Government Dam and Water Reserve

Values

The place is associated with the expansion of the rail network throughout the south-west to facilitate the development of the agricultural industry.

The place is associated with the economic and social development of the town of Boyup Brook.

The place has aesthetic value due to its picturesque bush setting.

The place has the potential to reveal information about the construction form and engineering technology used for building dams to service railway development and activity.

The place is associated with the use of migrant workers on Government projects in rural Western Australia.

The place is a highly intact and authentic example of a dam constructed for supply water for Railway functions.

Physical Description

The site is consists of a crown lot of approximately 35 acres, located on the east fringes of the town, at the end of William Street. It comprises a large dam and two primary open drains.

The Government Dam and Water Reserve consists of a natural bushland setting, containing a large square formed concrete dam structure with ramped access to the south and a remnant timber bracing structure fixed to the north wall.

The immediate dam area is secured by a high steel post and wire mesh fence.

Water is directed to the Dam from two large, open cut, brick lined drains; the drains extend for at least one kilometre to the south and east but are only brick lined for the first 500 meters from the Dam. Extant underground pipes connecting the Dam to the Railway Station were formerly used to supply water to the steam trains, but now only supply water to the town oval.

History

The Government Dam and Water Reserve was originally constructed to provide the water supply for the railway when it was extended to Boyup Brook in 1909.

Following its construction, the Dam was extended to provide water for the town. In the 1940s the two open cut drains were constructed by migrant workers, and in the 1950s the gravel Dam was lined with concrete.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Sound

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.