It was constructed in 1942 as a fighter aerodrome to protect Melbourne and Yallourn, the location of the largest power station in Victoria.

During planning it was described in correspondence as RAAF Monomeith Park although it never carried the status of a base.

It was originally intended to have four runways although only two were constructed as the strategic situation in the South West Pacific Area had improved by 1943.

[1] It was no longer required after World War II and in 1946 the runways were returned to the original land owner.

[2] After the war it was briefly known as Bayles Airfield and used for private light aircraft but the runways deteriorated quickly due to frequent flooding.