Coolgardie Fire Station

Author

Heritage Council

Place Number

01340

Location

Sylvester St Coolgardie

Location Details

Local Government

Coolgardie

Region

Goldfields

Construction Date

Constructed from 1938

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
State Register Registered 29 Sep 1998 HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Municipal Inventory Adopted 27 Jul 1995 Category 2
Fire & Rescue Service Heritage Inventory Adopted 30 Aug 1997

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id Title Medium Year Of Publication
3145 Coolgardie Fire Station Conservation Plan Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1997

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use GOVERNMENTAL Fire Station
Present Use GOVERNMENTAL Fire Station

Architectural Styles

Style
Vernacular

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Wall METAL Corrugated Iron
Roof METAL Corrugated Iron

Historic Themes

General Specific
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES Community services & utilities

Creation Date

07 Apr 1997

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Last Update

01 Jan 2017

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.

Author

Shire of Coolgardie

Construction Date

Constructed from 1910

Demolition Year

N/A

Statement of Significance

An important structure representing a vital service in the early history of Coolgardie.

Physical Description

This is a replacement building and the engine house is constructed in timber frame with silver painted iron cladding. It is a simple gable roofed structure with the name fire station appearing in the gable. It is an elegant utilitarian structure

History

A structure of great importance to Coolgardie considering the significant role played by fire in the early days of Coolgardie's existence, with its repeated destruction or partial destruction by fire.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
Webb, M&A "The Centennial History of Kalgoorlie-Boulder" 1993
Owner Category
Fire Brigades Board of WA Other Private

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Last Update

01 Jan 2017

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.

Warden's Court (fmr)

Author

Heritage Council

Place Number

00568

Location

61 Sylvester St Coolgardie

Location Details

also known as 62-70 Bayley St

Other Name(s)

Government Building

Local Government

Coolgardie

Region

Goldfields

Construction Date

Constructed from 1898

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
State Register Registered 04 May 2001 HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Classified by the National Trust Classified 27 Oct 1976
Register of the National Estate Permanent 21 Mar 1978
Municipal Inventory Adopted 27 Jul 1995 Category 1

Child Places

  • 03665 Coolgardie Drill Hall
  • 03663 Museum - Ben Prior's
  • 03661 Mines Office
  • 03662 Bank

Condition

A two storeyed building constructed of concrete foundations, stone and brick walls and with steel roof. It has a colonnaded front facade and first floor balconies. Faced granite in large blocks support the columns and arches.

Associations

Name Type Year From Year To
George Temple Poole Architect - -
John (Harry) Grainger Architect - -

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id Title Medium Year Of Publication
3732 Coolgardie Wardens Court (Coolgardie Government Building) Conservation Plan Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1998
6926 Coolgardie Public Building, 62-70 Bayley Street, Coolgardie WA : reparations to the stonework. Conservation works report 2004

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Other Use GOVERNMENTAL Other
Original Use GOVERNMENTAL Other
Present Use EDUCATIONAL Museum
Other Use COMMERCIAL Bank

Architectural Styles

Style
Federation Free Classical

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Roof METAL Steel
Wall STONE Sandstone, other

Historic Themes

General Specific
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES Government & politics

Creation Date

30 May 1989

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Approved

Last Update

01 Jan 2017

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.

Author

National Trust of Western Australia

Construction Date

Demolition Year

N/A

Child Places

  • 03665 Coolgardie Drill Hall
  • 03663 Museum - Ben Prior's
  • 03661 Mines Office
  • 03662 Bank

Statement of Significance

An impressive and well preserved government building of the late 1890's, representing the style of local buildings and the use of local stone.

Physical Description

The building is a grand two storey structure, finely detailed and executed and well preserved. The building is symmetrical about a tall central section which houses the original courthouse and public gallery. The west wing houses the Mining Registrar's office and the new court and the west wing a museum. The building is constructed of finely dressed stone in a random pattern. There is stucco detailing around the windows and doors and on the ground floor arcade and first floor balconies. The roof is tiled, the tiles having been imported from Marseilles.

History

assessment 1976 construction 1898 Builder John Philip est cost £10,825 Warden's Court and government offices court, bank, museum, mines office

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Last Update

31 Oct 2022

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.

Author

Shire of Coolgardie

Construction Date

Constructed from 1898

Demolition Year

N/A

Child Places

  • 03665 Coolgardie Drill Hall
  • 03663 Museum - Ben Prior's
  • 03661 Mines Office
  • 03662 Bank

Statement of Significance

An impressive and well preserved Government building of the late 1890s, representing the style of local buildings and using local stone. Characteristic of the heyday of the Goldfields prosperity. A critical part of the Bayley Street precinct and its most imposing structure.

Physical Description

Includes principal offices of the Mines Department. Two storey, Freestyle Classical building with a colonnaded front facade and first floor balconies. The ground floor includes; the colonnaded front, vestibules and a back verandah and the first floor; the Warden's Court, general office, Warden's rooms and office; rooms for the Jury . Police, Solicitors, Clerk of Courts, Press and Witnesses; and colonnaded balconies. It now houses a good museum in part of the building and the Tourist Bureau.

History

The second major government building in Coolgardie after the Post Office. Designed by George Temple Poole, one of the colony's most influential architects and Superintendent of the Public Works Department and Colonial Architect from 1891 - 1896. It was the second scheme, the previous proposal being for a site in Hunt Street.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Associations

Name Type Year From Year To
George Temple Poole Architect - -
John (Harry) Grainger Architect - -
Owner Category
Minister for Works State Gov't

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Approved

Last Update

01 Jan 2017

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.

Gnarlbine Soaks (Well No.22)

Author

Heritage Council

Place Number

00556

Location

Victoria Rock Rd 30 k SW of Coolgardie

Location Details

Situated near the eastern base of Gnarlbine Rock. Well is in reserve 2180.

Other Name(s)

Gnarlbine Well (Well No.22)

Local Government

Coolgardie

Region

Goldfields

Construction Date

Constructed from 1863

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
State Register Registered 28 Aug 2001 HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Classified by the National Trust Classified 06 Dec 1976
Wells of Explorer Charles Hunt Survey Recorded 01 Nov 1991
Register of the National Estate Permanent 21 Mar 1978
Municipal Inventory Adopted 27 Jul 1995 Category 2

Parent Place or Precinct

24806 Hunt's Wells Group

Condition

Originally an Aboriginal waterhole on the edge of Gnarlbine Rock. The water source was discovered by Lefroy in 1863 and subsequently became an important watering place for explorers and prospectors. It is a stone well, 3 metres in diameter and 2 metres deep, and is now dry. A plaque has been mounted nearby.

Place Type

Historic site

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Present Use VACANT\UNUSED Vacant\Unused
Original Use Transport\Communications Water: Other

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Wall STONE Granite

Historic Themes

General Specific
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Aboriginal Occupation
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Settlements
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Exploration & surveying

Creation Date

30 May 1989

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Approved

Last Update

31 Dec 2016

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.

Author

National Trust of Western Australia

Construction Date

Demolition Year

N/A

Statement of Significance

An historic site associated with the first explorers and early prospectors in the area.

History

Assessment 1976 'Originally an aboriginal water hole, the soak was 'discovered' by Lefroy 1863 and became an important watering place for explorers and prospectors. At some later date it wa constructed as a well (sstone lined)

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Approved

Last Update

30 May 2022

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.

Author

Shire of Coolgardie

Construction Date

Constructed from 1863

Demolition Year

N/A

Statement of Significance

A place of substantial historical significance, the waterhole having been a watering place for Aborigines and an important source of water for early white explorers and prospectors.

Physical Description

Originally an Aboriginal water hole on the edge of the Gnarlbine Rock, the water source was discovered by Lefroy in 1863 and subsequently became an important watering place for explorers and prospectors. It is a stone well 3 meters in diameter and 2 meters deep, and is now dry. A plaque has been mounted nearby. The reserve comprises 640 acres.

History

An early source of water for the district.

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
Webb, M & A "The Centennial History of Kalgoorlie-Boulder" 1993
Owner Category
Crown Land Commonwealth Gov't

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Last Update

31 Dec 2016

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.

Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed

Author

Heritage Council

Place Number

00581

Location

75 Woodward St Coolgardie

Location Details

Other Name(s)

Museum
Railway Station (fmr)

Local Government

Coolgardie

Region

Goldfields

Construction Date

Constructed from 1896

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
State Register Registered 02 Sep 1997 HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Classified by the National Trust Classified 27 Oct 1976
Statewide Railway Heritage Surve Completed 01 Mar 1994
Register of the National Estate Permanent 21 Mar 1978
Municipal Inventory Adopted 27 Jul 1995 Category 1

Associations

Name Type Year From Year To
G T Poole Architect - -

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id Title Medium Year Of Publication
4173 Coolgardie Railway Station and Post Office Conservation Works 1998-Structure Report 1998
1354 Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed: Conservation Plan Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1996

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use Transport\Communications Rail: Other
Present Use EDUCATIONAL Museum
Original Use Transport\Communications Rail: Railway Station
Original Use Transport\Communications Rail: Housing or Quarters

Architectural Styles

Style
Federation Academic Classical
Federation Free Classical

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Roof METAL Corrugated Iron
Wall BRICK Painted Brick

Historic Themes

General Specific
TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS Rail & light rail transport

Creation Date

30 May 1989

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Approved

Last Update

31 Dec 2016

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.

Author

Shire of Coolgardie

Construction Date

Constructed from 1896

Demolition Year

N/A

Statement of Significance

A good example of a substantial country railway station and goods shed complex. They are an integral part of this important complex of railway buildings in Coolgardie that were vital to the development and history of the Eastern Goldfields.

Physical Description

A stone and brick quoin station building with a hipped iron roof similar in design and detail to other railway stations of this period in the State. The facade is divided into 3 bays, the central bay with a pediment and arch and a hipped iron verandah over the entry. Later accretions have been arranged symmetrically . The goods shed is a simple timber framed iron cad industrial building with evidence of its earlier colour scheme of cream and deep indian red.

History

A building of substance, conforming to the character of railway buildings of the turn of the century and part of an important but now defunct communication and transport system for this isolated town. The station has many similarities to Bunbury Station.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate-High

Condition

Good

Associations

Name Type Year From Year To
G T Poole Architect - -

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
Webb, M&A "The Centennial History of Kalgoorlie-Boulder" 1993
Owner Category
Shire of Coolgardie Local Gov't

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Approved

Last Update

06 May 2021

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.

Author

National Trust of Western Australia

Construction Date

Demolition Year

N/A

Statement of Significance

Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed, comprising the stone and brick quoin walled and corrugated iron roofed railway station, the timber framed corrugated iron clad good shed, the timber framed corrugated iron motor shed and the timber framed corrugated iron electrical engineer’s office, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the aesthetic value of the building in relation to their design and use of construction materials; the place contributes to the townscape as a significant component at a former point of entry and as a part of a precinct containing several important heritage places; the place has historic value as it was one of the two earliest government-built railway complexes in Western Australia. the place reflects the rapid growth of Coolgardie, following the discovery of the eastern goldfields, which created one of the most important goldrushes in the history of Australia; the place has association with an eminent Chief Architect from the Public Works Department, George Temple Poole, who was responsible for the design of a large number of public buildings in the state. The place is also associated with the State Engineer-in-Chief, C. Y. O’Connor, who was responsible for effecting the development of the goldfields through the establishment of a railway network and permanent water supply, as well as many other engineering achievements throughout Western Australia; the place demonstrates a simple elegance and grace, the Coolgardie Railway Station building as an interpretation of Federation Academic Classical and Federation Free Classical architecture, and the goods shed, simply as a very fine industrial structure that combines well with the remaining buildings on site that demonstrate the nature of a late 19th Century railway station complex; the place has social value for its role in the transportation of people and supplies, improvement in the living conditions and as a symbol of Coolgardie’s former prosperity contributing to the community’s sense of continuity of place as a museum; the buildings are of comparative rarity as they are amongst a small number of late 19th Century railway buildings to survive without being obscured by large scale change and redevelopment; and, the place is representative of major railway stations of the late 19th Century and is able to demonstrate, with the aid of interpretation, the manner in which a railway complex operated with a barracks accommodation and ancillary facilities, both within its contemporary curtilage and immediately beyond to the living accommodation that was build for the Resident Engineer, Station Master and platelayers. Aesthetic Value The group of buildings and intervening spaces comprising the remaining evidence of the Coolgardie station yard have a moderate degree of importance to the community for their aesthetic characteristics, more so as a formerly well composed set of places in an industrial setting than for their individual aesthetically pleasing characteristics. The two main structures, Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed, are particularly important for their collective effect and their spatial relationship which reveals something of the functional and organisational nature of the site. Each building has its own distinctive aesthetical quality and, together, the group and its open spaces contribute to the community’s sense of history and place. The elevations of Coolgardie Railway Station are aesthetically pleasing and the simplicity of the design contributes to the charm and elegance of the building. The Goods Shed is an example of a once common type and has an elegant simplicity in its lines. Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed contributes to the aesthetic values of the setting, by its landmark quality, as a former entry statement to the town. Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed contributes to the aesthetic values of the setting as part of a precinct containing several important heritage places. Historic Value The construction of Coolgardie Railway Station building, together with the extension of the railway line from its previous terminus at Southern Cross in 1896, marked the beginning of the development and growth of communications and transport systems into the goldfields. It led to a large improvement in the quality of life for the people living in the goldfields. This also improved production with a flow-on effect which helped to underpin the economy of Western Australia. It also marked the beginning of the State Government’s involvement in the progressive extension of the north-eastern railway network. The completion of the railway had an impact on Coolgardie’s demographic growth, the development of the goldfields and subsequent increase in revenue for the state and the construction of permanent structures in the town of Coolgardie. Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed is a reflection of the rapid growth of Coolgardie, following the discovery of the eastern goldfields, which created one of the most important goldrushes in the history of Australia, which substantially affected the development of the State of Western Australia and impacted on the economy of Australia. Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed has association with an eminent architect Chief Architect from the Public Works Department, George Temple Poole, who was responsible for the design of a large number of public buildings in the state, many of which are heritage listed The place is also associated with the State Engineer-in-Chief, C.Y. O’Connor, who was responsible for effecting the development of the goldfields through the establishment of a railway network and permanent water supply, as well as many other engineering achievements throughout Western Australia. The opening of the railway was a significant state-wide event. The opening was attended by Governor Smith, the Premier, Sir John Forrest, members of cabinet and many other dignitaries. The buildings demonstrate a simple elegance and grace, the Coolgardie Railway Station building as an interpretation of Federation Academic Classical and Federation Free Classical architecture, and the goods shed, simply as a very fine industrial structure that combines well with the remaining buildings on site that demonstrate the nature of a late 19th Century railway station complex. Scientific Value As one of the state’s earlier railways and one to which so little has been added, the site has some scientific value in its potential to yield information on a late nineteenth century railway station complex. A wider understanding of the nature of a late nineteenth century railway complex would be available from this site through archaeological and further documentary research. The site has not been built over and much evidence remains of the locations of previous structures and the arrangement of the site. There is no evidence to suggest that there were any particular technical innovations in the construction of various elements on the site and the documentary evidence suggests that much of what was constructed was of a standard pattern. Social Value Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed has social value for its role in the transportation of people and supplies to and from the town of Coolgardie to the western seaboard. The improvement of transportation dramatically improved living conditions for the people of Coolgardie and its surrounding districts, and, in more recent times, the community has claimed it as one of the symbols of Coolgardie’s former prosperity contributing to the community’s sense of continuity of place as a museum. Rarity Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed are of comparative rarity as they are amongst a small number of late 19th Century railway buildings to survive without being obscured by large scale change and redevelopment. The remaining buildings and sites are evidence of a form of railway operation and railway workers’ existence that has long passed and provides evidence of the high status of the various levels of railway workers accommodation in relation to other housing in Coolgardie. Representativeness Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed are representative of major railway stations of the late 19th Century, in spite of many adaptive changes to the buildings. The representative value, without interpretation or conservation, is reduced by the loss of the various outbuildings, fences and other site elements. The place occupies an important position in its capacity to demonstrate, with the aid of interpretaion, the manner in which a railway complex operated with a barracks accommodation and ancillary facilities. The surrounding quarters are an important integral part of the ability of the complex to demonstrate a wide range of station related activities. Condition Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed is generally in poor condition. Detailed considerations of condition may be found in, Considine and Griffiths Architects: ‘Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed, Conservation Plan’ (prepared for the Shire of Coolgardie, August 1996). Integrity Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed has a moderate level of integrity. Its integrity geing diminished by the closure of the station and adaptation to a museum. For a discussion of the integrity of the place, refer to Considine and Griffiths Architects: ‘Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed, Conservation Plan’ (prepared for the Shire of Coolgardie, August 1996). Authenticity Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed has a high level of authenticity with great deal of original fabric existing in both structures, much of what is visible is authentic. For a discussion of the authenticity of the place, refer to Considine and Griffiths Architects: ‘Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed, Conservation Plan’ (prepared for the Shire of Coolgardie, August 1996).

Physical Description

The Coolgardie Railway Station was completed at the same time as the railway line in 1896, as part of the contract for the Southern Cross to Coolgardie railway. The original plans were issued under the authority of the Chief Civil Engineer of Western Australian Railways, C.Y. O’Connor. The specification for the new railway station at Coolgardie is a useful reference and gives a clear picture of the structures to be provided in the initial construction campaign at Coolgardie. It also provides an invaluable source for referencing the nature of the original products and materials used in construction. The works included the construction of the station and platforms, picket fences, a goods shed, the outside loading platfom, a five tonne crane, station master’s house, wood sheds, latrines, two platelayers’ cottages, a 25,000 gallon water tank, an engine shed, two outside engine pits, carriage shed, coal store, turn-table, a sheep and cattle yard, carriage and horse loading platform, road approaches and footpaths. The station buildings were designed by George Temple Poole, of the Public Works Department, and the tender documents were issued by the Chief Engineer. The line and buildings were constructed by the Wilkie Brothers. Early drawings, figures 4 & 5, show the design of the station to be a simple classical composition with a long platform canopy and a short entrance canopy. Corners and openings have brick quoins and the walls are infilled with stone. Windows are arched head double hung sash and the roof is shown to be ventilated by gablets to both north and south elevations. The plan is based on a central ticket hall and office, with staff accommodation to the east of the hall and the passengers’ facilities to the west. A plan prepared for the Coolgardie water supply in 1905, locates all the station buildings elements, together with the two platelayers’ cottages (now private houses) and a station master’s house in Woodward Street, the goods shed at its original size, turn-table (demolished), the resident engineer’s house (now a private residence) and all ancillary buildings. An earlier plan, made in 1904, contains similar information and names all structures on the railway station site. By 1907, the production of gold had declined in Coolgardie and the fields to the east in Kalgoorlie and Boulder overshadowed Coolgardie with large and rich operations. The town began to lose its population to other centres and the suburbs and outlying areas were soon deserted. By the time of the First World War, the population was in steady decline and the war itself contributed to further decline. The station was under continual pressure for upgrading to meet the changes and growth of the railway system in its early days. Implementation of change was slow. The station’s visitors and occupants endur4ed uncomfortable conditions and patchwork attempts to improve them, if contemporary records are to be given full credit.

History

Constructed 1896 Coolgardie Station Building 1896-1933 The station building design was by George Temple Poole and the rooms of the building consisted of a public hall, ticket office, general waiting room, ladies’ waiting room, general purpose room, latrines and urinals, parcel room, station master’s office, a clerk’s office, a fuel room and a permanent way office. It is a single storey building 51 metres long by 6.4 metres wide in the main hall. The central foyer is 7.6 metres wide, with a portico to the north and platform with a 7.6 metre wide roofed area. The station building style lies somewhere between the Federation Academic Classical style and Federation Free Classical style. It has a pitched roof supported on timber trusses and corrugated iron cladding, with double hung sash windows positioned symmetrically, Ogee gutters are fixed along the eaves and round galvanised iron downpipes fitted off the gutters. Large fireplaces are in five rooms. The original concept remains legible, both in the elevation and plan with little major change to the original concept. The design was conceived as a major entry bay at the centre by wings to the east and west and two further lower wings added to the extreme ends of each of these. The verandah adds emphasis to the entrance at the centre of the building. No drawn documentary evidence is available to record the changes that occurred to the station until 1933, with the exception of a photograph indicating a second storey addition to the western-most room. This photograph is displayed in the station lobby at Coolgardie. The curiously designed addition has since been removed. 1933 Documentary evidence indicates that the Chief Civil Engineer commenced preparations to convert the general waiting room into a bedroom. It is evident that the seats which lined the west and east walls of the general reading room were removed for this purpose. Fly wire was nailed over several doors and windows of the room used for sleeping purposes; this is an intrusive element still evident today. 1939 Documentary evidence dating from 1939 suggests that the lamp room was converted into a bedroom. However, this indicates that the lamp room was far too small to accommodate a bedroom, the room was only 9 6’ x 8 ‘. It is far more likely that the clerk’s office adjacent to the station master’s office was altered instead, as later dated plans show this to be the case. 1942-1944 By 1942, several rooms had undergone conversions. The station building consisted of two bedrooms, one bedroom was the former clerk’s office adjacent to the station master’s office, the other ws the former general waiting room. No significant changes had been made structurally; the function was simply changed. Between 1942 and 1944, a kitchen had been placed in the former general purpose room and the fireplace in that room removed and replaced with a Metters stove. The ‘out-of-shed’ had taken the place of the former urinals. In the east wing the parcel and cloak room maintained its location, as did the station master’s room and the ladies’ waiting room. The water tanks had been removed and a file room was located where the fuel room used to be. The original lamp room appears to have been incorporated into the ‘out-of-shed’. One window in the ‘out-of-shed’ was blocked-up and a door and platform were added to the north wall. 1945 The existing ladies’ waiting room was converted into a bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom adjacent to the station master’s office was converted into a ladies’ waiting room and the Metters stove removed and converted into an open fireplace. A shower was installed into the lavatory and a sink installed in the room used as the kitchen. 1949 The station approach was resurfaced and white lines indicating 45 degree parking were placed on the bitumen which are still visible today. 1958 A separate barracks building was created in the former resident engineer’s quarters. The rooms previously used as bedrooms in the station building were converted into a ladies’ waiting room and new men’s conveniences. 1972 The last train left Coolgardie station on 28 November 1971. The line was officially closed on 16 September 1974. When the station building were taken over by the Shire of Coolgardie on 5 June converted into a museum, the limestone walls were painted white and two windows on the west side of the northern elevation were poorly filled-in. The present configuration of the building remains identical to its 1896 shape. The interiors were extensively remodelled to accommodate the changes over the years. The main walls of the existing station building were left in place to a large extent, but many of the spaces have been re-configured, in minor ways, for the change in purpose. The ‘out of shed’ has been converted into lavatories and partitions of lightweight construction divide the room into five separate compartments. The bathroom remains as was, the two bedrooms (original ladies’ waiting room and general waiting room) were converted into a flat for the caretaker. The former ladies’ waiting room now functions as a kitchen and an opening has been made in the east wall providing direct access to the original general waiting room which still functions as a bedroom. No changes have been made to the remaining rooms. All now functions as a bedroom. All now function as exhibition spaces with the exception of the two end rooms on the east wing which are used as a store room and workshop respectively. Refer to the drawings for descriptions of the present functions and parts of the place. Coolgardie Goods Shed 1896 The goods shed was a first class design, according to the specification. The goods shed is an industrial building form. Its walls were covered in corrugated galvanised iron. Girts are fixed horizontally to accept the iron cladding. The walls retain the original cladding system and colour scheme. The doors were made to roll aside, but only the southern doors remain in place. It had at least one office, judging from documentary evidence, of 2 x 3 inch timbers spaced and framed. The outside of this office was vertically boarded with 1 inch wrought, tongued and grooved boarding, according to the specification, but has since been removed. The interior of the office was lined and sealed with half inch wrought, tongued and grooved and beaded boarding. There is no evidence of the office in the building. Rainwater tanks were placed to each side of the shed; these have since been take down. The goods shed was originally 300 feet long. 1920s The foods shed was reduced in size. The office may have been removed at this time. It is uncertain what other modification were made in the process. The remaining shed, in its present format, does not comply with any standard pattern. Further, there is no evidence of a ridge vent system ever having been built. 1972 The good shed was taken over by the Shire of Coolgardie and now serves as part of one of the council depots. The changes are not substantial and allow the original concept and organisation to be read.

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

20 Feb 2023

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.

Goldfields Water Supply Scheme

Author

Heritage Council

Place Number

16610

Location

Mundaring

Location Details

P25251 Goldfields Water Supply Scheme is part of this place and is on the National Heritage List. Starts in Mundaring, at Mundaring Weir and travels through the Shires of Mundaring, Northam, Cunderdin, Tammin, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Westonia, Yilgarn, Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Other Name(s)

Golden Pipeline

Local Government

Mundaring

Region

Metropolitan

Construction Date

Constructed from 1898

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
State Register Registered 08 Dec 2022 HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
(no listings)

Parent Place or Precinct

25251 Goldfields Water Supply Scheme (NHL)

Child Places

  • 02789 No. 6 Steam Pumping Station (fmr), Ghooli
  • 00649 No 3 Pumping Station
  • 10062 Karalee Reservoir, Rock Catchment & Aqueduct
  • 03660 Toorak Hill, Goldfields Water Supply Reservoir
  • 15727 Mount Charlotte Reservoir
  • 01677 No 1 Pumping Station Museum
  • 10072 Caroling Rocks Dam No. 16
  • 10869 Bronti Tank
  • 01675 Mundaring Weir Hotel
  • 01564 No. 4 Steam Pumping Station
  • 01676 Mundaring Weir Hall
  • 00647 Railway Water Tower, Cunderdin
  • 08540 Mundaring Weir School & Quarters (fmr)
  • 05977 Koorarawalyee Tank
  • 00583 Old Pumping Station
  • 08539 No 2 Pumping Station - Site of

Values

• The place is an excellent example of an initiative by the Western Australian Government to provide water to the Goldfields at the turn of the century.
• The place is rare as one of the largest pipelines in Western Australia, possibly the largest that supplies water.
• The place has aesthetic value as a landmark feature extending from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie.
• The place is rare and has scientific value as an innovative engineering design and construction method of a pipeline from the early 20th Century.
• The place is rare as a long-distance water pipeline in Australia built in the early 1900’s.

Statement of Significance

The Goldfields Water Supply Scheme, demonstrates exceptional technical achievement as one of the longest overland pipeline schemes attempted in the nineteenth century, both in Australia and the world, and was recognised as an outstanding engineering achievement; The has exceptional value in demonstrating the historical importance of the provision of water to settlements along the route from Mundaring to the Eastern Goldfields, The construction and operation of the Pipeline had considerable importance in contributing to the sense of place for the people of Western Australia, and visitors to the State, as a highly valued tourist destination, the educational, cultural and aesthetic aspects of which are appreciated by history and engineering enthusiasts and teachers to this day; Individual elements of the place, including the existing interpretation associated with the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail, museums, archaeological sites and remaining buildings and infrastructure, collectively have exceptional potential to communicate the history of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme and its importance to Western Australia; The place is associated with a number of notable figures in Western Australian history, including the Scheme's designer CY O'Connor, State and Federal politician Lord John Forrest, the Director of the Public Works Department HW Venn and former Superintendent of Public Works, architect George Temple Poole, who each contributed to the successful completion of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme; and The place is an exceptional example of applied science, technical excellence and innovative design, reflecting the ongoing ingenuity and innovation demonstrated by the talented and committed engineers employed by the Goldfields Water Supply Branch, Public Works Department and other iterations of the Water Corporation in the provision of water in the State. The longevity of the scheme is associated with innovators Mephan Ferguson, James Couston, engineers Norman Fernie and Reg Keating, and James Mathers.

Physical Description

The Goldfields Water Supply Scheme extends in a discontiguous precinct across the 560km linear water pipeline, commencing at Mundaring Weir (1902, 1951) in the Helena Valley and terminating at Mount Charlotte Reservoir (1902) in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Comprising six extant original Steam Pump Stations (1902) at Mundaring, Cunderdin, Merredin, Yerbillon, Ghooli and Dedari; the sites of two demolished Steam Pump Stations (1902) at O’Connor and Gilgai; Reservoirs and Tanks at O’Connor, Sawyers Valley, Bakers Hill, West Northam, Cunderdin, Merredin, Yerbillon, Ghooli, Bronti, Gilgai, Koorawawalyee, Dedari, Toorak, and Bullabulling; second generation Electric Pump Station at Merredin , and other community sites, ancillary structures; equipment and machinery, archaeological sites; and discontiguous portions of the main pipeline conduit associated with the construction and operation of the Scheme from 1902 to the present.

History

Phase I - Construction of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme (1898 - 1903) Phase II – Problem Solving and Agricultural Expansion (1904 - 1940) Phase III – Comprehensive Water Supply Scheme, Upgrades & Refurbishments (1946 - 2013) Phase IV - Heritage Recognition and The Golden Pipeline (1992 - 2011)

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Associations

Name Type Year From Year To
Charles Yelverton O'Connor Architect 1898 1902

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id Title Medium Year Of Publication
6452 Mundaring Weir Precinct masterplan : final master plan report. Heritage Study {Other} 2002
7358 Conservation plan for Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Volume II, place M : No. 8 Pumping Station, Dedari. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1999
11426 Goldfields Water Supply Volume III Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1999
4897 Conservation plan for Karalee Rock Water Catchment (Goldfields Water Supply Scheme - place J). Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2000
7359 Conservation plan for Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Volume II, place N : Bullabulling reservoir. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1999
9248 Constructing Australia: Triumphs and tragedies in building a nation. C D Rom 2007
6390 Pipe-dream to pipeline : the eventful life of Nathaniel W. Harper. Book 2001
3680 Conservation plan for No. 3 Pumping Station, Cunderdin. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1998
1774 An exploratory bibliography of the Goldfields Water Supply of Western Australia (draft). Report 1982
4504 Conservation plan for Mount Charlotte Reservoir (Goldfields water supply scheme - place O). Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2000
11762 Goldfields Water Supply Scheme, Main conduit, Western Australia Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2016
6788 Conservation plan for Koorarawalyee water catchment and railway station (Draft) (Goldfields Water Supply Scheme - place U). Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2001
9806 Mundaring Weir water Supply interpretation precinct design. Book 2010
7350 Conservation plan for West Northam regulating tanks : (Goldfields Water Supply Scheme - place T) (draft). Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2001
7356 Conservation plan for Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Volume II, place I : No. 6 Pumping Station, Ghooli. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1999
7547 Celebrating 100 years of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Brochure 2003
7354 Conservation plan for Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Volume II, place G : No. 4 Pumping Station, Merredin. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1999
7351 Conservation plan for Toorak Hill reservoir : (Goldfields Water Supply Scheme - place V) (draft). Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2001
7352 Conservation plan for Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Volume II, place A : No. 1 Pumping Station Mundaring. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1999
7348 Conservation plan for Sawyers Valley summit tanks : (Goldfields Water Supply Scheme - place R) (draft). Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2001
6675 Mundaring Weir : conservation plan (draft). Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2000
1608 Conservation and interpretation plan for No.1 Pumping Station Mundaring. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1996
5988 Centenary of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme 1903-2003. Brochure 2003
7444 The agricultural areas, Great Southern towns and Goldfields Water Supply Scheme : souvenir to commemorate the completion of the project. Book 1961
10170 The origins of the Eastern Goldfields water scheme in Western Australia: an exercise in the interpretation of historical evidence. Book 1954
4644 Conservation plan for Goldfields Water Supply Scheme : volume 1. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1999
7357 Conservation plan for Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Volume II, place K : No. 7 Pumping Station, Gilgai. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1999
8902 River of steel. A history of the Western Australian Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply 1903 - 2003. Book 2007
7355 Conservation plan for Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Volume II, place H : No. 5 Pumping Station, Yerbillon. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1999
7353 Conservation plan for Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Volume II, place B : No. 2 Pumping Station, O'Connor. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1999
7349 Conservation plan for Bakers Hill regulating tank : (Goldfields Water Supply Scheme - place S) (draft). Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2001
6794 Conservation plan for Bullabulling township and railway catchment. (draft) : a supplement to the Bullabulling Reservoir conservation plan (Goldfields Water Supply Scheme - place N). Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2001
9899 Mundaring Weir water supply improvement project: heritage management strategy. Heritage Study {Other} 2011
6326 The golden pipeline heritage trail guide : a time capsule of water, gold and Western Australia. Book 2002
4693 Goldfields Water Supply heritage project. Book 1999
5544 Golden Pipeline interpretation plan. Heritage Study {Other} 2001

Place Type

Other Built Type

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use GOVERNMENTAL Power Station
Present Use GOVERNMENTAL Pumping Station
Present Use EDUCATIONAL Museum

Architectural Styles

Style
Vernacular

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Wall BRICK Common Brick
Wall METAL Steel
Roof METAL Corrugated Iron

Historic Themes

General Specific
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES Community services & utilities
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Technology & technological change
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Resource exploitation & depletion
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Exploration & surveying

Creation Date

08 Jul 2002

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

08 Jul 2022

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.

Old Pumping Station

Author

Heritage Council

Place Number

00583

Location

Great Eastern Hwy Wallaroo

Location Details

15km northeast of Woolgangie on the Goldfields Water Supply Pipeline. Reserve C38354, on GWS Line 46km W of Coolgardie

Other Name(s)

Dedari (Benari)
No 8 Pumping Station

Local Government

Coolgardie

Region

Goldfields

Construction Date

Constructed from 1901

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
State Register Registered 25 Jun 1993 HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Municipal Inventory Adopted 27 Jul 1995 Category 1
Classified by the National Trust Classified 06 Sep 1982
Register of the National Estate Permanent 11 Aug 1987

Parent Place or Precinct

16610 Goldfields Water Supply Scheme

Condition

The pumping station is a brick building of plain industrial design appropriate to its use. It has an iron roof and a metal chimney. Work on construction of the pipeline under the direction of the Engineer-In-Chief, C Y O'Connor began in 1898 but this, the last of the steam pumping stations, was built at the end of 1901. It continued in use until 1970 when superseded by diesel powered plant. It is currently being restored by the trust in co-operation with the Public Works Department.

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id Title Medium Year Of Publication
3873 Goldfields Water Supply, Dedari Conservation Works Final Report-Heritage Grants Program 1997/98 Heritage Study {Other} 1999
7358 Conservation plan for Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Volume II, place M : No. 8 Pumping Station, Dedari. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1999
1125 Goldfields Water Supply No. 8 Steam Pumping Station at Dedari. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 1995

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Present Use EDUCATIONAL Museum
Original Use GOVERNMENTAL Pumping Station

Architectural Styles

Style
Federation Warehouse

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Roof METAL Corrugated Iron
Wall BRICK Common Brick

Historic Themes

General Specific
OCCUPATIONS Technology & technological change

Creation Date

30 May 1989

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

31 Dec 2016

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.

Author

Shire of Coolgardie

Construction Date

Constructed from 1901

Demolition Year

N/A

Statement of Significance

Significant as one of 8 former steam pumping stations in the 1898-1901 Mundaring-Kalgoorlie Water Pipeline, an important engineering feat, of major importance in the opening up of the eastern goldfields and the wheatbelt and contributing to the major development of the state. Of technological significance as the best preserved, in engineering terms, of these stations with virtually complete machinery and boilers in authentic working condition.

Physical Description

The pumping station is a brick building of plain industrial design appropriate to its use. It has an iron roof and a metal chimney. Work on the construction of the pipeline under the direction of engineer-in-chief, C.Y. O'Connor began in 1898 but this, the last of the steam pumping stations, was built at the end of 1901. It continued in use until 1970 when it was superseded by a diesel powered plant. It was restored by the National Trust in co-operation with the P.W.D. The interior is virtually intact.

History

Mundaring-Kalgoorlie Water Pipeline Structure with 2 Babcock and Wilcox boilers; four James Simpson pumps and an Asco weighbridge all intact, demonstrating the nature and function of the place. Strong associations with C.Y. O'Connor, the scheme's engineer and the state's most ambitious undertaking of an engineering project at the time.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
Webb, M&A "The Centennial History of Kalgoorlie-Boulder" 1993
National Trust Citation
Owner Category
National Trust of Australia Other Private

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

31 Dec 2016

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.

Woolgangie Catchment, Reservoirs and Railway Settlement (ruin)

Author

Heritage Council

Place Number

03934

Location

Great Eastern Hwy Woolgangie

Location Details

Other Name(s)

Woolgangie Catchment and Dam

Local Government

Coolgardie

Region

Goldfields

Construction Date

Constructed from 1894

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
State Register Registered 07 Sep 2007 HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
(no listings)

Condition

Poor - The overall condition of the place is poor, most of the built features such as the two platelayers cottages, station masters house, railway platform, concrete foundations of outbuildings, telegraph station, reservoir, railway reservoir, site of pump, carrier race, watergates, stone weight, rock catchment area, and railway formation are in a ruinous state, most only have the foundations remaining. The catchment’s stone perimeter wall and carrier race are in a good condition and still carry water to the reservoirs.

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id Title Medium Year Of Publication
6793 Conservation plan for Woolgangie Catchment and Railway Settlement. (Draft). Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2001

Place Type

Historic site

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Present Use GOVERNMENTAL Reservoir or Dam
Original Use GOVERNMENTAL Reservoir or Dam

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Wall STONE Local Stone

Historic Themes

General Specific
TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS Rail & light rail transport
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Settlements

Creation Date

28 May 1998

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

01 Jan 2017

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.