Image Gallery: May 2008
Historic water tank gets new home
16 May 2008
The historical RAAF Base Darwin water tower that dates back to the 1930s has been dismantled and relocated from its place next to the tarmac, to a new home at the Australian Aviaition Heritage Centre.
Surviving the rigors of the bombing of Darwin and Cyclone Tracey, the structure's departure from the base's skyline was facilitated by McMahon Services, allowing preservation of the important historical landmark and providing unimpeded use of the surrounding military hard standing.
The water tower is unique in that it also included an Air Traffic Control Tower directly below the water storage tank.
The military development of Darwin in the 1930s brought an influx of military personnel which strained the town's water supply system.
Three towers, including the water tower situation at RAAF Base Darwin, were erected as part of a scheme to convey water to the town from Manton Dam.
Interpretive signage will be erected both on the base and at the Australian Aviation Museum.
A formal ceremony to mark the handover of the historic water tower will be conducted.
| 20080514adf8243523_012 The last morning breaks on the RAAF Base Darwin water tower as two cranes move in to dismantle it for relocation and preservation to the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre in the Northern Territory. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8243523_171 Site workers cut through the support structures holding RAAF Base Darwin's historic water tower upright, during the dismantling process for the tower's relocation to the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre in the Northern Territory. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8243523_259 The water tank from RAAF Base Darwin's historic water tower is lifted by crane from its supporting structure, during the dismantling process for the tower's relocation to the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre in the Northern Territory. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8243523_306 The water tank from RAAF Base Darwin's historic water tower is lowered by crane onto a waiting truck, during the dismantling process for the tower's relocation to the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre in the Northern Territory. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8243523_325 Site workers secure the water tank from RAAF Base Darwin's historic water tower on a waiting truck, during the dismantling process for the tower's relocation to the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre in the Northern Territory. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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