Snapshot of the past

Photograph of an historic fuel depot facility currently standing in Normanby Street, Warragul.

This Inland Aircraft Fuel Depot (IAFD) was one of just 31 built across Australia during World War II.

Adjacent to the Noojee Rail Line (in the shire yards), “Number Two IAFD” was one of two commissioned to be built in Warragul during 1942. It was decommissioned on June 14, 1944. Whilst two were constructed, only one remains on the site today.

In 1939, with the commencement of World War II, the Royal Australian Air Force chief of air staff deemed it necessary to increase bulk storage and supply of aviation fuel across Australia for the purpose of defending the country.

An investigative committee was created to determine the most strategic, safe locations and the design of the storage facilities. The sites were to be located inland to enhance protection from air attack and would hold 20,760,000 gallons (93,420,000 litres) of aircraft fuel.

There were 11 built in New South Wales, six in Queensland, four in Victoria, four in Western Australia, four in South Australia, one in Tasmania and one in the Northern Territory.

The fuel storage depot was built from brick, concrete and steel.

Photograph and information courtesy of the Warragul and District Historical Society.

If you have any additional information about this photograph, please contact The Gazette on 5623 5666 or editorial@warragul gazette.com.au.