By Alesha Capone
Two historic World War II gun emplacement foundations discovered in Werribee South will be documented and re-buried, as part of carpark works being carried out by Wyndham council.
Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan said the two large concrete pads, associated with WWII anti-aircraft training guns, were found during 2018 by contractors engaged to construct the Wyndham Harbour carpark on Beach Road.
Werribee District Historical Society secretary Lance Pritchard said the gun emplacement foundations were not just used for training but were for the protection of Melbourne in case of an attack during WWII.
After the gun emplacement foundations were discovered, the council suspended construction works and engaged an independent archaeologist to assess the historical significance of the site and recommend any further action.
A study was sent to Heritage Victoria, the body responsible for archaeological matters.
Cr Gilligan said Heritage Victoria granted consent for the temporary exposure of the gun emplacements to record them prior to their reburial, following an archaeological assessment.
Cr Gilligan said the council, along with an archaeologist, began uncovering the 1940s gun emplacement foundations five weeks ago, in accordance with the requirements set by Heritage Victoria.
“The archaeologist found that the emplacements were of moderate local heritage significance due to their social and historic value but were of low archaeological value,” Cr Gilligan said.
“The emplacements have been documented and the findings sent to Heritage Victoria.
“We now plan to rebury the site as required by Heritage Victoria and incorporate paving at the carpark to outline the location of the gun emplacements, along with signage explaining the significance of the find.”
Cr Gilligan said that, during excavation, “some very minor chipping and scuff marks on the artefacts has occurred”.
“The work was carried out under the supervision of an archaeologist, who has found that no substantial damage has been done,” he said.
Cr Gilligan said the archaeological integrity of the gun emplacements would be protected through reburial in a way that ensures the area can be uncovered again in the future, should the need arise.
Mr Pritchard said he was “happy with the approach being taken” towards the gun emplacement foundations.
