra factory in 1998.
- 2003: The company merged with Australian Cement Holdings to create Cement Australia.
Legacy
The Queensland Cement and Lime Company's legacy is a fascinating chapter in the company's history. The company's wharf site at Seventeen Mile Rocks was taken over by Brisbane City Council in 1990.
The council developed the site into the Rocks Riverside Park, which opened in December 2003. This park incorporates elements of the company's industrial heritage, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.
Today, the locality of Cement Mills in the Goondiwindi Region is located at the site of the company's works near Gore.
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