Second World War RAAF Buildings, Maryborough Airport

Seven structures along the access road to the Maryborough Airport date to the Second World War. The site was secured for use by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in December 1940 for training purposes. The Empire Training Scheme (EATS) was conducted through 49 airfields in Australia. Maryborough was the base for the Wireless Air Gunner School (3 WAGS) and an Air Navigation School (3 ANS). By April 1941, land was being cleared and runways and buildings constructed. The training school opened on 18 September 1941. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941 and Darwin from 19 February 1942, there was a direct threat to Australia. Maryborough’s activities came to include recruit training. The No 3 Recruit Depot operated here from April 1942, training around 4000 recruits. The Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAFs) was also stationed here. The site eventually included 127 buildings. In July 1946, the site was transferred to the Commonwealth Department of Civil Aviation. All superfluous buildings were disposed of, leaving a hospital, motor transport garages, two hangars, flight office, workshop, stores and latrines. The airport is now managed by the Fraser Coast Regional Council, and the buildings leased to various community organisations.