4.4.4 World War II features and sites

World War II features and sites in the Region include aircraft wrecks (located underwater, on Commonwealth islands, or in intertidal areas), as well as forts and structures on Commonwealth islands.1154 As with historic shipwrecks, aircraft wrecks and their associated artefacts older than 75 years, or those declared to be historic, are protected regardless of whether their exact location is known. Most World War II features and sites are on the mainland or on Queensland islands outside the Region. 

All World War II aircraft wrecks are protected

Limited progress has been made since the Outlook Report 2019 in systematically recording the majority of World War II features, sites and associated artefacts. For this reason, the condition (and trend in condition) of this historic heritage value must be inferred. Information is lacking around the condition of physical and social dimensions of sites, such as jetties for loading and unloading, convalescence facilities or hospital ships moving through the Region, sites or artefacts associated with other wars, and other types of defence heritage in the Region.12

References
  • 12. Boxshall, A. and Torok, S. 2024, The Rapid Assessment Workshops to elicit expert input to inform the development of the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2024, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville.
  • 1154. Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water 2023, Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database, Commonwealth of Australia, <https://www.dcceew.gov.au/parks-heritage/heritage/underwater-heritage/auchd>.