Cox Peninsula, Northern Territory
Section 34
Cox Peninsula
Source: Department of Finance, 2011
Finance ID
Number
DF61082
Commonwealth
Heritage List
(CHL) Place ID
Number
Cox Peninsula is not included on the Commonwealth Heritage List.
Current Status
(including CHL
Place ID Number)
The Australian Heritage Database currently states that the Charles Point
Lighthouse Group on Section 41 is an indicative place on the Commonwealth
Heritage List.
Ownership
Section 34 Cox Peninsula is managed by the Department of Finance on behalf of
the Commonwealth.
The Kenbi (Cox Peninsula) Land Claim was lodged under the Aboriginal Land
Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 on 20 March 1979. In 2000, the Aboriginal
Land Commissioner recommended that a substantial area of the land claimed be
granted as Aboriginal Land. In January 2009, the Australian Government
welcomed the In Principal Agreement between the Northern Territory
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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Government and the Northern Land Council to settle the Claim and announced
that it would move to finalise outstanding issues in relation to the claim.
Location
Section 34 Cox Peninsula is located in the Northern Territory, 25km west of
Darwin. Section 34 forms the north west corner of Cox Peninsula and comprises
an area measuring approximately 7km by 7km.
Location of Cox Peninsula
Source: Environmental Resources Management, 2010
Description
Section 34 includes Indigenous heritage values, including cultural landscapes,
Dreaming places and archaeological sites, demonstrating the long-term physical
presence of Aboriginal peoples on the north-west of the Cox Peninsula.
Particular precincts within the study area have demonstrated spiritual and
cultural significance to the local Aboriginal people.
Historic heritage values associated with the World War II 105 Radar Camp site,
Kittyhawk fighter plane crash site, and the Charles Point Lighthouse precinct.
Landscape Setting
Section 34 Cox Peninsula is principally composed of unmodified bushland albeit
with a few cleared zones. The costal perimeter comprises a combination of
golden sandy beaches, interspersed with tidal mangrove forests. The northern
coastline is differentiated by steep and eroding Kaolinitic claystone cliffs. The
inland section comprises of eucalypt bushland. Holocene Aboriginal occupation
has seen regular bush fire events, which have served to manage the eucalypt
forest.
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Surrounding area
The Commonwealth has used Sections 32, 34 and 41 for over 50 years. The
Australian Communications and Media Authority and Radio Australia previously
used sections 34 and 32 as receiver and communications facilities. The
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (and its predecessors) used Section 41 as
the site contains the operational Charles Point Lighthouse. The wider area of Cox
Peninsula was used during WWII as a remote radar precinct.
Through historical development, the landscape of Cox Peninsula has been
modified including construction of the Charles Point Lighthouse in the 1890s, the
construction of 105 radar Camp during World War II, and the construction of the
former Radio Australia site during the 1950s.
Kaolinitic claystone cliffs, view from Charles Point.
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2010
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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Heritage Objects
and Collections
Finance undertook a historic archival recording and material culture inventory
of the 105 Radar Camp Precinct, within Section 34 Cox Peninsula. The
archaeological resources within the 105 Radar Camp Precinct are historically
associated with its use during World War II. Unfortunately, after archival
recording, the artefacts were stored for an extended period of time and, due to
unauthorised access, have since been stolen and/or destroyed.
Front pad lock – heavily corroded
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2010
Bottle base detailed 1943
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2010
Set of cartridges – rounds may have been discharged on site in defence of the camp or during a test
practice shooting. Source: Environment Resources Management, 2010
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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Two bullets 7mm in diameter, date range 1940 – 1944.
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2010
Bully beef tin – standard ration issued by the Army.
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2010
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History and
Summary of Uses
2500 BP Aboriginal occupation of the current Darwin region.
1600s Dutch Exploration of the northern coast of Australia.
1788 Europeans establish settlement at Port Jackson (Sydney)
1839 HMAS Beagle explores the northern coast of Australia. Port Darwin is
named in honour of Charles Darwin as is Charles Point.
1869 City of Darwin laid out in plan.
1892 Charles Point Lighthouse is constructed and opened the following year
(1893).
1911 Government of Northern Territory passes from South Australia to the
Commonwealth.
1925 First permanent European settlement of Cox Peninsula (excluding the staff
at the lighthouse).
1932 The lighthouse is converted from vaporised kerosene to acetylene gas. The
lighthouse keepers are no longer required to stay on site.
1937 1937 Cyclone damages the now abandoned lighthouse keeper’s houses.
1939 Start of WWII.
1939 Radio Australia established transmissions from Shepparton commence.
1942 First bombing raid of Darwin occurred on 19 February 1942.
1942 US forces arrive in Australia bringing with them the SCR268 radar.
1942 Mobile Air Warning Device (MAWD) 105 arrives at Charles Point 20 April
1942.
1942 MAWD operational and plotting aircraft 78 miles out to sea 26 April 1942.
1942 MAWD plotting aircraft 141 miles out to sea 13 June 1942.
1943 105 radar ceases operation in October 1943.
1943 Cessation of Darwin bombing November 1943.
1964 The Parliament Standing Committee on Public Works reported on the
proposed construction of a Radio Australia Booster Station at Darwin, NT.
1965 First contracts placed for supply of transmitter.
1967 Work commences at Radio Australia, Darwin.
1971 Darwin’s Radio Australia booster station becomes fully operational.
1971 Light house decommissioned as the light from the top of the RA masts are
more powerful than the light from the lighthouse.
1974 December 1974: Cyclone Tracy impacts masts, lights and floods buildings.
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This results in a cessation of broadcasting from the Radio Australia site.
1974 Lighthouse recommissioned and operated using battery power.
1980s Lighthouse electrified and continues to operate to present day.
1980 Parliamentary approval and funds are received for the rebuilding of the
Radio Australia site.
1984 Radio Australia site is re-opened 30 October 1984.
1997 Radio Australia site is closed due to high operating costs.
2000 CVC enters into 10 year lease for Radio Australia booster site.
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2010
Charles Point Lighthouse, Section 41
Source: Northern Territory Library No. PH0002/0092
Department of Finance’s (Finance) heritage assessment
Finance’s updated
Statement of
Significance
The WWII 105 Radar Camp and the Kittyhawk fighter plane crash site are both
symbolic of a major event in Australian history. These sites provide physical
evidence for the allied Defence of northern Australia. The radar station provides
evidence for the technological response to the threat of Japanese bombing
attacks. The remains of the camp can be considered rare as they provide
evidence for the lives of the radar operators, isolated away from the Darwin
community. The 105 Radar Camp and Kittyhawk plane crash site have special
significance to a large number of living Australia’s whose early lives were
directly affected by the events of the war. The sites are significant to all
Australians as they illustrate the efforts involved in the defence of Australia
during WWII.
Charles Point Lighthouse archaeological remains are important in Australia’s
history as a contributory element of the Lighthouse. These houses were home to
the lighthouse keepers and provide an insight into the history of the local area
during the 19th century, including the isolation of the location during this
period.
As Cox Peninsula is in the process of transferred from the Commonwealth, a
nomination to the Commonwealth Heritage List is not appropriate at this time.
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Criterion A Processes
Charles Point Lighthouse archaeological remains are important in Australia’s
history as a contributory element of the Lighthouse. These houses were home to
the lighthouse keepers and demonstrate an important social and possibly family
aspect to history of the lighthouse.
The 105 Radar Camp is important in the course and patterning of Australia’s
history because it demonstrates a response to the immediate threat of Japanese
bombing of Darwin and the defence of the Australian north coast. The radar site
was one of five mobile radars established in the north of the Northern Territory
during WWII and performed the vital task of identifying Japanese planes over
100 miles from the Australia coast.
The presence of the 105 camp in a remote setting demonstrates the need for a
wide-spread radar network, operating in harsh and isolated conditions. The
landscape of the camp represents the need to camouflage the radar site from
Japanese planes and thus avoid bombing.
The Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk Fighter Plane is an important historical item as it
represents the US and Australian forces’ joint defence of Darwin, via the
interception of Japanese bomber aircraft. The crash site provides a direct
historical record pertaining to the realities of war and aerial combat, in a theatre
of WWII that saw tens of thousands of Australian, American and Japanese lives
lost.
This criterion is met for the Lighthouse Precinct, Radar Camp and Kittyhawk.
The Barge Landing site reflects an aspect of the construction of the radio
transmission facility. However it does not meet the threshold for this criterion.
Criterion B –
Rarity
The 105 Radar Camp is an uncommon example of a camp established for the
exclusive occupation of the radar operators. The camp contains uncommon
residual WWII material culture that has not been altered since the camp was
abandoned.
The Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk Fighter Plane is a rare example of a plane crash site
that may have been deliberately ditched onto a reef, and where the pilot may
have survived.
This criterion is met.
Criterion C –
Research
The 105 Radar Camp appears to retain a good level of archaeological condition
and integrity and has the potential to yield new information with respect to: the
layout of the camp, the habitation of the camp in adverse conditions and
information about the occupants of the camp.
The Charles Point Lighthouse precinct has the ability to provide further
information about the former residences and residents on the site.
The other WWII sites within the study area, which comprise the Japanese Zero
Fighter Plane, an unidentified Japanese plane and associated burials have some
potential to yield further historical information, however verification of these
potential sites has not been possible.
While the Barge Landing site contains limited material culture, this site does not
have significant archaeological potential, and does not meet the threshold for
this criterion.
The 105 Radar Camp and Lighthouse Precinct meet this criterion. The potential
WWII sites do not meet the threshold for this criterion.
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Criterion D –
Characteristic
Value
The 105 Radar Camp has been largely altered since its decommissioning, with
the removal of buildings and associated infrastructure. Therefore its
demonstration of the principal characteristics of a radar camp are difficult to
understand and requires an archaeological interpretation. No infrastructure
associated with the MAWD remains at the camp. The camp therefore does not
meet the threshold for this criterion.
Section 34 does not meet this criterion for historic heritage.
Criterion E –
Aesthetic
characteristics
Section 34, Cox Peninsula does fulfil this criterion.
Criterion F –
Technical
achievement
The Radio Australia broadcasting (booster) site demonstrated a high degree of
technical achievement. When the site was first completed in the 1970s it was the
highest powered broadcasting station in Australia. The transmitters were the
first in the world to be controlled by computer. Given that much of the
broadcasting technology of the place was upgraded following cyclone Tracy and
the transmission equipment has been removed, the threshold for this criterion is
not met.
Criterion G – Social
Value
The WWII aspects of the study area have a special significance to the Australian
soldiers and radar operators who worked at the site, the Australian War
Memorial and heritage practitioners, for the social and cultural aspects of the
remains and history of the place.
The Radio Australia history of the site may have social value to the broad
audience the site transmitted to into South East Asia. This aspect of the site is
difficult to assess due to the large proportion of the audience being located
outside Australia. This is a potential intangible value of the Former Transmitter
Precinct.
Criterion H –
Significant people
Section 34, Cox Peninsula does fulfil this criterion.
Criterion I Indigenous
tradition
Section 34, Cox Peninsula does fulfil this criterion.
Northern Territory Heritage Register
Finance’s
assessment
Finance has assessed Cox Peninsula as having heritage significance under the
Northern Territory Heritage Register and is of importance to the Indigenous
community and WWII interest groups, and its ability to demonstrate sites, which
are excellent and unusual examples of their type in the Darwin region.
Criterion A - I
Section 34, Cox Peninsula does fulfil these criterion.
Criterion J – way
of life, custom,
process, function
or design that no
longer practices or
in danger of being
lost
The 105 Radar Camp is an uncommon example of a camp established for the
exclusive occupation of the radar operators. The camp contains uncommon
residual WWII material culture that has not been altered since the camp was
abandoned.
The Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk Fighter Plane is a rare example of a plane crash site
that may have been deliberately ditched onto a reef, and where the pilot may
have survived.
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Criterion K –
principal
characteristics of
human activities
which have taken
place in the
Territory
Charles Point Lighthouse archaeological remains are important in Australia’s
history as a contributory element of the Lighthouse (which is listed on the RNE
and is an indicative place for the CHL). These houses were home to the
lighthouse keepers and demonstrate an important social and possibly family
aspect to history of the lighthouse.
The 105 Radar Camp is important in the course and patterning of Australia’s
history because it demonstrates a response to the immediate threat of Japanese
bombing of Darwin and the defence of the Australian north coast. The radar site
was one of five mobile radars established in the north of the Northern Territory
during WWII and performed the vital task of identifying Japanese planes over
100 miles from the Australia coast.
The presence of the 105 camp in a remote setting demonstrates the need for a
wide-spread radar network, operating in harsh and isolated conditions. The
landscape of the camp represents the need to camouflage the radar site from
Japanese planes and thus avoid bombing.
The 105 Radar Camp appears to retain a good level of archaeological condition
and integrity and has the potential to yield new information with respect to: the
layout of the camp, the habitation of the camp in adverse conditions and
information about the occupants of the camp.
The Charles Point Lighthouse precinct has the ability to provide further
information about the former residences and residents on the site.
The Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk Fighter Plane is an important historical item as it
represents the US and Australian forces’ joint defence of Darwin, via the
interception of Japanese bomber aircraft. The crash site provides a direct
historical record pertaining to the realities of war and aerial combat, in a theatre
of WWII that saw tens of thousands of Australian, American and Japanese lives
lost.
Criterion L – virtue Section 34, Cox Peninsula does fulfil this criterion.
if aesthetic
characteristics or
through technical,
creative, design or
artistic excellence,
innovation or
achievement held
in high esteem or
otherwise valued
by a community
Criterion M –
being highly
valued by a
community for
religious, spiritual,
symbolic, cultural,
educational or
social associations
The WWII aspects of the study area have a special significance to the Australian
soldiers and radar operators who worked at the site, the Australian War
Memorial and heritage practitioners, for the social and cultural aspects of the
remains and history of the place.
The Radio Australia history of the site may have social value to the broad
audience the site transmitted to into South East Asia. This aspect of the site is
difficult to assess due to the large proportion of the audience being located
outside Australia. This is a potential intangible value of the Former Transmitter
Precinct.
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Criterion N –
through its close
association with
individuals whose
activities have
been significant in
the history of the
Territory
Section 34, Cox Peninsula does fulfil this criterion.
Non-Statutory Listings
Register of the
National Estate
(RNE)
Cox Peninsula has one listing under the Register of the National Estate, the
Charles Point Lighthouse Group (Place ID: 25).
NT Heritage
Register
Cox Peninsula is not currently included in the NT Heritage Register.
Additional information
Property Access
Access to Section 34 Cox Peninsula is restricted.
Consultation
From the Heritage Assessment in 2010, the Department of Finance (Finance)
consulted with Environment Resources Management Pty Ltd and internal
Finance stakeholders and contractors. Environment Resources Management
consulted with the Traditional Owners on behalf of Finance.
For any additional information, please contact the Compliance, Environment and
Heritage team, Department of Finance.
Conservation
Documents/
References
Environment Resources Management (2011), Section 34 Cox Peninsula – 105
Radar Camp, Archival Recording and Material Culture Inventory, Department of
Finance and Deregulation and United Group.
Environment Resources Management (2010), Section 34 Cox Peninsula Heritage
Management Plan, Department of Finance and Deregulation and United Group
Pty Ltd.
More information
For further information regarding Cox Peninsula, please contact the Department
of Finance.
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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