This booklet is a
continuation of the story of the Newnes shale oil field and its township, which
was situated in the neighbouring Wolgan Valley. The potential of the vast oil
shale resources of both the Wolgan Valley and the neighbouring Capertee Valley
prompted the construction of one of the largest industrial installations in
Australia in 1907 at Newnes. The troubled history of this industrial site saw
its unfortunate closure in 1923, and in 1938 a new oil field was developed
eleven kilometres away from Newnes in the Capertee Valley.
The decision to
build a new township and oil refinery in the Capertee Valley saw the complete
destruction of the Newnes oil works, the township and the Wolgan Railway. Much
of the plant and equipment from Newnes was dismantled and shipped at great
expense to the neighbouring Capertee Valley and re-erected at Glen Davis.
Similarly most of the homes and cottages of Newnes township suffered the same
fate. Many of the men who had worked in the Newnes shale mines and oil works
along with families relocated themselves to Glen Davis and found employment in
the new and nationally important Glen Davis oil works.
Glen Davis could
simply have been a relocation of the township of Newnes and as such the shale
oil seams, which run beneath the Wolgan and Capertee Valleys, connect the history of both former communities.
Despite much promise and good prospects the Glen Davis community was to suffer
many of the same problems as the town of Newnes which gave it birth, its star
would shine brightly during Australia's period of greatest danger and need
during the Second World War.
The fate of Glen
Davis like Newnes would be a case of history repeating itself. The industry was
beset by industrial troubles, rising labour costs and fierce international
competition, coupled with government apathy toward local oil production. This
would see Australia's only true attempt at oil self sufficiency and the
operation of a completely Australian owned Oil industry, die. None the less the
relics and ruins of this unique project and period in our country's history is
a monument and testimony to the people who endured great hardship in their
efforts to create a new industry, a new community and a vital asset for
Australia during the years of World War Two.
This booklet is 78 pages, A4 size.
Thanks for looking. Please let me know if you would like to order a copy.
Here is a preview Photo Gallery.
E-mail me (Greg Taylor): glendavispress@gmail.com for any enquiries or to make a book order.