RAAF Area Explosives Reserve, Kowguran
RAAF Area Explosives Reserve, Kowguran,[1] also known as 3 Central Reserve (RAAF) or 3CR, was a World War II Royal Australian Air Force explosive ordnance depot built beside the Leichhardt Highway in central Queensland, Australia, near the town of Kowguran, about 20 km north of Miles.
| 3CR, Kowguran Queensland | |
|---|---|
  3CR, Kowguran | |
| Coordinates | 26.5017681°S 150.0994062°E |
| Postcode(s) | 4415 |
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) |
| LGA(s) | Western Downs Region |
Development
Approval was granted in September 1942 to construct the Reserve depot at Kowguran. The Queensland Main Roads Commission built the complex. 59 men were employed on this project.
A 16 feet (4.9 m) wide road was constructed from the depot to the Wandoan railway line. 10 feet (3.0 m) wide roads were built around the complex, linking the 20 bunkers, a main building, and accommodation huts. A parade ground was also established.
Use
The Area Explosives Reserve was manned by 3 Central Reserve (RAAF) which was formed at Kowguran on 18 August 1943.[1]
The depot could hold up to 2,500 long tons (2,500 t) of ordnance.[2]
The site was decommissioned in 1956.[3]
Post RAAF
In 1985, David and Julie Hinds[3] purchased the 135 hectare property. It was renamed "Possum Park" and was made into a holiday destination,[2] converting four of the bunkers into self-contained underground motel units. There are also train carriages converted to motel rooms, and powered caravan sites.[1] As of 2020, the Hinds still own the property, and live in one of the converted, underground bunkers.[3]
References
- RAAF Area Explosives Reserve, Kowguran, OzAtWar.com, accessed 2020-09-01
- Possum Park, RadSchool Association Magazine Vol42, accessed 2020-09-01
- Tiny home fashioned from 'secret' RAAF WWII ammunition bunker in Queensland, Peter Gunders, ABC News Online, 2020-09-01