Dingo Rock Dam

Statement of Significance

The place is of exceptional significance for the associations with the prisoners from Fremantle Jail, the method of construction, and the provision of essential services in the Lake Grace area

Physical Description

45000 cubic metre capacity natural rock catchment with a concrete dam wall and rock catchments across the rock face. It is 7.31 metres deep, covers 24 hectares of rock catchment area and 12 hectares of earth catchment area.

History

The water reserve was created in 1925. In 1945 the Lake Grace Road Board wrote to the Water Authority requesting compensation for having to cart water. The same request was made in 1946, suggesting Dingo Rock, South Lake Grace, Newdegate, and the lakes district for possible key water supply sites. At a ratepayers meeting in March 1946, it was resolved that the secretary request the Water Authority to prepare plans to be submitted for action prior to summer 1947, including the Dingo Rocks catchment. In April 1946, the Water Authority advised that the expansion of the district's water supplies was in abeyance due to shortage of manpower and materials. By 1947, the town's doctor, Dr Margaret Clarke made a formal complaint about the water supply in Lake Grace. A special meeting was called in July 1947, attended by Mr Doney the Minister for Public works and labour, and Mr Nalder, the MLA for the district. The Chairman of the Road Board, Mr Elliott, presided. The subject under discussion was the water supply, and among the recommendations was the issue of Dingo Rocks which could provide a water supply for the local settlers who were needing to cart water long distances. Elliott strongly recommended a further inspection of Dingo Rock in view of the excellent catchment potential. In November 1947, the Beenong area was dependent on the water in the railway tank. In correspondence from PWD to the Roads Board in February 1950, it was stated that Dingo Rocks was marked for attention. When Mr Elliott was re-elected as Chairperson of the Board for the 16th consecutive term, in May 1950, he reported that works were progressing at Dingo Rocks. The prisoners from Fremantle Gail constructed the 7 metre rock and cement wall to catch the run-off from Dingo Rock. All the work was down by hand with picks, shovels and blasting. The prisoners camped at the site and the work was supervised by the Public Works Department. The Dingo Rock Dam was opened on 23 July 1952 By Victor Doney MLA. It was vested in the Water Authority in 1969. (Gazette 7 February 1969) It is still in use.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact
Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.