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WWII Catalina Flying Boat Base, East Arm
Refused
Place
The WWII Catalina Boat Ramp, the Crash Boat Slipway, and the concrete mooring block at East Arm Darwin Harbour were associated with a large and strategically significant Catalina Flying Boat Operational Base (FBB), which was occupied by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during WWII. The Catalinas were flying boats which could land and take off on the water eliminating the need for airstrips altogether. Operations launched from the FBB included bombing raids, mine laying, supply drops, aerial surveillance operations and rescue missions. Following the war the FBB was used to support a squadron of Catalinas dedicated to air and sea rescue. The Catalina ramp provided the means for the crew to bring the Catalinas in and out of the water, in order to facilitate maintenance and repairs. The block was likely used to moor Catalinas close to the ramp during these procedures. The crash boat slipway serviced the rescue boat which was deployed to monitor operations and assist in emergencies, for example to recover injured crewmen.

Originally the Base consisted of approximately 70 buildings spread over a large area. The Catalina ramp, crash boat slipway and block, which are in close proximity to each other, are all that now remains of the FBB. As remnants of the Base, these features are highly valued by veterans who served there and by veterans and their families who have a special appreciation for RAAF operations.

The FBB was situated on land that, prior to the War, was a Commonwealth Quarantine Station. The Quarantine Station was relocated elsewhere during the War years, but was re-established back at that site some years after the War. The land on which these features are located became part of the post-war Quarantine Station, and the Catalina ramp in particular was used for Quarantine purposes until the 1980s.
07/05/2013
14/06/2013
14/05/2014
06/12/2013
Comment sought
04/07/2014
05/08/2014
02/05/2015
HE2013/0008
Minister decided not to declare
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Status Explanations
   

Nomination Period - a nomination has been accepted by Heritage Branch, but has not yet been accepted by the Heritage Council; OR a nomination has been accepted by the Heritage Council but the place/object has not yet been subject to a heritage assessment.

Assessment Period - a nomination has been accepted by the Heritage Council and the place/object is in the process of being assessed.

Consultation Period - Heritage assessment has been completed and s24 of the Act has been instigated, ie comment has been sought on a proposal to declare the place/object.

Recommendation Period - the Heritage Council has made a recommendation to declare the place/object and the Minister's final decision is awaited.

Not Recommended - a decision has been made by the Heritage Council not to recommend to the Minister that a place/object be declared

Declared - the Minister has made a decision to declare the place/object

Refused - the Minister has refused to declare the place/object