The Forest Hill silos were constructed to meet the increase in production of wheat and barley on the Lockyer Valley and surrounding districts in the 1970s. It location between Toowoomba and Brisbane and accessibility to the rail line made it the ideal location.
Construction commenced on the first two silos on 13 January 1975 in a non-stop concreting process that last two days and involved 45 men for each 12-hour shift. Holding 2,200 tonnes each, the cost of this project was $200,000. These are the two central silos.
The two outside silos were constructed in 1979 to respond to the high demand and traffic congestion caused by waiting trucks. The work took 20 men four days to complete, taking the total capacity of the four silos to 8,800 tonnes.
Grain production and storage has decreased since the boom years of the 1970s and 80s and the silos transitioned to holding sites for companies including Uncle Tobys and GrainCorp.
The silos are managed by GrainCorp and continue to be a significant landmark in the region, being visible from parts of the Warrego Highway to the north.
Council will analyse the community's responses to the survey and pop-up consultations and prepare an Artist's Brief ready for Expression of Interest from suitably experienced artists.
See the Document Library for the consultation report and analysis.
This survey will be open 5-30 June and provides an opportunity for local and regional residents and businesses, as well as potential visitors to provide feedback on the likely benefits and concerns with the proposal.
Once Council has prepared an Artist's Brief based on the community's feedback, we will advertise for Expressions of Interest from suitably experienced artists.
