Stones Corner Air Raid Shelter

Beneath the sprawling branches of an old fig tree at 286 Logan Road, sits the Stones Corner Air Raid Shelter. It’s a quiet spot now, a place for a quick rest on a park bench. But can you imagine this place in 1942? Sirens wailing, fear gripping the city of Brisbane? The Stones Corner Air Raid Shelter, built by the Brisbane City Council, became a haven amidst the growing anxieties of World War II. Brisbane, Australia’s most northerly major city, was a strategic hub, teeming with military personnel and vital infrastructure. General Douglas MacArthur himself, Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces, had his headquarters here. This made Brisbane a prime target for Japanese bombing raids. The city was in dire need of protection. The Stones Corner Air Raid Shelter, designed by City Architect F.G. Costello, was part of a larger network of 235 shelters built across Brisbane. Costello, a forward-thinking architect, designed these shelters with the future in mind. He envisioned them transforming into community assets after the war. The “park” type shelters, like the one here at Stones Corner, were designed to become just that – park shelters. The blast walls were meant to be removed, leaving the sturdy roof and supporting piers. Take a closer look. You can still see evidence of where the blast walls once stood. They’ve been removed, just as Costello planned, and the shelter has been repurposed with a fresh coat of paint, seating, and even a rubbish bin. It’s a testament to his vision, a symbol of resilience and adaptation. The Stones Corner Air Raid Shelter stands as a reminder of a turbulent time in Brisbane’s history. A time when the shadow of war loomed large, and the community came together to protect its own. It’s a story of ingenuity and hope, quietly whispered beneath the leaves of this old fig tree.