Chandler, Western Australia

Chandler is a rural place between Merredin and Mukinbudin in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia.

Chandler
Western Australia
Coordinates31°06′00″S 118°25′01″E / 31.1°S 118.417°E / -31.1; 118.417Coordinates: 31°06′00″S 118°25′01″E / 31.1°S 118.417°E / -31.1; 118.417
Population104 (2006 census)[1]
Established1943
Postcode(s)6490
Elevation296 m (971 ft)
Location
  • 303 km (188 mi) east of Perth
  • 47 km (29 mi) NNE of Merredin
LGA(s)Shire of Nungarin
State electorate(s)Central Wheatbelt
Federal division(s)Durack

The town was started to support the nearby alunite (a source of potash) mine at nearby Lake Campion. The mine was a state government project with government employees. A potash works was built in the town in 1943.[2]

After World War II, the government closed down the plant. Australian Plaster Industries started production of gypsum in 1949 that is used to make plaster of paris and plasterboard. Then, the town grew and had two main streets, over 70 houses, a telephone exchange, a school, and powerhouse. Production stopped in 1952. The whole town was sold off in 1953.

The town was named after Mr J Chandler, a farmer, who had discovered the alunite deposits.

References

  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Chandler (State Suburb)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 2011-04-11.
  2. "Morowa District Historical Society" (PDF). 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-03-12. Retrieved 2011-04-08.