Local Government
Northam
Region
Avon Arc
Muresk Rd Spencers Brook
Northam
Avon Arc
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 25 Feb 1998 | 4. Little Significance | |
The fuel storage tanks have historical significance owing to their association with WWII and with plans to use Northam as an evacuation centre from Perth after the fall of Singapore in Feb 1942.
The storage depot is situated in a paddock about 8 km from Northam town. The three cylindrical brick storage tanks are approx 12 metres high with a diameter of about 8m. A small square structure at the base of each would appear to be entrance. One of the tanks still has hand rails around the top. A small squat brick building with connections to the depot is near the road. The fuel storage tanks are a reminder of this period in the history of Northam and Western Australia.
After WWI Northam retained an active military presence in the 10th Light Horse Platoon. When the Australian Army needed a permanent camp site for training citizen forces and as a potential base in time of war, a site was chosen and leased by the Northam Town Council. The camp was established and developed between 1935-6. When WWII was declared, the Northam army camp was to be used as the main training camp for WA forces. Thousands of men passed through training camps, involving Northam in the war effort. With the increased possibility of attack, and after the fall of Singapore in Feb 1942, plans were made for Northam to be used as an evacuation centre from Perth. Part of Springhill was used for ammunition storage, and was occupied by the American Navy which had a submarine base in Fremantle. This fuel depot was set up near Spencers Brook rail station, and other fuel dumps were constructed at Minnathorpe and Burlong. Petrol shortages and ration books led to the manufacture of gas producers for cars which converted coal, but these were never very efficient.
Historic site
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | VACANT\UNUSED | Vacant\Unused |
| Original Use | OTHER | Other |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OUTSIDE INFLUENCES | World Wars & other wars |
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