Burrundie Explosives Magazines
| Location | |
|---|---|
|
NT Portion 4680(A). About 34 km north-northwest of Pine Creek. |
|
| Gazettal Date | |
| 11 January 1995. Northern Territory Government Gazette No. G2. |
|
| Description | |
| The building is a simple rectangular storage space measuring 6.3m x 3.1m with a vaulted ceiling 3.8m high. The walls vary in thickness from 750mm at dado level to 600mm at freize level. The storage chamber is entered through a wooden door from a vestible which is 1.5m x 1.8m in plan with a 3.7m high barrel vaulted ceiling fitted with quadruple bolted steel fire-proof entry door in a steel frame. A system of air vents have prevented the ingress of rain and fire and has proved to be remarkably effective in the role of stabilising air temperature and humidity required for the storage of explosives. | |
| Statement of Heritage Value | |
| The magazines are significant for their association with the construction of the North Australian Railway which was an important factor in the opening up of the "Top End" of Australia. The underground magazine, built in 1885, demonstrates a high degree of technical achievement. Designed in Glasgow by Nobel's Explosives Co Ltd it consists of an underground concrete chamber with a vaulted entrance stairway. It is one of two known to exist in the Northern Territory. The above ground magazine was built in 1896. It consists of a rectangular storage area with a vaulted ceiling. A system of air vents has prevented the ingress of water and has been very effective in stabilising air temperature and humidity. There is evidence that this magazine continued to be used for explosives until World War 2. The magazines are the only intact buildings in or around the Township of Burrundie. |
|
| Further Reading | |
| Dermoudy, P. 1988. A report for the National Trust of Australia (NT) on the Burrundie Explosives Magazine. Unpublished report to the National Trust. | |
