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Radar Station

Author

Shire of Merredin

Place Number

13514
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.

Location

Chandler-Merredin Rd Merredin

Location Details

East side of road, approximately 5km north of Merredin just beyond Hunt's Dam Reserve

Local Government

Merredin

Region

Wheatbelt

Construction Date

Constructed from 1941

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents More information
(no listings)

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management More information
Category Description
Municipal Inventory Adopted 16 Apr 1999 Category 1

Category 1

Recognise and protect through Town Planning Scheme. Photographically record prior to any modification. This place should be considered for inclusion in the State Register of Heritage Places and Register of the National Estate.

Statement of Significance

Local knowledge states that this building was constructed as part of a base for, a counterattack on Perth and Fremantle, should the metropolitan area have been taken by the Japanese during World War II.
This conflicts with the commonly held view that if the enemy had landed in WA, Australia's defence forces would abandon the State and pull back to a line between Adelaide and Brisbane.
This structure is considered to be of national importance.

Physical Description

The building, now in an open field and clearly visible from the road, was originally, constructed in the bush for camouflage. It was reputed to be one of only a small number of radar stations operating in the country at the time.
The main body of the building is semi-circular in cross-section, about 5 m high and 25 m long. At one end the building form is more rectangular, with a lateral wall extended approximately the same width as the building. The building has three flat-roofed towers, about 2 m,square and 7 m tall, with horizontal openings at the top. Although with a pillbox appearance, other possible uses are vents.
The interior has been stripped of fittings and is now used for grain storage.

History

Themes: Outside Influences - World War II

Integrity/Authenticity

The shell of the building appears to be intact, providing a high integrity.

Condition

Fair-Good

Place Type

Other Built Type

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use MILITARY Other
Present Use FARMING\PASTORAL Silo or Grain Shed

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Other CONCRETE Reinforced Concrete
Wall CONCRETE Reinforced Concrete
Roof CONCRETE Reinforced Concrete

Historic Themes

General Specific
OUTSIDE INFLUENCES World Wars & other wars

Creation Date

18 May 1999

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

01 Jan 2017

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.