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Piers, Mats, Sheds and Observatories at Wiruna

Piers and Mats

Requests to install a pier or mat at Wiruna must be by email to the committee. If no committee member objects to the request, the VP-Wiruna runs the request for the pier or mat by those who set up in the vicinity to see if it poses any problems. If there are no objections and the proposed site doesn't interfere with traffic movements, the request is granted.

Sheds and Observatories

Proposals to erect sheds and telescope enclosures should include drawings with dimensions (plans, elevations and other relevant details) and must be submitted to the committee for approval. The location of the shed or observatory is at the committee’s discretion. Potential future sites are indicated on the MOFMaP (refer below). Under no circumstances should any moneys be paid for acquisition of sheds or materials until approval for the installation has been given by the committee.

Other Criteria
  • Members with sheds at Wiruna must already be paying a fee for a permanent caravan or tent.
  • A member may have a maximum of one shed and/or one observatory.
Site-Holder Transfers

If a site (pier, mat, shed or observatory) is no longer used and is offered to another member, the transfer from one site holder to another must be referred to the committee for approval before any new arrangement or payment proceeds.

Unauthorised Installations

Do not pour concrete, peg down a mat, put up a pier or install any type of fixture anywhere on the property without prior consent from the committee. 
The committee may require that any construction that is put in place without committee approval is removed at the member’s expense.

The Main Observing Field Management Plan (MOFMaP)

Usage of different areas of the Main Observing Field has been outlined in the MOFMaP since 2022. The committee has designated zones of the Main Observing Field as:

  • clear space for temporary use and access;
  • areas for low-profile sites (mats, piers and boxes); and
  • sites for new observatories (area and height limits apply). 

Please consult the MOFMaP to identify site holders, designated areas and related information. A copy is posted on the noticeboard in the breezeway at Wiruna, or download the plan here (member login required): MOFMaP