development of NSW from the European discovery of NSW by Captain James Cook. Fishing, timber and agricultural pursuits have been part of the development around Tomaree as well as recreational pursuits from the early 19th century. Tomaree Head was identified as a Reserve from 1861 and has retained this status since despite some ad hoc use by itinerant farmers, the development of the fortifications during World War 2 and more recently, the hospital. It is one of the remaining non-urban reserves in NSW. The Tomaree fortifications are of historical importance as a component of the World War 2 coastal defence network installed along the coast of NSW to protect strategic places. The location on the head protected Port Stephens and the network of adjacent rivers and watercourses and the hinterland. It also was an important part of the protection of the industrial installations at Newcastle. The complex of fortifications that were located at Tomaree Head is of interest and it remains as one of a few non-urban forts. It is also one of the few fortifications that retain some elements such as rifle pits. The radar was the first air warning radar made in Australia. Designed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the aerial and turning gear were made by the Eveleigh Railway Workshops of New South Wales Railways and the electronics were assembled by the HMV Gramophone Company, all located in Sydney. It was the first to be manned by mechanics wholly trained by the RAAF, first to have a building designed and built for radar and the longest serving RAAF radar in World War 2. The site was also associated with some of the largest troop movements on the Australian mainland with beach training by allied troops. Tomaree Head is representative of the ongoing concern of Australian governments since the 19th century with the defence of Australia's coastline and fear of invasion that existed during World War 2. The place has a strong or special association with a person, or group of persons, of importance of cultural or natural history of New South Wales's history. The lives of the few European occupants of Tomaree Head pre-World War 2 have passed into local folklore although few people except those of old families know about this. The fact that it had some importance to Aboriginal people is also part of its social significance. For those who spent time