The first survey peg for Woomera was driven in 1947 just in front of what is now the local picture theatre at the main intersection and is marked by a memorial cairn.  The first houses were built in 1948 but water was the main resource.  At first it was pumped from Lake Richardson and Lake Arcoona as these were full when the survey was done.   However, they soon began to dry up and a 200km water pipeline from Port Augusta was started in the face of a growing water crises in March 1948 and completed in July 1949, a remarkable effort by any standard.  

For the first six years the army provided all food.  There were no shops until the early 50’s.  Most of what you see around  the village now was built between 1949 and 1969.  $400 million was spent on construction projects in and around the village between 1950 and 1958.  Pimba was the only school at first, the Woomera area school was established in 1951 and later divided into a primary and high school as the population rose to over 6000.  But by 1981 the village population had declined and the area school was reformed. 

Almost from the outset extraordinary efforts were made to identify trees and plants to suit the very poor, salty soil.  Extensive planting began in 1951 and continues to this day.  Much of the original research into trees and shrubs which would survive on this essentially treeless plateau.  The results of these efforts remain for all to enjoy, especially like Breen Park.  Meanwhile, the development of the airfield, technical and main workshop area including range launch sites progressed at a furious rate.  Tests began on the range in December 1947 and the first rocket was launched in March 1948 to train operators of tracking equipment.  By then two airfields had been built – one north of the town, and the other at Evetts Field, 40kms N/W of Woomera near Lake Koolymilka. 

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