Until 1944 the 430-feet South Brisbane Graving Dock was the only one in Brisbane capable of carrying out repairs on navy and merchant vessels, though its size limited the number and type of vessels that could effect repairs there. As a consequence the Brisbane Graving Dock at Cairncross was commenced in August 1942 as an additional repair facility. It was completed within 22 months, a feat that necessitated construction 24-hours a day for six days a week.

Citation:

The Queensland Department of Public Works oversaw the project to a design produced by engineering staff of the Stanley River Works Board. The Main...