9 Mile Dumps site

Statement of Significance

Historic Value: The place is associated with the Peel Estate drainage project,
which involved draining lowland swamps to open up new tracts
of land for farming.
The place is associated with R.J. Anketell, engineer-in-charge of
the Peel Estate drainage project and designer of the Main Drain.

Representativeness: The dumps are representative of the type of methods used during the construction of the drains in the Peel Estate.

Level of significance: Considerable.

Physical Description

The place comprises a large drain, flanked by large sloping sand dunes on either side, being the northernmost extent of the Main Drain before it enters The Spectacles. At their northern end, the dunes have a width of approximately 130 metres across, near where the drain
crosses Thomas Road. Further south, the drain narrows, and the dunes are less pronounced, instead taking the form of earth embankments with an approximate width of 65 metres across. The embankments are almost entirely covered with trees and bushland. The site is accessible via the sandy tracks that extend westward from Johnson Road.

History

The Main Drain was constructed as part of the Peel Estate drainage project which commenced in the 1920s, whereby lowland swamps were drained to reveal more fertile soil than the surrounding dry land could provide. The drains were designed by engineer-incharge, Richard John Anketell (1862-1928), and the main drain started east of Mandogalup, passing through Beenyup, The Spectacles, Bollard Bulrush Swam, Baldivis and Folly Pool, onto Mandurah where it discharged into the sea.
The Nine Mile Dump comprises one section of the drain, named for the nearby light railway line running between Jandakot and Wellard (the mileage being reckoned as the distance by rail from Jandakot). The distinctive sand dunes, also known as dumps, were the result of the extensive excavation in this area for the Main Drain pipes.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: High

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.