Maryborough was constructed by Walkers Limited in Maryborough, Queensland. She was laid down on 16 April 1940, launched on 17 October 1940 by Mrs. A. Goldsmith, wife of the general manager of Walkers, and commissioned on 12 June 1941. Engineer Rear Admiral Percival E. McNeil, third member of the Naval Board, Commander E. C. Rhodes, District Naval Officer and Lieutenant-Commander N. S. Pixley attended as official party with the rector, St. Pauls Church of England, Mayborough, Rev. A. E. Taylor leading a religious service before launching.