Landing at Nicholson Road Bridge

Statement of Significance

The landing has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
- It is important for historic values because of its association with the pioneering phase of settlement in the district in the second half of the 19th century, and for its association with the domestic firewood industry, to which the district was an important supplier.
- It has importance as part of the history of river transport in the colony, which enabled settlement and development to take place, before the advent of an adequate road transport network.
- It has importance at a local level for its association with the recreational life of the community in the early 20th century.
- It may have archaeological potential which will lead to an increased understanding of the history of the district and of river transport in general.

Physical Description

Access to the former landing spot is largely inhibited by the construction of an oxygenation plant along the western side of the bridge. Directly under bridge there is a flat sandy area beyond the bridge is native vegetation.

History

The landing place formerly designated Reserve No. 1289, is located on the left bank of the Canning River adjacent to the Nicholson Road Bridge. The reserve is one of a number of landing places located along the Canning River which served the important river traffic and local timber, firewood and brickmaking industries in the colonial period. The reserve occupying 2.5 acres (1ha) was surveyed in 1887 and resumed for public use as a wharfage reserve. It was gazetted in Septmeber 1897, the long delay being the result of an official oversight. Settlers on the south side of the river had been using that site as a landing place from the early 1870's, although at that time it was privately owned land. Firewood produced in the district, was stacked at the landing awaiting transport by barge to markets in Perth and Fremantle. Goods brought upstream were also unloaded at these landing places. The reserve included two landing places, one close to the bridge which was used in the winter months and a second cleared levelled are slightly further downstream which gave access to deeper water and was used in the summer. By the early 1900's the landing place had become a popular picnic area and plans were made to plant trees and enhance its amenity. The reserve was rezoned for parks and recreation under the Metropolitan Region Scheme in 1963 and is now included within the boundaries of the Canning River Regional Park. The concrete traffic bridge constructed in the 1980's at this site, now encroaches on the former winter landing places.

Archaeology

The site may have archeaological potential and professional advice should be obtained regarding the management of the site and its potential to yield useful information. The Centrre for Archeaology at the University of Western Australia may be able to assist.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low/Low

Condition

Fair: it remains a place of native vegetation

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.