Three of the four historically significant rhombic antennae located at Birkdale Community Precinct will be removed so they can be safely stored prior to restoration and to enable construction across the site when approved.
Removal of the antennae is vital for site safety and to ensure their ongoing preservation.
Installed in several locations from 1943 as an integral part of the former World War II Radio Receiving Station, the array – along with others in Redlands Coast and Brisbane – was crucial for effective communications during the War in the Pacific.
Records show that the two functions of the station were to listen to enemy broadcasts and receive encrypted messages from Washington DC, which were then relayed directly to General McArthur’s headquarters at Lennon’s Hotel in Brisbane.
The historic rhombic antennae array is located to the east of the receiving station. They are being removed now to simplify the construction of the precinct’s access roads and initial park space.
The condition of the antennae has been fully recorded and the relocation approved by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science.
The three antennae leaving the precinct site will be stored safely before being restored and then returned to their precise locations.
The remaining antenna cannot be removed without impacting important vegetation and, as it is unlikely to affect site safety due to its location, it will remain in-situ and be provided an extra level of protection while works are being carried out.
