Hilary and Derek Steenholdt with their moving sheep shed. The raised middle post, possibly the result of very dry soil conditions, can be clearly seen. Picture: Stewart Chambers.
By Paul Dunlop
THE earth moved at Cora Lynn last Wednesday — and not just because it was Valentine’s Day.
Derek and Hilary Steenholdt were amazed to discover their sheep shelter shifted in the night, pushing up from the ground.
The corrugated iron shelter, measuring 2.4 x 4.8 metres, has solid fence posts in each corner and one in the middle.
“The middle post rose six inches (about 15 centimetres) out of the ground and raised the previously straight roof into a peak in the middle,” Mrs Steenholdt said.
“It was definitely not like that the day before.”
The Steenholdts believe the very dry soil conditions might have prompted the ground underneath the shed to shift, thrusting the pole upwards.
Mrs Steenholdt said they got a real shock when they saw their newlook shed, which provides shelter from the elements for the couple’s livestock.
“Stories abound of floor tiles cracking, doors sticking, outside walls of brick houses cracking and internal plaster walls cracking in houses on the Kooweerup swamp,” she said.
“Although the post has risen it is still very firm in the ground.”
>>> How is the drought affecting your property? Contact the Gazette at editorstarnewsgroup.com.au
