In October 1940 military activity began with the construction of a railroad siding and drainage improvements to overcome the swamp conditions at the site.
Even with a state match of the funds, the amount offered would not cover the costs of both the road and drainage improvements.
Rendered obsolete by the mechanical drainage improvements after the second world war it was finally removed in 1991.
A series of drainage improvements from the 1630s to the 1820s transformed the whole of the valley into arable land.
Subsequent drainage improvements to the freeway led to the discovery of human remains from more than 70 individuals buried in late 19th and early 20th centuries.
However, the 1930s were a time of economic uncertainty, and it was not always possible to levy rates at a level which would pay for drainage improvements.
Further drainage improvements to the fields were made as late as the 1970s.
Between 1855 and 1861, new drainage improvements were constructed, including drinking points for deer.
Opponents said that the tax base was too small to support municipal services including police and road and drainage improvements.
Opponents said that the area's tax base could not sufficiently support municipal service, including police protection and road and drainage improvements.