Workers uncover historic relics at Rooneys Bridge in Railway Estate

Artefacts from Townsville’s early history have been uncovered by workers upgrading a bridge in Railway Estate. Here’s what they found.

CENTURY-OLD steam engines from Townsville’s early industrial period have been uncovered during upgrade works to Rooneys Bridge in Railway Estate.

The two steam engines — which were at the Rooney Brothers sawmill on the banks of Ross Creek in 1897 — were discovered by a project team undertaking repairs to the bridge’s 68 supporting concrete piles.

The Rooneys Bridge, which was built in 1953, is being renovated as a part of a $5 million project being jointly funded by the federal and state governments.

Remnants of a steam engine found near Rooney's Bridge in Railway Estate.

Mundingburra MP Les Walker said the discovery showcases Townsville’s interesting history.

He said the Rooney Brothers sawmill, where the two steam engines came from, had steam-powered cranes on its private loading wharf next to the current bridge.

“The Department of Environment and Science was notified of the archaeological artefacts after the project team discovered the Cochran-style vertical steam boilers,” he said.

1953 Construction of Rooneys Bridge

“It is estimated these engines weigh up to two tonnes each, with one of the large engines found under the bridge partly submerged under water and embedded in the creek bed.”

Mr Walker said the cranes powered by steam engines would lift timber from boats, which travelled up Ross Creek to the sawmill.

“The wood was used to build North Queensland in those early days,” Mr Walker said.

“We’re not sure how the engine ended up in the middle of the creek, but we suspect it was washed in during the 1946 floods, which were as significant as Townsville’s 2019 flooding event.

“One was found close to a bridge pile that was being repaired and had rusted so badly it was found to have very little archaeological or heritage value.

“As it was causing a safety issue for the divers working under the bridge, it will be removed.

“The other steam engine is partly submerged on the bank of the creek and is in reasonable condition. It is likely this one will remain where it is currently.”

Originally published as Workers uncover historic relics at Rooneys Bridge in Railway Estate