URBAN ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISH THE DIRT ON INNER BRISBANE

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said Brisbane office workers would have all their questions answered about a series of archaeological finds in the inner city next Wednesday at the Queensland Museum.

Ms Nelson-Carr said that for many people, these sites were only a few minutes’ walk from their workplaces.

“The gas-proof World War II command bunker found during the construction of the Inner Northern Busway is just near my office,” she said.

“Then there was an 1860s prison found at Petrie Terrace.

“These and others have been surprising and interesting historical finds during the past six months.”

Historian Thom Blake and archaeologist Richard Robins will join forces for a free one-hour lunch-time talk, Convicts, Culverts and Catalinas: Recent archaeological projects in inner-city Brisbane on 7 February at South Bank Theatre, Level 2, Queensland Museum, at 12.30pm.

Mr Blake said many people did not associate archaeological digs with metropolitan areas and would be surprised what was underneath the surface of Brisbane.

“Several of these sites were uncovered during the work on the Inner Northern Busway and we were very lucky that (construction company) Leightons have been helpful and understanding about taking care with heritage finds.”

Arts Minister Rod Welford said the Queensland Museum and the Environmental Protection Agency this year would continue their successful series of free lunch-time talks about Queensland’s cultural heritage.

“The partnership dates back to 2003,” Mr Welford said.

“These talks are a fantastic chance for people to hear from some of Australia’s luminaries in the fields of history, archaeology and heritage architecture.

“The 2007 program will include talks on magic and witchcraft in old Australian houses, Queensland’s weather prophet Clement Wragge and pioneer architect Robin Dods whose work helped to define the Queenslander house.”

Photos available of recent finds in the inner city.

For more information about Queensland Connections, go to www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au/calendar/2007/connections/

Media contact: Andie Gatti 3336 8002 (Minister Nelson-Carr’s office), Marnie Stitz 3237 1000 (Minister Welford’s office)