Criterion

Values

 (a)

the place has outstanding heritage value to the nation because of the place's importance in the course, or pattern, of Australia's natural or cultural history.

The Murtoa No.1 Grain Store is significant for its historic associations with the construction of emergency wheat stores during World War II. This emergency response is an indicator of the importance of the wheat industry to Australia's economy in the early to mid twentieth century. It demonstrates the impact of World War II on Australia, in particular, Australian Government and grower concerns about the loss of overseas markets. The store also influenced the wheat industry's adoption of bulk handling processes and later introduction of sub-terminals into the system of supply chain infrastructure used to export wheat.

The features expressing these values include all of the building's fabric, its mechanical fittings associated with handling and storing of wheat, the grain elevator, its railway siding and its location near to the main railway line.

 (b)

the place has outstanding heritage value to the nation because of the place's possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Australia's natural or cultural history

The Murtoa No.1 Grain Store is the only remaining 'stick shed' emergency store in Australia; built to meet an emergency requirement for infrastructure on the home front during World War II. The store is a rare example of the use of rural vernacular building technology to meet a difficult engineering challenge on a very large scale. The interior space of the grain store is striking, aesthetically appealing and extraordinary in character.

The features expressing these values include all of the building's fabric, its large size, aesthetically striking interior and its demonstration of rural vernacular building technology to meet the need for emergency storage of wheat.