Local Government
Merredin
Region
Wheatbelt
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
Great Eastern Hwy Merredin
Location Details
between Cohn and Allbeury Streets
Construction Date
Constructed from 1941
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory 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 2 |
Category 2 |
|
Statement of Significance
Local knowledge states that these installations were constructed as part of a base for counter-attack 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.
These structures are considered to be of national importance.
After the War, the Local Council tried to remove the structures and called in a demolition expert. The plan was abandoned when he advised that he would have to use so much explosive it was likely half the town would be removed at the same time.
Physical Description
The three circular fuel tanks are about 60-80 metres apart and contained within earth mounds 6-7 metres high. The base of the tanks is approximately at ground level, with access gained by way of a concrete walled tunnel, approximately 1.5 metres in width and 2 metres in height, probably originally a service duct for piping. The opening of each tunnel has sloping walls to match the profile of its mound. At the end of each tunnel a hole has been broken into each tank, presumably to salvage the steel liner and provide access for storage. On the
top of two mounds are vents and counter-weighted circular hatch covers. The third mound has a house built on top of it.
History
Themes: Outside Influences - World War II
Integrity/Authenticity
The fabric of the installations is intact, providing a high integrity.
Condition
Fair-Good
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Map of Merredin townsite locating WWII structures | Merredin Tourist & Information Centre (Inc) | ||
| "Merredin Tourist" booklet | Merredin Tourist & Information Centre (Inc) | 1979 |
Place Type
Other Built Type
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | MILITARY | Other |
| Present Use | FARMING\PASTORAL | Other |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Other | METAL | Steel |
| Wall | CONCRETE | Reinforced Concrete |
| Roof | CONCRETE | Reinforced Concrete |
| Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OUTSIDE INFLUENCES | World Wars & other wars |
Creation Date
18 May 1999Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
01 Jan 2017Disclaimer
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.