Information

The Rocklea Munitions Works was Australia’s most northerly ammunition manufacturing plant and one of Queensland’s largest WWII construction projects. It was situated safely out of town, off Evans Road (then called Compo Road) and linked to an extension of the Beaudesert Road tram service from Moorooka. The production of small arms at the factory had ceased by late 1943, and the place was converted for engine overhaul for the Department of Aircraft Production. Overhauling American aircraft engines helped reduce Australia’s war debt.

The infrastructure of the munitions works also provided a boost to Brisbane’s post-war industrial development. Streets in the local area today bear evidence of the WWII years, with names such as Assembly, Bearing, Lathe, Precision, and Engineering.

Citations

Coopers Plains Local History Group, ‘A closer look at Salisbury and Nathan Heights’ Brisbane: Coopers Plains Local History Group, 2000, p. 120; Australian Government, Queensland World War II Historic Places, ‘Rocklea Munitions Works’ (www.ww2places.qld.gov.au/places/?id=1367), sighted 26 July 2017.

Image Citations

Munitions factory at Rocklea, Brisbane, 1941. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. 117700.

Map References

QSA. QSA Series ID 2058 Moreton District Maps – A Series. 4 miles to the inch. Moreton District. Sheet 1. 4 miles to the inch. Survey Office, Brisbane.. 634925