Local Government
Murchison
Region
Midwest
Meeberrie-Mt Wittenoom Rd on Pia Aboriginal Reserve Murchison
Murchison
Midwest
Constructed from 1949
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 15 Oct 2015 |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 17 Aug 2007 | 3 | |
The Barloweerie Aerodrome site has considerable local historic significance for the important role it payed in providing a much needed commercial air and mail service into and out of the district.
Located on the south side of the Meeberrie-Mt Wittenoom Road is the remains of a shelter shed. Sited approximately 20 metres from the road edge all that remains of the shelter shed are several tall mulga posts and cross members that formed the roof structure. There is some remnant brush that would have formed the roof cover to provide some shelter, especially shade, for those waiting on planes to arrive. A small rectangular concrete foundation approximately 5 metres to the west of the structure is all the remains of the toilet, and bares the inscription, 'First plane 4/10/1949'. One tall timber pole remains of the former telephone line which connected the structure to the Wooleen-Murgoo telephone line.
The Barloweerie Aerodrome was completed in 1949, almost by Jim Crane utilising the new Roads Board International Armstrong Holland grader. Construction costs shared by the Aitkins Brothers (Murgoo), BH Sharpe & Co (Wooleen) and Boolardy Pastoral Co. (Boolardy). The Aerodrome was first used on the 4th October for the unauthorised landing of an Airlines (WA) Ltd Avro Anson. Air services were first operated initially with Avro Ansons and then De Havilland Doves. When MacRobertson-Miller Airlines (MMA) took over Airlines WA, DC-3's were used to service the Barloweerie Aerodrome. Originally consisting of 3 airstrips, the specifications were as follows: 176 degrees- 6000ft x 300ft = 100ft each side of the runway 132 degrees- 4800ft x 300ft (located alongside the road) 057 degrees- 3150ft x 300ft (this strip was abandoned in 1965) Records of the air service indicate that the peak passenger numbers were 53 in 1952, while other years recorded over 20 passengers. In 1969, after nearly twenty years of service, the district's only commercial air service ceased to call at Barloweerie Aerodrome due to the decline of local use. Most of the stations in the district had a Royal Flying Doctor Service Air Strip, including Yuin, whih was licensed for the use by the RFDS in 1948.The Yuin strip was also used by the RAAF during training exercises during WWII and later as a training ground for private plane licenses. (Sources: Nixon M & Lefroy RFB; "Road to Murchison",pp.59-60 and additional information supplied by RFB Lefroy.)
Integrity: Low
Poor
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nixon M & Lefroy R; "The Road to Murchison: an Illustrated Story of the District and it's People". | Vanguard Press | 1988 |
Historic Site
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | VACANT\UNUSED | Vacant\Unused |
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Air: Other |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS | Air transport |
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