Squatter Shack Settlement

Statement of Significance

Wedge Island Settlement, a group of approximately 320 shacks, mostly corrugated iron clad, situated in an ad­ hoc layout in the sand-dunes at Wedge Island, is of considerable cultural heritage significance to the community of Wedge Island and the state of Western Australia for the following reasons; the ad-hoc innovation of the evolution of each shack is typically Australian in the ethos of 'make-do' and is clearly recognisable, individually identifiable and highly valued; associations with professional fisherman who have continued to operate commercial operations; the ever present, casual, sharing, co-operation, and openly inclusive social interaction of the community; the memories of holidays, special visitors and events that have taken place that contribute to the very special sense of place for generations of community that come from all walks of life; is the last remaining, and largest example of a squatter shack settlement that demonstrates; a way of life for generations of Western Australian families and 'make-do' philosophy of the establishment and subsequent development of the shacks. 1.1.1. Importance to a community for aesthetic characteristics. 1.1.2 2 Importance for its creative design or artistic excellence, innovation or achievement. 1.1.3 Importance for its contribution to the aesthetic values of the setting demonstrated by a landmark quality or having impact on important vistas or otherwise contributing to the identified aesthetic qualities of the cultural environs or the natural landscape within which it is located. 1.1.4 In the case of an historic precinct, importance for the aesthetic character created by the individual components which collectively form a significant streetscape, townscape or cultural environment. The ad-hoc innovation of the evolution of each shack that contributes to the entire settlement at Wedge Island, is typically Austra lian in the ethos of 'make­ do' and is clearly recognisable, individually identifiable and highly valued by the Wedge Island community and visitors for that aesthetic. (Criterion 1.1) The shacks represent an important record of the typical ingenuity and innovation of Australians creating their 'home', in this case holiday homes. The isolation of the settlement serves to further demonstrate the innovation and achievement of the type and use of materials in the location, design, construction and installat ion of services to the shacks. (Criterion 1.2) The Wedge Island Settlement demonstrates a landmark quality on the coast within an expanse that is otherw ise undeveloped natural environment. The settlement forms a very distinctive and identifiable cultural environment of fishermen 's and holiday shacks in a sand dune location. (Criterion 1.3) Each shack has an individual character created by the innovation of the owner builder and is clearly identifiable from other shacks. Collectively, the 320 shacks form a very distinctive cultural environment that demonstrates an aesthetic of adhoc ingenuity in the coastal sandhills setting of Wedge Island. (Criterion 1.4) 2.0 Historic Value Criterion 2 It is significant in the evolution or pattern of the history of Western Australia. 2.1. Importance for the density or diversity of cultural features illustrating the human occupation and evolution of the locality, region or the State. 2.2. Importance in relation to an event, phase or activity of historic importance in the locality, region or the State. 2.3. . Importance for its close association with an individual or individuals whose life, works or activities have been significant within the history of the nation, State or region. 2.4 Importance as an example of technical, creative, design or artistic excellence , innovation or achievement in a particular period. Wedge Island Settlement is important in illustrating the diversity and sameness of design, materials and construction methods, and location of the shacks in the Wedge Island sand dunes. The shacks clearly show the diversity of human occupation in the development of the squatter shacks settlement of the mid west coast through the 1950s when families created a distinct lifestyle in their own home away from home. (Criterion 2.1) The land on which the Wedge Island Settlement is located was part of the coastal plain used for summer depasturing by the pioneer pastoralists who continued the 'Australian Squatter tradition' from the eastern colonies. (Criterion 2.2) Wedge Island Settlement is one many squatter settlements that were established along the central west coast between Yanchep and Geraldton around the mid twentieth century . The squatter shack settlements are being systematically demolished under the provisions of the Squatter Shack Policy, and few remain to demonstrate that significant period in the mid 20th century when families ventured to the coast to forge a recreational lifestyle away from home. The shacks individually and as a settlement clearly demonstrate the innovation and achievements of many people of a like minded people in the mid century decades, in the locations, designs, materials and workmanship of the shacks as they created a lifestyle on the coast. (Criterion 2.2) Wedge island settlement demonstrates a clear link between the original pastoral squatter and the modern day squatters of the mid 20 century a hundred years later. (Criterion 2.2) Wedge Island Settlement has significant associations with a number of professional fisherman who originally established at the site and have continued to operate commercial operations from their shacks at Wedge Island. (Criterion 2.3) The association with JE Wedge and later Bob Wedge are significant for the association with the name (although common belief is that the island was named by early explorers) and place with their early association with the coastal plain, the track through their pastoral leases to the coast, and the establishment of the fist known 'holiday' shack at Wedge Island in the mid 1930s. (Criterion 2.3) The lifestyle attracts people from all walks of life to the Wedge Island Settlement and over the years there have been many associations with prominent people and identities as well as many 'average' families, all with the same desire for the lifestyle and community of Wedge Island. (Criterion 2.3) The remaining shacks at Wedge Island Settlement clearly demonstrate a phenomena of the mid 1950s and the subsequent evolution of the shacks through the development of external entertainment areas, replacement claddings, and improved fitouts and services since that time. Individually and as a settlement, the shacks clearly demonstrate the innovation and achievements of many people as they created a lifestyle on the coast. (Criterion 2.4) 3.0 Scientific Value Criterion 3A It has demonstrable potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the natural or cultural history of Western Australia. 3.1 Importance for information contributing to a wider understanding of natural or cultural history by virtue of its use as a research site, teaching site, type locality , reference or benchmark site. 3.2 Importance for its potential to yield information contributing to a wider understanding of the history of human occupation of the locality, region or the state. Wedge Island Settlement clearly contributes to an understanding of the history of human occupation of the locality and the state, as generations of families have spent months of every year away from their 'normal' lives to experience the unique lifestyle afforded by the shacks, their isolation, and the close proximity to the ocean. (Criteria 3.2) Squatter settlements were evident along much of the mid west coast until recent years, and Wedge Island Settlement remains as a testimony to the unique way of life that can never be replicated in the future due to government regulations. that have since been put in place to prevent such settlement taking place. (Criteria 3.2) Criterion 38 It is significant in demonstrating a high degree of technical innovation or achievement 3.3 Importance for its technical innovation or achievement. Wedge Island Settlement clearly demonstrates technical innovation and achievement in the development of the shacks, but more importantly in the development of services. Most shacks evidence the development of water catchment and services, hot water systems, lighting systems, ablution systems and radio and television reception. (Criteria 3.3) 4.0 Social Value Criterion 4 It is significant through association with a community or cultural Complex in Western Australia for social, cultural, education or spiritual reasons. 4.1 Importance as a place highly valued by a community or cultural Complex for reasons of social, cultural, religious, spiritual, aesthetic or educational associations. 4.2 Importance in contributing to a community's sense of place. Wedge Island Settlement is highly valued by the community of Wedge Island shack owners, their families and friends and generations of the same, for the unique lifestyle that is experienced at the place. Social interaction is ever present, casual, sharing and openly inclusive.(Criterion 4 . 1) The culture of the place is highly valued for that casual social interaction, but also for the lifestyle of 'the great outdoors', fishing, swimming, diving, boating, beach walks, relaxing, four wheel driving, etc. The ad-hoc development of the shack settlement demonstrates community co-operation and sharing what they recognise as a 'special' way of life. (Criterion 4.1) The community of Wedge Island shack owners, their families and friends and generations of the same, value the unique lifestyle that is experienced at the place and the memories of holidays, special visitors and events that have taken place. The sense of place is profound and highly valued. (Criterion 4.2) The importance of the place to the local community is demonstrated by formation of the Wedge Island Progress Association in 1968, and the more recent formation of the Wedge Island Protection Association, and their development of the 'Proposal for a Coastal Heritage Village at Wedge Island' in 1999, and their continuing dialogue with CALM, including the compilation of 'Wedge and Grey Master Plan 2000' in order to retain the essential sense of the Wedge Island Settlement. (Criterion 4.2) 5.0 Degree of Significance - Rarity Criterion 5 It demonstrates rare, uncommon or endangered aspects of the cultural heritage of Western Australia. 5.1 Importance for rare, endangered or uncommon structures, landscapes or phenomena. 5.2 Importance in demonstrati ng a distinctive way of life, custom, process, land-use, function or design no longer practised in, or in danger of being lost from, or of exceptional interest to, the locality, region or the State. Wedge Island Settlement is an uncommon phenomenon, of which there were several along the mid west coast. It is now a rare as it is the largest remaining squatter shack settlement in Western Australia and is very important in representing the evolution of the unique way of life associated with the development of, and the people and lifestyle associated with, the settlement and its location in the sand hills at Wedge Island (Criterion 5.1) Wedge Island settlement demonstrates a distinctive way of life, custom, and land-use, that is in danger of being lost from the Western Australian experience. It is of exceptional interest to the locality of Wedge Island, the mid west coastal region and the State, as the largest remaining example of a squatter shack settlement that demonstrates; a unique way of life for generations of Western Australian families, innovation and 'make-do' philosophy in the transport of materials, locations, design, use of materials, installation of services and construction of shacks. The ad-hoc development of the shacks demonstrates community co-operation and sharing. The manner of squatter settlement, the ad-hoc development of the settlement and the construction of the shacks, is no longer practised and therefore Wedge Island Settlement is an important representation of a 'culture' in danger of being lost. (Criterion 5.2) 6.0 Degree of Significance - Representativeness Criterion 6 It is significant in demonstrating the characteristics of a class of cultural places or environments in the State. 6.1 Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a range of landscapes or environments, the attributes of which identify it as being characteristic of its class. 6.2 Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a range of human activities (including way of life, philosophy, custom, process, land-use, function , design or technique) in the environment of the locality, region or the State. Wedge Island Settlement very clearly demonstrates the principal characteristics of the cultural environment of a squatter shack settlement. The identifying attributes include; remote location, coastal dunes location, ad-hoc development of the settlement, innovative use of materials, design, construction methods, ingenuity of service installation and operations, family associations, generational inheritance of the shacks, unique outdoors lifestyle , and community co-operation. (Criterion 6.1) Wedge Island Settlement very clearly demonstrates a range of human activities associated with 'recreational pursuit', including the lifestyle, recreational and social activities that take place. Similarly the land use is specific to squatter settlements in the adhoc evolution of the community as each shack nestles into sandhills and sites are selected by means of community negotiation. (Criterion 6.2) Wedge Island Settlement, a group of approximately 320 shacks, mostly corrugated iron clad, situated in an ad-hoc layout in the sand-dunes at Wedge Island, is of considerable cultural heritage significance to the community of Wedge Island and the state of Western Australia for the following reasons; the ad-hoc innovation of the evolution of each shack is typically Australian in the ethos of 'make-do' and is clearly recognizable, individually identifiable and highly valued for that aesthetic ; the shacks represent an important record of the typical ingenuity and innovation of Australians creating their 'home', in this case holiday homes; the isolation of the settlement serves to further demonstrate the innovation and achievement of the type and use of materials in the location, design, construct ion and installation of services to the shacks; Wedge Island Settlement is a landmark on the coast within an expanse that is otherwise undeveloped natural coastalenvironment and forms a very distinctive and identifiable cultural environment of fishermen 's and holiday shacks; The development of the squatter shacks settlement of the mid west coast in the late 1930s and through the 1950s when families created a distinct lifestyle in their own home away from home; The largest remaining of many squatter settlements that were established along the central west coast between Yanchep and Geraldton around the mid twentieth century, that are now being systematically eradicated; significant associations with professional fisherman who originally established at the site and have continued to operate commercial operations; significant associations with the Wedge family who were associated with pastoral squatting in the region, and established what was arguably the first squatters 'holiday' shack at Wedge Island in the mid 1930s; the lifestyle that has attracted people from all walks of life; the remaining shacks at Wedge Island Settlement clearly demonstrate a phenomena of the mid 1950s and the subsequent evolution of the shacks; the unique way of life that can never be replicated in the future due to government regulations; the technical innovation and achievement in the development of the shacks' services; the ever present, casual, sharing, co-operation , and openly inclusive social interaction of the community ; the lifestyle of 'the great outdoors'; the memories of holidays, special visitors and events that have taken place that contribute to the very special sense of place for generations of the community from all walks of life; the formation of the Wedge Island Protection Association, and their proactive approach to the future retention and development of the place; Wedge Island Settlement represents the evolution of the unique lifestyle in the sandhills at Wedge Island; and, is the largest remaining example of a squatter shack settlement that demonstrates; a way of life for generations of Western Australian families, innovation and 'make-do' philosophy in the establishment and development of the shacks

Physical Description

The Wedge Island settlement is located on a promontory on the coast, approximately 25 kilometres north of Lancelin. It is only accessible via a four wheel drive track. On the point of the promontory is a wedge shaped island that gives its name to the settlement. The small uninhabited island is accessible by walking across at low tide. The 320 squatter shacks comprising the settlement of Wedge Island present an ad hoc layout as they nestle into the sand-hills immediately adjacent to the beach. A line of shacks dot the skyline along the first row of sand-hills, but most shacks nestle almost unobtrusively into the natural environment of the sand-hills and are connected by a series of earth tracks. Each place displays its own individuality in its location, setting, outbuildings, construction materials, and one of the most distinctive elements; the paraphernalia that is on the roof. There are no fences or specific delineation of property boundaries, although each shack has a setting, including gardens, grass, paving, or just the natural environment. Most of the shacks are clad with corrugated iron on the walls and roof. There are few windows in evidence, most openings are shutters. The roofs are predominantly gable. The floor plans are mostly rectangular although many shacks have developed over time with extra rooms and outbuildings added. The provision of water and hot water services are the most obvious external service features of the shacks with many showing evidence of the development of several systems on the roofs. The internal fitouts are generally rudimentary but functional. Most places show evidence of considerable rust. The extremely hostile environment certainly expedites the ongoing evolution of the settlement and the places in it, as most metals rust or tarnish and need replacement. The places are generally in a functional condition. Some places are used and maintained more often than others. Overall the place is in fair to good condition

History

Assessment 2001 Wedge Island Squatter Shacks The post European history of the Wedge Island area of the Dandaragan region began in the early 1840s when the colony's fledging pastoral industry) was establishing. Pastoralists from Toodyay increasingly moved their flocks north into the Victoria Plains under the care of shepherds in outposts-the colonial practice of squatting. After Champion Bay was opened up for pastoralism in the 1850s, the coastal plain became a through way and for depasturing stock on way from northern pastoral lands to market in Perth. The stock route was gazetted in 1862. By the late 1860s, pastoralists from Moora moved livestock to the coastal plain for summer grazing. In 1903, J.A. Wedge acquired the large coastal run of Woolca Woolca and in 1909, he took Minimgarra, 15 mil es east south east of Wedge Island, allowing him to co-ordinate the constant movement of cattle across the coastal plain in search of suitable pastures. Wedge Island and the coast in that vicinity remained isolated. After I 931, Bob Wedge established a shack at Wedge Island and initiated what was to become a ritual for thousands of people every year. In 1938, the problem of lack of lack of development of the coastal plain was addressed in a Royal Commission that identified the main problem as lack of funds for infrastructure to the coastal plain from Dandaragan Road Board. With the advent of World War Two, the Australian Military Forces kept a close coast watch. Entry into the area was by permit only. At the end of the occupation, the AMF destroyed (blew up) any remaining evidence of habitation on the coast. Although fishing boats have operated off the coast since 1900, the cray fishing industry was considerably developed after World War Two when fishermen established their bases in close proximity to the fishing grounds. In the immediate post war period, people used the various military tracks to discover secluded fishing and recreational spots along the coastal plain, establishing shacks in informal settings. By the mid 1950s, many families from the farming areas east of the coast traveled to the coast for a holiday after harvest. Other people escaped from suburbia and a routine working life for the freedom of the great outdoors. Alan Egan's association is somewhat typical of how the place evolved. In the mid 1950s he set out to find a good fishing spot. At that time, there was only one building at Wedge Island, and only one cray fisherman was operating from there. The fishing was so good that A. Egan decided to build a shack, primarily to house the boat. The shack necessarily developed over time. In 1968, Alan Egan and Vic Davis built separate shacks on the beach front for their families. The Egan shack was constructed of tractor casing timbers with a corrugated iron roof, utilising driftwood for roof timbers. The construction is typical of a shack in that it is of inexpensive easily transported materials capable of being constructed by the owner on site. Egan 's shack still exists. Jn 1968, the Wedge Island community formed a Progress Association with the object of improving conditions as the shacks were under threat of demolition by the local authority. Families returned to the settlement year after year for the Christmas holidays and Easter and any others they could get. Generations of families have experienced the place. In 1980, legislation was introduced to provide the necessary means to remove squatters from public lands. In 1983, State Cabinet endorsed a position paper on coastal planning and management in Western Australia. The report set out broad policies for coastal areas including squatter settlements, that were not considered acceptable. In 1994, CALM negotiated with the Shire of Dandaragan to take over the Wedge Island and Grey squatter settlements. Unvested reserves were created and each settlement was placed under the management and control of CALM. In 2000, a Master Plan was prepared. It does not consider the retention of the Wedge Island shacks. The Wedge Island Protection Association (WIPA) have sought legal advice on the interpretation of the squatter policy. In 2001, there are 5 full season and one intermittent cray fishing boats operating from Wedge Island. The fishermen are recognised as a special case. Wedge Island settlement has negotiated a reprieve in the short term. It is estimated that 2500 people holiday at Wedge Island every Christmas holiday period. Those users are predominantly family groups. The 320 existing leases do not adequately indicate the extensive associations with the place, estimated to be up to I0,000 direct users of the squatters shacks at Wedge Island . Wedge Island is believed to be the largest settlement of squatter shacks in Australia. Wedge Island is recognised as place of international tourism interest in recent years as the inbound tour operators include Wedge Island in itinerary of the 4 wheel drive tours to the 'Pinnacles' further north up the coast.

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