VPRS 16085 Plans for Construction of the Emergency Wheat Storage Facilities at Marmalake (also known as Murtoa Stick Shed) and Dunolly

Full description

This series comprised plans for the construction and maintenance of the emergency wheat storage facility at Marmalake (also known as the Murtoa Stick Shed) and at Dunolly.

In 1939, following several discussions between the Commonwealth and State Governments and wheat growers, the Australian Wheat Board (a Commonwealth agency) was established. Under the Wheat Acquisition Regulations, the AWB was to acquire all wheat held in Australia (with some exceptions). Under the Wheat Acquisition Regulations, the AWB was also responsible for purchasing, selling, storing, protecting and shipping all wheat and wheat products in Australia.

In 1941, as part of the ongoing storage of wheat which could not be exported due to the Second World War, the AWB began planning for the construction of emergency wheat storages at Murtoa. The work was performed by the [Victorian] Railway Construction Branch, Board of Land and Works (VA 690) at the request of the Grain Elevators Board (VA 1057) on behalf of the AWB.

Construction of the facility began in 1942. The main storage facility was constructed from unmilled tree trunks and was completed by 1943. Construction of other buildings at the facility continued after this.

The plans were made by the Grain Elevators Board. Each plan included information regarding the site or name of plan; title of plan; and scale of plan. The plan was initialled by the various workers who drew, traced and checked the plans. The plans were then signed by the Engineer, Superintending Engineer and Chief Engineer. Not all plans were signed by all three engineers. Some plans also have the date of signature on them. All plans were assigned a number with the alphabetical prefix designating the size of plan, then a four-digit number assigned in sequential order.