The Time-line of Kurth Kiln

1940 Following the introduction of petrol rationing in October 1940 Professor Ernest Kurth of Tasmania is commissioned by the Government to design a kiln that could mass-produce charcoal as a substitute for motor fuel. 1941 Kurth Kiln is established by the Forests Commission of Victoria on Tomahawk Creek, some 7km north of Gembrook.. It is a rectangular brick structure 4m x 3.5m x 8m high on a concrete foundation. 1942 The first firing of the kiln takes place on the 18^th March 1942. The kiln could hold about 25 tonnes of wood (metre-long billets) and, if optimum loading was maintained, produced about 20 tonnes of charcoal a week from 100 tonnes of wood. A water-cooled grate at the bottom of the stack caused the charred wood to crumble under the weight of the stack into manageable bits, and at the same time maintained the charring temperature at the critical point to produce a consistent quality coal. Not only was this process 50% faster than any other method then in use, it was also 15% more efficient. 1942 The easing of petrol rationing, along with an oversupply of charcoal from private producers results in continuous operations at the Kiln coming to a halt in August 1942. The following four years see only intermittent use of the kiln. In all, some 500 tonnes of charcoal were produced at Kurth Kiln.

1946 In February 1946 the Victorian Forests Commission starts using the area as a camp for forest workers. Huts are purchased from the army and placed at the Kurth Kiln site (a few of them still standing) and Kurth Kiln becomes the main base camp for the region, housing 80 -100 men in 18 huts. 1963 The FCV operations are scaled down; 3 huts burn down, only 8 remain. 1982 The site is developed as a picnic and camping ground. A further three huts are demolished in 1982 and the material used to modify one of the remaining ones as a Caretaker=s Residence. 1984 Ron Thornton moves into the Residence and assumes the role of Caretaker. 1996 Conservation Plan prepared for Kurth Kiln by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment; (Daniel Catrice). 1997 Major Repair to the Flue and Chimney structure of the Kiln are done. 1999 Formation of the Friends of Kurth Kiln as an Incorporated Association. Procure-ments of Volunteer Grants for the Conservation and Promotion of Kurth Kiln. 2000 Repair to Steel work of Kiln, replacement of two missing charcoal chute doors. Re-establishment of retaining dam for Waterwheel. Draining and dredging silt and weeds from the main Pond. Install a 5000 litre rainwater collection Tank. In June Ron Thornton dies.

2001 Construct a new 6 foot waterwheel and flume as a working exhibit to symbolise the historic past. Construct three new Interpretation/Display Boards on Shed. 2002 Commission Kurth Kiln Heritage Action Plan; BIOSIS (Gary Vines). Investigate the reconstruction of the Charcoal Grader. Create a new 1km long Thornton Walking Track on the north side of Tomahawk Creek; build a 15m bridge across the Creek. Commence categorising and computer cataloguing the Cultural Heritage Items at Kurth Kiln. Heritage festival. 2003 Install a Solar Electric system to allow use of on-site computer and operate Visitor Displays. Construct benches and trestle tables for use on site. Repair annexe (04A) next to Kiln Continue the cataloguing work. Produce Friendship Festival. Nowadays Kurth Kiln, at the centre of Kurth Kiln Park, is appreciated for its picturesque picnic and camping ground environment, its walking tracks as well as its historical Heritage. Additions to the area since the charcoal producing / base camp days have been minimal and mainly consist of picnic tables, public toilets and facilities for horse riders. Kurth Kiln Park is north of Gembrook, to the west of Bunyip State Park and consists of some 3500ha of State Forest. Melway reference: page 14.