Local Government
Yilgarn
Region
Wheatbelt
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
4 km W of Bodallin Bodallin
Location Details
Construction Date
Constructed from 1894
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 16 May 1997 | Category D |
Category D |
|
Statement of Significance
A regular water supply has always been a critical issue for survival in the Yilgarn region owing to the arid conditions and the absence of freshwater rivers or artesian springs. The large number and variety of man made structures such as dams and wells, reflects the settlement patterns chosen over time. The locations (sites) of the structures were carefully chosen to maximise the natural water catchment areas. Even these numerous watering holes were not sufficient, and water supply had to be supplemented, using saline bore water, processed in condensers at various locations in the region.
Physical Description
The dam was built to supply the steam engines when the railway arrived in 1894. Stone lined dam with rock slab channel connection to granite outcrop and a rock slab overflow at opposite end of the dam. Situated to the north of the dam are the remnants of an old Bakery. It is unsure whether the bakery served the railway as it was located 5 kms away. The site contains 1 dam and 1 rock catchment.
History
The dam was built to supply the steam engines on the railway that arrived in 1894. Pumps were used to transport the water. A story is told of a pump attendant who realised that the water could be gravity fed without being pumped. He consequendy took the opportunity to spend a lot at time at the pub instead. He was found out and dismissed. When steam engines became obsolete, the dam was still used by farmers, especially in periods of drought as it has never been known to run dry. Once under the jurisdiction of the Water Authority, it is now managed by CALM. It is a popular picnic spot, and has been used as a swimming hole.
Place Type
Historic site
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Other Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Reservoir or Dam |
| Present Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Other |
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Rail: Water Tower |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | STONE | Other Stone |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS | Rail & light rail transport |
Creation Date
16 Dec 1997Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
01 Jan 2017Disclaimer
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.