Local Government
Yilgarn
Region
Wheatbelt
about 50 km E of Southern Cross
Yilgarn
Wheatbelt
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Register | Registered | 14 Dec 2001 | HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Statewide Lge Timber Str Survey | Completed | 11 Dec 1998 | ||
| Classified by the National Trust | Classified | 12 Mar 2001 | ||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 16 May 1997 | Category D | |
16610 Goldfields Water Supply Scheme
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.
Karalee is an attractive example of a Railway Dam built to supply steam engines with the water they needed. Today it is a popular recreation spot for local people and visitors.
Karalee Reservoir, Rock Catchment & Aqueduct is a former railway water source comprising natural granite rock formations and stone retaining walls, trenches and stone sluices, a stone, timber and riveted iron aqueduct (in ruins) and an earth and stone water reservoir. Hunt’s Well and Dam form part of a chain of water sources established by C.C. Hunt in the 1860s and have rarity value as part of a series of endangered and extraordinary structures. While similar in respects to many other railway catchment systems, Karalee Reservoir, Rock Catchment & Aqueduct is unique in WA for the use of a steel aqueduct structure. Class C reserve No. 3531.
| Name | Type | Year From | Year To |
|---|---|---|---|
| W. H. Shields | Architect | - | - |
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6042 | Karalee Rock Dam and Aqueduct east of Southern Cross: conservation works. + Karalee Dam work procedure. | Conservation works report | 2003 |
| 4897 | Conservation plan for Karalee Rock Water Catchment (Goldfields Water Supply Scheme - place J). | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 2000 |
Other Built Type
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Water: Other |
| Original Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Reservoir or Dam |
| Present Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Other |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Other | TIMBER | Other Timber |
| Wall | STONE | Granite |
| Other | METAL | Cast Iron |
| Wall | STONE | Local Stone |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Aboriginal Occupation |
| TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS | Technology & technological change |
| TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS | Road transport |
| TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS | Rail & light rail transport |
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.