to Bruce Rock was built in 1913 to serve the developing sheep and wheat belt area of Western Australia, now known as the Great Southern. The final section of the Narrogin-Merredin narrow-gauge rail line, from Bruce Rock to Corrigin, was built in 1915, thus completing the narrow-gauge rail link that linked Merredin and Narrogin. Military history During World War II, Merredin was the location of RAAF No.26 Inland Aircraft Fuel Depot (IAFD), built in 1942 and closed on 14 June 1944. It was situated on Cummings Street and has since had a house built on top. Usually consisting of 4 tanks, 31 fuel depots were built across Australia for the storage and supply of aircraft fuel for the RAAF and the US Army Air Corps at a total cost of £900,000 ($1,800,000). Pipeline pumping station number 4 Merredin was the location of number 4 pumping station of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme, which was rebuilt a number of times. Geography Climate Merredin experiences a steppe climate (Köppen climate classification BSh). Economy The agricultural land around Merredin produces 40% of Western Australia's wheat output. As a focal point for the region, Merredin's local bulk handling co-operative receives and processes in excess of a million tonnes of grain every year. The silos at the train facilities to the west of the main town are the biggest of their type in the southern hemisphere. One of the biggest problems to face the agricultural industry in Merredin is salinity. Extensive damage to buildings and roads is caused by rising saline groundwater. A recent study showed that the main source of this water is Merredin townsite itself. Roads, footpaths, buildings and open space have replaced native vegetation adapted to use up every drop of rain. Since the problem arose in the early 1970s, farmers and townspeople have been participating in a number of programs to improve the soil conditions, with some limited success. Atlas, Inc., a California Corporation is planning to build a 65MW solar field at 134 BAANDEE SOUTH ROAD. A 65MW autonomous solar field will have a major impact on the local company, providing renewable energy and a cost-effective solution to electricity needs. This solar field will be able to generate enough electricity to power local businesses and homes, as well as provide complimentary electricity to a local school. This will reduce the school's electricity costs, which are typically the second largest budget