Babbage Island Lighthouse

Parent Place or Precinct

00462 Carnarvon Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (fmr) [Babbage Island Lighthouse]

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

00462 Carnarvon Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (fmr) [Babbage Island Lighthouse]

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value – Importance for the aesthetic character created by the individual components that collectively form a significant precinct. Historic Value – Importance in relation to an event, phase or activity of historic importance in the locality. Social Value – Importance in contributing to a community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

The original 1896 wooden tower was damaged by fire and was replaced by the present steel skeletal tower in 1962. The lantern in now on display on the grounds near the tower.

History

A wooden tower 60 feet high on a site 42 feet above sea level, held a fourth order dioptric light visible at 15 miles in good conditions. It was developed by the Northwest Branch of the Public Works Department with the lantern house and light supplied by the firm of W.T. Douglas. It was converted from paraffin (kerosene) oil to acetylene illumination in 1909, and it carried in 1913, two red sector lights flashing every 3 seconds, one visible on a bearing 015-041o which led west of Blowfish Bank, and a second visible one a bearing 345-031o which led west of Elbow Shoal. This light tower was described in 1922 and in 1948 as a white square (wooden) framework tower 18m high, supported a sectored flashing light at an elevation of 31m. This was replaced by a new light on a steel framework tower in the early 1960s, which was present and working in 1994. The original light is now on exhibition in the grounds of the Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage museum.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium/High

Condition

Fair

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Carnarvon Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (fmr) [Babbage Island Lighthouse]

Child Places

• 25484 Babbage Island Lighthouse
• 25484 Babbage Island Lighthouse

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 25484 Babbage Island Lighthouse
• 25484 Babbage Island Lighthouse

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value – Carnarvon Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (fmr) constructed in the Federation Bungalow style, has aesthetic value as a very simple cottage built during this period. Aesthetic Value – Carnarvon Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (fmr) has landmark quality due to its relationship with the light tower, ‘One Mile Jetty’ and the remains of the Carnarvon Tramway. Aesthetic Value – In association with the light tower (1987), the ‘One Mile Jetty’ (1897-98), and the remains of the Carnarvon Tramway (c.1900s); Carnarvon Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (fmr) forms a precinct of turn of the century maritime buildings and structures in Carnarvon. Historic Value – Carnarvon Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (fmr) has historical significance as part of a group of structures including the light tower, ‘One Mile Jetty’ and the remains of the Carnarvon tramway, that have played an important part in the development of Carnarvon as a centre of communication and transport for the Gascoyne region. Historic Value – Carnarvon Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (fmr) has a close association with the Lighthouse Keepers that have lived in the cottage and maintained the light tower. Their role was important to the development and operation of the port facilities in Carnarvon and the Gascoyne Region of Western Australia. Historic Value – The local Carnarvon community successfully lobbied to save the place from demolition in the 1980s. After restoration works, the place opened as the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage Museum during the 1988 Bicentennial celebrations. Social Value – Carnarvon Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (fmr) demonstrates part of a distinctive way of life now seldom practised since the introduction of fully automated light mechanisms. Social Value – Carnarvon Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (fmr) is highly valued as a museum and tourist destination and contributes to the community’s sense of place. Rarity – Carnarvon Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (fmr) demonstrates a distinctive way of life no longer practised in the State since the introduction of fully automated light mechanisms. Representativeness – The design of introduction of fully automated light mechanisms. Is representative of the Federation Bungalow style (c.1890 – c.1915) and a representative example of domestic architecture by the P.W.D.

Physical Description

A gabled roofed building with an encircling broken pitch verandah. The building has five rooms with a central passage. It is located near ‘One Mile’ jetty and the tramway connecting it to the Town of Carnarvon. The port of Carnarvon in the 1890’s was the major port of the Gascoyne region facilitating the transport of wool, cattle and people by coastal steamer.

History

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage is a simple timber and iron cottage designed by the Public Works Department in 1895 and built in 1896-97 in association with a timber light tower. It is located on Babbage Island near the ‘One Mile Jetty’ and the tramway connecting it to the town of Carnarvon, all built around the same time as major improvements to the port facilities. The shipping of wool, cattle and people by coastal steamer had become big business in the north-west by the 1890s and Carnarvon was the major port to the Gascoyne region. The cottage is a reminder of the days that lighthouses required daily attention and their keepers were housed on site. The quarters consist of a four roomed cottage with a central passage and a verandah all around. The main gable roof and verandahs are sheeted in corrugated iron. Verandah roofs are sealed on the rake with reed moulded lining boards. Ceilings and walls inside are similarly sealed on the rake with reed moulded lining boards. External walls and gable ends are clad in rough weatherboards. These materials are in fair and neat condition. Timber boards to the verandahs still exist but are in poor condition. Floors appear to be supported on tree stumps in some places. The southern verandah has been enclosed and washrooms added to the seaward side of the west verandah. The yard contains a detached toilet and a standard design PWD cistern with its dome above ground level. The last Lighthouse Keeper was in residence in 1980.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium/Medium

Condition

Good

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Child Places

• 25484 Babbage Island Lighthouse
• 25484 Babbage Island Lighthouse

Statement of Significance

The light house keeper’s quarters has some significance as a demonstration of a way of life now seldom practised maintaining the isolated light houses on the Western Australian coast. It has historical significance as part of a group of structures including the Light Tower, the ‘mile long’ jetty and the remains of the tramway, that have played an important part in the development of Carnarvon as a part. It is also well preserved but by no means unique example of a timber frame PWD housing at the turn of the century.

Physical Description

The Light House Keeper’s quarters is a simple timber and iron cottage designed by the PWD in 1895 and built in 1896-7 in association with a timber light tower. It is located on Babbage island near the ‘mile long’ stock jetty ad the tramway connecting it to the town of Carnarvon, all built around the same time as major improvements to the port facilities. These replaced the 1880’s jetty and tramway at Mangrove Point that could cater for lighters only. The shipping of wool, cattle and people by coastal steamer had become big business in the northwest by the 1890’s and Carnarvon was the major port to the Gascoyne region. The cottage is a fairly well-preserved example of its type but isnot unique. Finer examples of light keeper’s quarters that are contemporary with this one, still exist on Rottnest Island, at Woodman’s Point and at Capers Leeuwin and Naturalist. These are similar in plan by have hipped roofs and are built of locally quarried stone. They all belong to the days when lighthouses required daily attention and their keepers were housed on site. Most lights are now automatic and only service once or twice a year. The Quarters consist of a four roomed cottage with a central passage and a verandah all round. The main gable roof and verandahs are sheeted in corrugated iron. The main gable roof and verandahs are sheeted in corrugated iron. Verandah roofs are sealed on the rake with reed moulded lining boards. Ceilings and walls inside are similarly lined while external walls and gable ends are clad in rough weatherboard. These materials are in fair and near original condition. Timber boards to the verandahs still exist but are in poor condition. Floors appear to be supported on tree trunk stumps in some places, The southern verandah has been enclosed and washrooms added to the seaward side of the west verandah. The yard contains a detached WC and a standard design PWD cistern with its dome above ground level.

History

Assessment 1989 for LIGHT HOUSEKEEPERS QUARTERS

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Norwest Seafood Prawning Factory

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Historic Value – Importance for the density of diversity of cultural features illustrating the human occupation and evolution of the locality. Historic Value – Importance in relation to an event, phase of activity of historic importance in the locality. Social Value – Importance in contributing to a community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

A whale processing station operated on Babbage Island between 1950 and 1962. The site was later converted into a prawn packaging plant when whaling was banned in the 1960s.

History

During the latter part of 1948, a party arrived at Norwegian Bay, now known as Point Cloates and began the Nor West Whaling Company. In the original years of whaling, there were many setbacks at Point Cloates such as the difficulties in delivering whale oil to ships for overseas transport, time constraints in flensing a whale and losing two of the company’s whale chasers. In 1951, the Federal Government started whaling on Babbage Island converting the main factory building from a RAAF workshop. The location was chosen because migrating whales travelled close by this most westerly point of Australia. In 1956, Nor West Whaling Company purchased the whaling station on Babbage Island from the Federal Government to consolidate the future of the whaling industry in Western Australia. For a while they maintained joint operation of both stations using Carnarvon as the company’s base, however the decision was made to close the station at Norwegian Bay. The reason for closure was the great strain and maintenance that dual operations caused for both men and equipment not to mention the decline in the numbers and sizes of the humpback whales in the area. Babbage Island Whaling Station became the biggest land based whaling station in the Southern Hemisphere until 1963 where only 63 whales were found, mainly humpbacks. Norwest Whaling Co. took over the Australian Whaling Commission operations in 1963. When Nor West Whaling Company ceased trading, their infrastructure was turned to prawning and the associated growth in processing and packaging became a strong local industry. Whaling was eventually banned in Australia in 1978. All that remains on site is the original camp quarters & the office block. Several additions have been added throughout the years. The part still used by Norwest Seafoods today, was originally the meal shed where the bags of whale meat & solubles were stored prior to being loaded onto railway trucks for transport. The meat and solubles were then transported to the end of the one mile jetty for loading onto ships for overseas markets.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/High

Condition

Good

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Site of Babbage Island Meatworks

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Historic Value – Importance for the density of diversity of cultural features illustrating the human occupation and evolution of the locality. Social Value – The site is of note as evidence of an early attempt to establish a meat processing industry in the town.

Physical Description

Originally constructed as a meatworks but never used for this purpose, the building was used at times for fish /shark processing and then a poor house for families during the depression before being demolished in the 1980’s. Only the concrete pad remains.

History

The idea to build a meatworks was conceived as early as 1895 however didn’t come to fruition until 1920. The Meatworks was constructed by about 40-50 people. A shanty town quickly grew around Babbage Island from this development. The Meatworks was built from handmade bricks by Dunkley and a sail trolley transported supplies to and from Carnarvon. Machinery was installed to complete the development however the site was never used as a slaughter house. At its opening directors, shareholders, pastoralists and their ladies were taken by train and then escorted on a two hour tour of the North West Meat Company’s new works. The visitors expressed surpise at the magnitude and excellence of the works designed to butcher and market the Gascoyne’s sheep and cattle. The project was abandoned due to drought conditions, insufficient stock levels and poor foresight and was subsequently never used for its intended purpose. The building was briefly used by Doctor Ehrenrich for tanning shark skin and to limited success turned out shoes, wallets and belts. The building was then used by Marine Products Ltd. In 1926 to export smoked shark fins to China and Singapore. Turtles, rays and other fish were also processed. The project received no financial backing. The meatworks was subsequently closed and the equipment and bricks were sold off. All that remains of the site is the foundations. During the years of the ‘Great Depression’ of the early 1930s people lived in the abandoned buildings that were finally demolished over the years. The handmade bricks were distributed locally and recycled. Some of the foundations of the ‘Meatworks’ site remain to this day.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low/Low

Condition

Poor

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Dwelling - 6 Richards Street

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value – Importance for the aesthetic character created by the individual components that collectively form a significant precinct. Historic Value – Importance in relation to an event, phase or activity of historic importance in the locality.

Physical Description

A fine uninterrupted example of A-type governmental housing used to house NASA Tracking Station workers under the first town housing scheme.

History

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Tracking Station was constructed at Carnarvon in 1964. Shire councillors raised a motion in 1963 that the Shire build the required houses to house the Tracking Station workers and their families with the costs to be amortised over 12 years. The final agreement also provided for compensation in the case of premature closure of the Station. However potential station contractors were still expecting to be responsible for family housing as well as single accommodation. At the end of February 1963, the Council submitted the housing scheme to the State Government for its approval. The Council planned twenty smaller £4750 B-type homes on land between Whitlock and McLeod Streets and ten ‘better quality’ £6000 A-type homes on an extension of West Street. The Council abandoned the SHC location when the Lands Department agreed to the cancellation of the Richard Street Recreation Reserve, an old rubbish site adjacent to the Pioneer Cemetery, to use it as the site for the twenty smaller homes. Tenders were called for the construction of the 30 houses in ‘two lots of 15 houses’. Ten houses were to be complete by the end of July and the rest by the end of November. Local builders protested that they could not possibly complete a batch of 15 houses inside the time required. A special meeting of the Council amended the tender to encourage local responses. Forty-four tenders were received. The contract was awarded to Jaxon Construction of Perth for £139,830 for all thirty houses - within the price limits agreed by NASA. The ‘cream on the cake’ occurred earlier when Department of Supply, the leaser, offered the Council an additional weekly payment for it to be responsible for the maintenance of its own houses. By mid-April, work on filling and levelling the sites had already commenced. The Council suspended its normal works program with all available plant assigned to the housing project. But in June there were survey problems fitting the smaller homes onto their blocks; the housing project committee was worried that “…because of the international significance of the NASA space project, delays at Carnarvon could bring discredit to the Town, the State, and Australia generally.” Their anxiety increased with wet weather throughout June and July causing a two-month delay in roadwork construction and block filling. The Council overcame the delays. The first three Tracker families took up residence in mid-September. All homes were complete by 17 October, six weeks ahead of schedule. It had taken only eight months from the Council’s decision to ‘go ahead’ to the completion of the thirty houses, and just five months after awarding the contract. The three-bedroom timber-frame fibro houses had storm-battened asbestos roofs for cyclonic weather. Designed for a hot climate, they were also fitted with ventilation louvers, fly screens on all windows, ceiling fans in all rooms, electric stoves and electric hot water systems. By December, AWA, the station contractor, had enclosed the laundries, then a year after the first arrivals the Council approved plans for closing in the front verandas to provide an extra ‘room’; both at no cost to the Town. A few months later, NASA announced a planned expansion of the Station for the Apollo program with the Council agreeing to give DoS an option to increase the total housing requirement (from the 34 already approved) up to a maximum of 50 by notification prior to 30 June 1965. The next housing project, off Babbage Island Road, would use a more-desirable modified A-type plan.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/Medium

Condition

Good

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OTC Satellite Earth Station Staff Quarters

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value – Importance for the aesthetic character created by the individual components that collectively form a significant precinct. Historic Value – Importance in relation to an event, phase or activity of historic importance to the locality. Historic Value – Importance for close association with individuals whose life, works or activities have been significant within the history of the locality. Social Value – Importance in contributing to a community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

Representative as the best remaining example of the former OTC Satellite Earth Station staff quarters on Craggs Court, Brown’s Range.

History

The dwellings on Craggs Court are important for their association with the OTC Satellite Earth Station as former staff quarters for the precinct workers. The OTC Satellite Earth Station was the first earth station built in Australia by the Overseas Telecommunications Commission and was one of only eight satellite earth stations in the world which carried out the function called Tracking, Telemetry, Command and Monitoring. The place is reflective of Australia’s involvement in the establishment of the global communications system (INTELSAT). OTC Satellite Earth Station is also significant for its association with the Apollo project which successfully landed the first men on the moon and for the first direct telecasts between Australia and an overseas country. There are 25 single storey houses that comprise the former Staff Quarters. These house have not been included in the State Heritage listing as they are in individual ownership and their authenticity has deteriorated over the years. In December 1965, OTC General Manager A. E. Shepherd announced that approximately 2,000,000 pound would be spent on the construction of the Carnarvon facility. The site initially comprised of three air conditioned vans, an administration building, a powerhouse, a 12.8m Cassegrain fed folded horn antenna (Casshorn) and twelve staff houses. During the 1969 upgrade to the OTC Satellite Earth Station, the twelve staff houses were increased to twenty five.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/Medium

Condition

Good

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Overseas Telecommunications Satellite Earth Station

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) has landmark value as a distinctive part of the Brown’s Range landscape and is a prominent focal point to the area east of the Carnarvon township. Aesthetic Value – The 1960s buildings and structures that comprise OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) form a precinct that is identifiable as a satellite earth station. Historic Value – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) is of exceptional historical significance as the first satellite earth station constructed in Australia. Historic Value – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) is significant for its association with the creation of INTELSAT in August 1964, reflecting Australia’s involvement in the establishment of the global communications system (INTELSAT). Historic Value – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) is significant for its association with a number of NASA’s space projects, including the Apollo project which successfully landed the first men on the moon in July 1969. Historic Value – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) is associated with the first live telecasts between Australia and an overseas country. Historic Value – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) is closely associated with the work of OTC, INTELSAT, NASA and ESA organisations. Historic Value – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) is associated with the technical innovation and achievement of creating a global communications system. Research Value – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) holds international significance as a research and teaching site for its ability to illustrate the principal characteristics of the earth stations erected to create a global communications system in 1968. Elements of particular importance include the Cassegrain fed folded horn antenna and the larger OTC parabolic dish. Research Value – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) is significant as an example of technical and innovative advancements in global communication in the 1960s. Social Value – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) holds significant social value to the Carnarvon community as a site of international importance at which many people from the town were employed. Rarity – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) contains a collection of structures that are rare and uncommon in Australia. The place was the first earth station built in Australia by the Overseas Telecommunications Commission and was one of only eight satellite earth stations in the world which carried out the function calling Tracking, Telemetry, Command and Monitoring (TTC&M) Representativeness – OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) is characteristic of satellite earth stations located around the world.

Physical Description

Satellite communication dish that formed part of a world-wide network of communication stations. Carnarvon was chosen as the site of the station for its close association and incidental role to the NASA Tracking Station.

History

On 20 August 1964, Australia along with fourteen other countries, signed two agreements to form an international telecommunications satellite consortium (INTELSAT). The objective was to establish a global communications system by 1968. The Overseas Telecommunications Commission (OTC) was Australia’s representative on the Interim Communications Satellite Committee (ICSC). In 1965, NASA’s Apollo moon landing project proposed a communications satellite network in which two satellites would be launched into orbit. A network of satellite earth stations was also needed to work in conjunction with these satellites. The Carnarvon location was decided upon primarily because of the presence of the NASA Tracking Station. Subsequently the earth station was designed to provide a direct communications link between Australia and the USA as part of the space projects administered by NASA. The OTC Satellite Earth Station (fmr) was established on Brown’s Range in 1966. The site initially comprised of three air-conditioned vans, an administration building, a powerhouse, 12 staff houses and a 12.8m Cassegrain fed folded horn antenna (Casshorn). On 24 November 1966 the first live telecasts occurred between Australia and an overseas country through transmission from the OTC Satellite Earth Station. The OTC Satellite Earth Station was also involved in the Apollo series which operated from October 1968 to December 1972. In 1969, the earth station was upgraded from semi transportable structures to more permanent structures. The Casshorn antenna monitored the performance of satellites while the larger 29.6 metre parabolic dish handled internal communication via the INTELSAT Pacific Ocean Satellite. The ESA antenna played an instrumental role in the 1985/1986 space mission to track the Giotto satellite from its launch up to its interception with Halley’s Comet. The OTC Satellite Earth Station closed in 1987. In 1989, an observatory was constructed at the northern end of the site. The OTC Satellite Earth Station is currently used as a Space and Technology Museum. The listing consists of the single men’s quarters, recreation building including swimming pool, tennis court and playground, administration control building, workshop, powerhouse and fuel shed, 1966 cassegrain fed folded horn antenna (Casshorn) (12.8 metres by 16.5 metres high), 1969 parabolic dish antenna (29.6 metres wide), 1980 ESA dish antenna base (15 metres wide), telemetry antenna support and equipment shelter and the telecommand equipment shelter. The staff quarters (25 houses on Craggs Court) have not been included in this listing. A representation of these houses has been listed separately as Place Record No. 62.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium/Medium

Condition

Fair

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Carnarvon Fire Station (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Northern Times Newspaper Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Historic Value – Importance for the density of diversity of cultural features illustrating the human occupation and evolution of the locality. Social Value – Importance as a place highly valued by a community for reasons of social, cultural and education associations. The site is of importance as the newspaper played an important role in the local community; documenting the lives and achievements of the people in the region and providing a forum for the sharing of viewpoints.

Physical Description

The newspaper began publications around 1905 and began printing from this site after originally being located on the corner of Olivia Terrace and Johnston Street. The building was demolished during a cyclone.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium/Low

Condition

Site only

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One Mile Jetty and Tramway

Child Places

• 26316 Tramway Bridge and Tramway
• 00467 One Mile Jetty
• 04590 Babbage Island Causeway Bridge
• 00467 One Mile Jetty
• 26316 Tramway Bridge and Tramway
• 04590 Babbage Island Causeway Bridge

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 26316 Tramway Bridge and Tramway
• 00467 One Mile Jetty
• 04590 Babbage Island Causeway Bridge
• 00467 One Mile Jetty
• 26316 Tramway Bridge and Tramway
• 04590 Babbage Island Causeway Bridge

Statement of Significance

AESTHETIC VALUE. The bridges and tramway formation add interest to and enliven the 'Fascine' and Babbage & Whitlock Island's landscape. The regular appearance of the weathered piles and timber structure draws the eye as one approaches the 'Town Bridge' from either side on Olivia Terrace, and forms a strong linear image. The 'One Mile Jetty' has a similar aesthetic value. HISTORIC VALUE. The Carnarvon Tramway is of exceptional significance to the history of Carnarvon. It formed an integral part of the working nature of the town for almost one hundred years. It was initially the only major method of import and export of goods to the area - although that role was gradually usurped as the port activities declined with the advent of road transport. In part it dictated the areas of commercial development in the town for many years, and the Carnarvon town plan reflects this influence. SCIENTIFIC VALUE, The 'One Mile Jetty' has scientific value in relation to the study of marine life. SOCIAL VALUE. The Carnarvon Tramway is of extremely high social value for its strong commercial association with Carnarvon and the surrounding regional communities developed over many years; and also its recreational value through fishing, access to beaches, even as a port of departure for holidays in earlier times. The Carnarvon Tramway also contributes to the Carnarvon community's sense of place through its' visual landmark qualities. RARITY. The Carnarvon Tramway is now the most intact example of the former Public Works Department tramways serving coastal Western Australia. It was also the longest of its type. The Tramway is unique in still having restorable original fabric right through from the jetty to the receival points at the town. REPRESENTATIVENESS. The Carnarvon Tramway is of exceptional significance in this criterion. An original working locomotive and tramway formation is in working order. The opportunity exists to provide an interpretative experience for the complete circular process that formed the Tramway Precinct. CONDITION. The Carnarvon Tramway is in reasonable condition. The original fabric has deteriorated over time - particularly since the abandonment of regular maintenance procedures, and some portions (several culvert bridges) have been removed. INTEGRITY. The Carnarvon Tramway has a high degree of integrity. The Place has only ever been used for the original purpose for which it was designed, and thus has had very little in the way of intrusive changes. It has great potential for complete restoration. AUTHENTICITY. The Carnarvon Tramway has a high level of authenticity. All the bridges and the majority of the rolling stock are original Carnarvon Tramway facilities. However the new rail currently being laid (on the original formation) is generally being procured from other sources. Almost all the other fabric exists in its original locations. STATEMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. The Carnarvon Tramway (the Place) has exceptional cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: • the Place has visual landmark qualities highly valued by the people of Carnarvon and of the Gascoyne Region of Western Australia; • the Place demonstrates a complete circular process developed to cope with and to overcome extreme pioneering transport hardships; • the Place is an integral part of the developmental history of Carnarvon and the Gascoyne Region; • the Place has a strong commercial association and familiarity with the people of Carnarvon and the Gascoyne Region; • the Place is representative of the work of the well-known Contractors Atkins and Law (1899-1900 works); • the Place contains major surviving evidence of turn of the century timber bridge (and jetty) design and construction techniques. • the Place is a valued recreational asset to the community. • the Place is a working and demonstrative example of a process that is in danger of being lost from the State of Western Australia.

History

Assessment 1995 This assessment refers to the Tramway Precinct in part, and makes particular reference to the items of fabric within the area leased by the Carnarvon Light Railway Association Inc.

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Coolkilya Pool

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Research Value – Importance for information/archaeological material contributing to a wider understanding of natural history by virtue of its use as a research site, teaching site, type locality, reference or benchmark site.

Physical Description

It is an important type section of the Quinnanie Shale of the Permian Byro Group of the Carnarvon Basin and exposures are exceptional. The formations exposed are highly fossiliferous. It is an important research and teaching site in an attractive natural setting.

History

The type section is on the north bank of the Minilya River at Coolkilya Pool. The base of the shale is taken at the change from predominant quartzwacke with minor siltstone. The site contains excellent exposures of fossiliferous early Permian rocks of the Byro Group, including the type sections of the Quinnanie Shale and Wandagee Formation and also the upper part of the Cundlego Formation. Unusually clear outcrops of these shaley strata provide a valuable research and teaching locality in an attractive natural setting.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/High

Condition

Good

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Port Hotel

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value – Importance for its contribution to the aesthetic values of the setting demonstrated by a landmark quality or having impact on important vistas. Aesthetic Value – Importance for the aesthetic character created by the individual components that collectively form a significant precinct. Historic Value – Importance in relation to an event phase or activity of historic importance in the locality. Historic Value – Importance for close association with an individual whose life, works or activities have been significant within the history of the locality. Social Value – Importance as a place highly valued by a community or cultural group for reasons of social and cultural associations. Social Value – Importance in contributing to a community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

The Port Hotel has had numerous facelifts over the years resultant from flood, fire and cyclone damage. The current hotel on site is not the original building built in 1880. The hotel is a popular social venue within Carnarvon and is indirectly associated with the development and expansion of the town.

History

The first Port Hotel was built circa 1880 by Thomas Bird. After Thomas Bird’s death, his sons took over ownership however sold to Mr. W. Fenner. Flooding in the late 1890s and early 1900s seriously deteriorated the wood and iron building materials and the remains of the building were relocated to its present location at the corner of Robinson and Alexandra Street. Mr. R. McAllister took over the building in roughly 1908. In 1925 the Hotel was affected by fire and was consequently demolished. Again the remaining building fabric was used to build again. The building was owned by the Tuckey’s in the early 1950s. The Port Hotel was damaged by cyclone in 1960 and was upgraded to its present day layout. In the 1960’s, the Port Hotel was the Town Office for the Carnarvon Tracking Station and the units at the rear of the property provided accommodation for the single men that worked at the Carnarvon Tracking Station. Wilson Tuckey offered full board for single men in motel-type units for 10 pound per week. Whilst there was no guarantee or exclusive rights for Tuckey to house the single men from the Tracking Station, 20 motel-style units were built behind the Port Hotel. Each pair of Port Hotel units consisted of two single rooms sharing a ‘toilet and shower’ suite. The hotel dining room served breakfast and evening meals with lunches being ferried up to the tracking station by the station courier.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/Low

Condition

Good

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One Mile Jetty

Parent Place or Precinct

04566 One Mile Jetty and Tramway

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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04566 One Mile Jetty and Tramway

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value – The regular appearance of the weathered piles and the extreme length of the timber structure draws the eye as one approaches One Mile Jetty from any direction. In the days of maritime passenger transport to Carnarvon, the jetty would have formed a string welcoming image. Aesthetic Value – The length of One Mile Jetty makes it a significant landmark. Historic Value – One Mile Jetty and Tramway is of exceptional significance to the history of Carnarvon. It formed an integral part of the working nature of the town for 85 years (1899-1984). It was initially the only major method of import and export of goods to the area – although that role was gradually usurped as the port activities declined with the advent of road transport. The jetty’s connection to the town through the tramway in part dictated the areas of commercial development in the town for many years, and the Carnarvon town plan reflects this influence. Research Value – One Mile Jetty has some scientific value in relation to the study of marine life. It provides a habitat where various species of small fish can grow and multiply, which in turn provides for crabs and larger species such as Tailor, Mulloway, Spanish Mackerel, Turtles and Sharks. It also has some potential scientific value in relation to the study of deterioration of timber in marine environs. The detailed and dated pile records can assist in examining the effects of borers and of marine ‘wear and tear’. Social Value – One Mile Jetty and Tramway is of extremely high social value for its string commercial association with Carnarvon and the surrounding recreational communities developed over many years: and also its recreational value through fishing, access to beaches, swimming and diving. The jetty was a place of departure for business travels and holidays in earlier times, and less happily between 1910 and 1916, a point of departure for Aborigines proceeding to the leper hospitals of Dorre and Bernier islands. Social Value – One Mile Jetty and Tramway contributes to the Carnarvon community’s sense of place through its visual landmark qualities. Rarity – One Mile Jetty and Tramway is unique in being a portion of a circular transferral system that still has restorable fabric right through from the jetty to the receival points at the town. With the tramway, it was probably the longest ship to land transferral system in the world. Representativeness – One Mile Jetty and Tramway is a relatively intact example of the former Public Works Department designs serving coastal Western Australia and is representative of the work of the well-known contractors, Atkins and Law. The link to the town of Carnarvon remains, and an original locomotive is in working order, providing the opportunity to create an interpretive experience of the complete circular process.

Physical Description

The now largely recreational jetty was used by ships calling en route to northern ports and Singapore and facilitated the loading of sheep and cattle. The jetty has become surplus to the needs of local boats since the new boat harbour was built in 1976.

History

The One Mile Jetty, built 1897-98 and extended 1900, 1903-04, 1912, 1937 and 1959, is significant as one of the few remaining timber jetties constructed during the most active period in the provision of marine facilities in Western Australia (WA) between 1880-1910. It remains, with Busselton and Bunbury jetties, one of the last of its type on the WA coast. It is the second longest timber jetty in WA. It is a relatively intact example of the large former Public Works Department (PWD) of WA timber port jetties. The jetty has an association with the history of coastal shipping in WA and was essential to the development of Carnarvon and the surrounding north-west of WA. It provided the necessary port facilities for the export and import of goods and the settlement of people to the area. The jetty enabled the development of pastoralism in the region by providing transport for cattle and sheep, pearl shell, sandalwood and wool. Along with the tramway remains it demonstrates an integrated process developed to deal with extreme transport hardships which is rare in early ship to land transferral systems in Australia. The jetty was also the departure point for Aborigines proceeding to the leper hospitals of Dorre and Bernier Islands. The construction of the jetty resulted from a public meeting and a community deputation to the Premier, Sire John Forrest, in 1896, for improved shipping facilities. Until the 1950s it was the sole means of transport for people, goods, supplies and produce.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/High

Condition

Fair

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Babbage Island Causeway Bridge

Parent Place or Precinct

04566 One Mile Jetty and Tramway

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

04566 One Mile Jetty and Tramway

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value – Importance to a community for aesthetic characteristics through either design or setting. Aesthetic Value – Importance for its contribution to the aesthetic value of the setting demonstrated by a landmark quality of having impact on important vistas. Historical Value – Importance for the density of diversity of cultural features illustrating the human occupation and evolution of the locality. Social Value – Importance as a place highly valued by a community for reasons of social, cultural and education associations. Social Value – Importance in contributing to a community’s sense of space.

Physical Description

The bridge was originally built to connect the town to the jetty. It allowed wool and sandalwood to be transported by train between stores in the town and the jetty. The bridge was built with aboriginal labour.

History

The Tramway Bridge is of exceptional significance to the history of Carnarvon. It formed an integral part of the working nature of the town for 85 years (1899-1984) from its association and connectivity to the One Mile Jetty. It was initially the only major method of import and export of goods to the area – although that role was gradually usurped as the port activities declined with the advent of road transport. The One Mile Jetty’s connection to the town through the tramway in part dictated the areas of commercial development in the town for many years, and the Carnarvon town plan reflects this influence. The Tramway Bridge and Tramway formation add interest to and enliven both the ‘Fascine’ and Babbage and Whitlock Islands’ landscapes. The regular appearance of the weathered piles and timber structure of ‘Town Bridge’ forms a strong linear image and draws the eye as one approaches from either side of Olivia Terrace.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium/Medium

Condition

Poor

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Prawning Jetty

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value – Importance for its contribution to the aesthetic values of the setting demonstrated by a landmark quality and having an impact on important vistas. Historic Value – Importance for the density of diversity of cultural features illustrating the human occupation and evolution of the locality. Social Value – Importance in contributing to a community’s sense of space.

Physical Description

The timber jetty originally had rail tracks running along its length. The jetty is currently closed for public access although remains a popular fishing destination. The jetty was originally built for the Nor West Whaling Co. which later turned its attention to the prawning industry.

History

The prawning jetty was originally a jetty for whale chasers when the adjacent seafood factory was erected in 1949. In 1963/64 whale quotas were dropped and the jetty began to deteriorate from limited use and extreme weather conditions. The jetty is now closed to the public however remains a popular fishing and crabbing spot. The adjacent factory has been converted to a prawn processing factory.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium/Medium

Condition

Poor

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NASA Tracking Station (fmr)

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Aircraft Hangar

Uses

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Water Tower

Parent Place or Precinct

06837 Carnarvon Water Tanks

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Carnarvon Senior High School

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Social Value – Importance as a place highly valued by a community for reasons of education associations. The school has played an important role in the development of the local community.

Physical Description

Single storey school buildings facing a central courtyard. The original building comprised the present front entrance, administration block and one science room, plus three classrooms. The buildings are the oldest Government educational buildings in Carnarvon.

Integrity/Authenticity

HIgh/High

Condition

Good

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Manuelle Park

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Historic Value – Importance for the density of diversity of cultural features illustrating the human occupation and evolution of the locality. Social Value – Importance as a place highly valued by a community for reasons of social, cultural and education associations. Important as one of the original parks to be established in Carnarvon.

Physical Description

The park was initially established for tennis courts and enlarged in 1926 to include bowling greens. The site has since been abandoned with the land taken up by Carnarvon Senior High School and incorporated into their grounds.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/Medium

Condition

Site Only

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