During World War Two petrol was rationed. Kurth Kiln became a vital part of the solution. This impressive structure stands before you a testament to ingenuity and necessity.
Kurth Kiln was built in 1941 by the Forests Commission of Victoria. Dr Ernest Kurth of the University of Tasmania designed it. The aim was mass charcoal production. Charcoal powered vehicles during the war. Petrol was scarce. Dr Kurth received a mere £5 for his design. The total cost was £1799 17 shillings and 2 pence. That’s about $4000 today.
Gembrook was chosen as the perfect location. It met three key requirements. First abundant water for cooling. The kiln needed 2000 gallons daily. Second plentiful wood. The kiln consumed 28 cords weekly. Third a suitable slope for easy wood loading.
The kiln started operating in March 1942. It produced roughly 20 tons of charcoal a week. Transport issues and an oversupply from private producers hampered its use. The kiln was intermittently operational in 1943. It was shut down shortly after. It only produced 471 tons of charcoal in total. This was a fraction of Victoria’s overall production.
After the war eighteen army huts were brought here. They housed forestry workers. The huts became a forest workers’ camp from 1946 to 1963. A 1963 bushfire destroyed some huts. Only four remain today. They are used by students and volunteers for environmental projects.
Ron Thornton became the unofficial caretaker from 1985 to 2000. Today Kurth Kiln is a historical site. It’s a significant timber industry site. Parks Victoria maintains it. It is a unique and possibly the only kiln of its type in Australia. A reminder of a time when innovation overcame hardship. It also reflects the ingenuity of Australians in wartime.