Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan Volume 5: Heritage place & precinct citations

Final May 2007

Prepared for Melbourne Water

ii

© Context Pty Ltd 2007 All rights reserved; these materials are copyright. No part may be reproduced or copied in any way, form or by any means without permission. Project Team: Context Pty Ltd - David Helms, Natica Schmeder, Chris Johnston, Jackie Donkin & Fae Ingledew

Godden Mackay Logan --- Tony Brassil Historians --- Lesley Alves & Helen Doyle

Context Pty Ltd 22 Merri Street, Brunswick 3056 Phone 03 9380 6933 Facsimile 03 9380 4066

Email [email protected] www.context-pl.com.au

iii VOLUME 5: HERITAGE PLACE & PRECINCT CITATIONS CONTENTS

PREFACE VI

YAN YEAN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM 8

SILVER CREEK WEIRS TO JACKS CREEK 26 Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek 26 Granite or Stony Weir 26 Hellhole Weir 26 Jacks Creek & Jacks Creek Diversion Channel 26 Mud Weir 26 Nimmo Falls Quarry and campsite 26 Silver Creek Aqueduct 26 Silver Creek Weir 26 The Cascades 26 Wallaby Creek Aqueduct 26 Wallaby Creek Quarters 26 Wallaby Creek Weir 26 TOOROURRONG RESERVOIR 66 Toorourrong Reservoir 66 Caretaker’s residence 66 Toorourrong Reservoir reserve 66 CLEARWATER CHANNEL AQUEDUCT 77 Clearwater Channel Aqueduct 77 Bridge WBRG309 77 Bridge WBRG312 77 Plenty River Gates & Inlet 77 YAN YEAN RESERVOIR 94 Yan Yean Reservoir 94 Caretaker’s residence 94 Clearwater Channel inlet 94 MMBW Depot 94 Boat ramp 94 By-wash and Plenty River outlet 94 Outlet tower 94 Yan Yean Reservoir park 94 Valve house and channel 94 PIPE RESERVE --- YAN YEAN-MORANG 129 Pipe reserve --- Yan Yean to Morang (Pipehead Reservoir) 129 Yan Yean-Morang Aqueduct 129 Drystone walls 129 iv

Pipehead Reservoir 129 Plenty River Flume 129 PIPE RESERVE --- MORANG-PRESTON 151 Pipe reserve --- Morang to Preston 151 Junction Basin 151 Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains 151 Pipe bridge --- Darebin Creek 151 Valve house 151 PRESTON RESERVOIR 175 Preston Reservoir 175 Caretaker’s residence 175 MMBW office 175 Monterey Cypress row (East side) 175 Monterey Cypress row (West side) 175 Preston Reservoir No.1 175 Preston Reservoir No.2 175 Preston Reservoir No.3 175 Valve House 175 PIPE RESERVE --- PRESTON-NORTHCOTE 207 Pipe Reserve --- Preston to Northcote 207 Canary Island Palms 207 Instrumentation cubicle --- Bell Street 207 Instrumentation cubicles --- Oakover Road 207 Instrumentation cubicle --- Sumner Avenue 207 Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 mains 207 Pipe bridge ruins --- Merri Creek 207 Valve House --- Miller Street 207

v VOLUME 5: HERITAGE PLACE & PRECINCT CITATIONS

PREFACE This is Volume 5 of the Conservation Management Plan for the Yan Yean water supply system. The Yan Yean system CMP comprises six volumes as follows:

Volume 1: Executive Summary Volume 1 provides a summary of the study methodology and the key findings and recommendations. Volume 2: History Volume 2 provides an explanation of the historic development of the Yan Yean system within the context of the historic development of Melbourne and its water supply. It takes a thematic approach, drawing on the key themes set out in existing histories of the Yan Yean system such as Yan Yean. A history of Melbourne’s early water supply and Vital Connections. Melbourne and its Board of Works 1891-1991, and also looks beyond Victoria to the development of water supply systems in other parts of Australia during the nineteenth century. Volume 3: Heritage assessment Volume 3 provides an assessment of the cultural significance of heritage places associated with the Yan Yean system, and concludes with a statement of significance for the whole of the Yan Yean system. Volume 4: Conservation policy The history in Volume 2 and heritage assessment in Volume 3 provides the basis for the conservation policies and management strategies in Volume 4, which includes recommendations to manage the heritage values of the Yan Yean system and implement the CMP. Volume 5: Heritage place and Volume 5 contains place records for all of the heritage places precinct citations associated with the Yan Yean system, which a detailed history, physical description, photographs and statement of significance. The place records are derived from the Melbourne Water Yan Yean system HERMES database. Volume 6: Appendices Volume 6 contains the following reports that provide background or additional information: Yan Yean water supply system CMP & interpretation plan project management plan (March 2006) Context Pty Ltd Indigenous cultural heritage values of the Yan Yean system. Draft report for Context Pty Ltd (November 2005) Heritage Insight Yan Yean water supply system: A review of natural heritage values (December 2005) Ecology Australia Interpretation Plan M57 water main replacement project (2006) Context Pty Ltd.

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VOLUME 5: HERITAGE PLACE & PRECINCT CITATIONS

YAN YEAN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM The following citation is for the whole of the Yan Yean system and provides an overview of its historical development, physical condition and integrity, significance and conservation policies that apply. Please refer to the detailed citations for the precincts and places that make up the system for additional information about each component.

8 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Yan Yean Water Supply System Heritage Overlay No

Address WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 YAN YEAN VIC 3755 DOREEN VIC 3754 SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 MILL PARK VIC 3082 BUNDOORA VIC 3083 THOMASTOWN VIC 3074 RESERVOIR VIC 3073 PRESTON VIC 3072 THORNBURY VIC 3071 NORTHCOTE VIC 3070 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Precinct VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Hermes Number 23020

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Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

The following statement of significance is for the Yan Yean system as a whole. Individual elements within the system have their own statement of significance, which are included in the appropriate place record. What is significant? The Yan Yean Water Supply system comprises a range of different components and sections, including (from north to south): Silver Creek and Wallaby Creek weirs and aqueducts, The Cascades, Jacks Creek and Jacks Creek Deviation Channel, Toorourrong Reservoir, Clearwater Channel, Yan Yean Reservoir, Morang 'aqueduct' & pipe track, Pipehead Reservoir, Yan Yean pipe track (Pipehead Reservoir to Preston Reservoir), Preston Reservoir complex, and Yan Yean pipe track (Preston Reservoir to Merri Creek). After the establishment of Melbourne in 1835, there were increasing problems with the quality of the water supply as the population increased. The water supply was drawn from the Yarra River at various points upstream of the city. Two events that occurred in July 1851 greatly affected Melbourne and its water supply. They were the separation of Victoria from New South Wales and the discovery of gold at Warrandyte near Melbourne. The first enabled the new Government of Victoria to directly borrow money for public works, and the second led to a large increase in the population of Melbourne, and consequently, Victoria. In 1850, James Blackburn, City Surveyor, reported to the Melbourne City Council that an abundant source of water could be obtained from the streams of the Mt. Disappointment area to the north of the city and proposed a gravity-fed water supply drawn from a reservoir to be constructed near Whittlesea. The Blackburn proposal and another by King (which proposed a more conventional mechanical pumping station supplying a reservoir near Dight's Falls closer to the city) were assessed by Clement Hodgkinson and later by Matthew Jackson, appointed as engineer in chage of establishing water supply. Blackburn's scheme was recommended with some changes, which included increasing capacity of the reservoir to serve a city of 200,000. The first sod for the Yan Yean reservoir was turned by Governor La Trobe in December 1853 and the system was completed four years later in 1857 when the Yan Yean water supply was turned on at the Carlton Gardens valve house. The system then comprised the reservoir and caretaker's residence at Yan Yean and a pipe track to the city that followed road reservations along Nicholson Street, St George's Road and Plenty Road. Valve houses were constructed at two locations to reduce the build up of pressure in the pipes. From the time of separation (in 1851) to the completion of the system in 1857, the population of Melbourne had already grown from 23,000 to 110,000. The better quality of the water supplied almost certainly improved the health of the city and reduced the incidence of 'colonial fever' or typhoid, though in the first two decades of its operations the Yan Yean system was plagued with problems of water quality and quantity. To overcome this, refinements were made to the system during the latter decades of the nineteenth century. In 1864 a holding reservoir was constructed at Preston to regulate supply pressure of water to the city and prevent stagnation in the pipes overnight, and in 1875 the pipe from the reservoir to Morang was replaced with an open aqueduct that fed to a small holding reservoir. The removed pipe was used to duplicate the pipeline between Morang and Preston. Perhaps the most significant additions to the system came in the 1880s when a weir was built on Wallaby Creek, which fed water via an aqueduct system to the Yan Yean reservoir via Jack's Creek. This included the construction of Clearwater Channel to avoid the polluted section of the Plenty River near Whittlesea. In 1886 a second reservoir was constructed below the Jack's Creek junction to allow sediment to settle before water entered the Clearwater Channel and a further weir was constructed at Silver Creek, which was linked to the Wallaby Weir via an aqueduct.

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By the 1890s Melbourne's population had grown significantly and the system had reached its limit. To augment the Yan Yean system a new separate water supply system was established with the construction of a weir at the Watts River near Healesville. Water was brought by the Maroondah aqueduct, which joined the Yan Yean pipe track at the Junction Basin. In the twentieth century a series of new and much larger reservoirs at increasing distances from Melbourne would be built to serve the city's increasing water supply needs. The Yan Yean system has been continually in use since it was established and much of the infrastructure constructed in the nineteenth century remains in use today. However, as a result of the addition of new systems in the twentieth century it now supplies only 3% of Melbourne's water. How is it significant? The Yan Yean system is of historic, aesthetic, social, archaeological and technical significance to the State of Victoria. Why is it significant? The Yan Yean system is historically significant because: . It is the oldest continually-operating, engineered water supply system serving a major urban centre in Australia. It still operates largely according to its original design and remains an important component of the city water supply. . It is an extraordinary feat of forward planning, and one that has had few parallels then or since. Built to serve a population far in advance of that existing at the time it was completed, it demonstrates the entrepreneurial intentions associated with Melbourne's foundation and settlement and the water-supply capacity installed supported the rapid development of Melbourne in the wake of the gold rush. . It provides evidence of the existing expectations of further extensive European settlement prevailing at the time that the system was designed. In this regard, it places the development of Melbourne into the context of world emigration patterns in the nineteenth century by demonstrating that the colonial authorities were aware of these trends and consciously planned to accommodate them. . It is one of the first 'remote' water supply system for a major urban centre in Australia and, as such, it essentially served as a prototype for later systems such as the Upper Nepean Scheme at Sydney. Lessons learnt at Yan Yean were used to make improvements that benefited these later systems. . It provides important evidence (including archaeological remains) of how Melbourne's water supply has been developed and augmented over a 150-year period. Much of the original fabric remains and is still in use and, apart from some upgrading, has changed little in its basic principles since the day it was completed. . It has strong associations with people and organisations who were important in the development of Melbourne and Victoria, and in the provision of water supply systems in Australia. These include James Blackburn who designed the original scheme, Clement Hodgkinson, who recommended it and Matthew Jackson who it implemented it. Others associated with the construction of the system included Charles Oldham and Joseph Brady, both of whom went to design and supervise other water supply systems in Australia. It has associations with the development of State authorities to control the planning, development and management of water supplies in Victoria, including the and, later, the Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works. The Yan Yean system is aesthetically significant because: . It demonstrates some fine examples of craftsmanship and skill evident in those structures, most of which are still operating effectively today. The buildings and structures associated with the early development of the Yan Yean system demonstrate a deliberately monumental architectural stylisation, which contrasts with the modern, functionalist approach to such structures adopted in later years. The Yan Yean system is a symbol of the period when infrastructure projects were a matter of considerable State investment and community pride and this is expressed in the architecture of its visible components. . The channels, pipe tracks, bridges and aqueducts with their associated landscaping and related elements such as mature trees and drystone walls are a distinctive element in the cultural landscape along the length of the system from Whittlesea to Northcote. The Yan Yean system is technically significant because: . It illustrates the major advance in water supply technology from depending on local water sources to harvesting water in remote catchment areas, storing it in dams and transporting it to the city by means of aqueducts and pipelines utilising gravity rather than machinery. The successful use of gravity descent to deliver water to a site over fifty

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Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water kilometres (direct) away under all conditions represents a significant technical accomplishment as a feat of land surveying utilising the relatively simple optical instruments of the era. It was also unusual as the Yan Yean reservoir was an 'off-stream' storage with a controlled supply from the Plenty River. . It provides extensive evidence of the evolution of engineering practices and techniques in the mid to late nineteenth century, for example, from the original use of cast-iron pipes, through wrought-iron to steel, then reinforced concrete pipes; or, similarly, from the original use of general river water to the specific exclusion of all river water except that from a protected catchment. . It provides detailed and varied evidence of engineering construction techniques prior to the revolution inspired by concrete construction, which was used extensively in water supply systems built later in the century. It incorporates early technical elements not required in other systems, such as in-line pressure reducing valves and engineered cascades to aerate incoming water. . Reservoir No 2 at Preston is an early example of the use of reinforced concrete for a large water storage reservoir, a material that became largely standard for this use in subsequent years. Situated adjacent to original bluestone-lined reservoir, it illustrates the advances in construction technology from the nineteenth to the twentieth century. The Yan Yean system is archaeologically significant because it contains a range of known or potential archaeological deposits associated with the construction, development and use of the system over the past 100 years. This ranges from workers camp associated with the construction of the system to decommissioned equipment such as early cast-iron pipe technology and the former Morang Aqueduct and former Pipehead Reservoir. These archaeological sites have the potential to provide valuable information particularly in relation to early engineering construction techniques and provide a greater understanding of how a project of this magnitude was undertaken. They also can provide insight into the lives of the people involved in construction. Levels of significance Primary significance These are features and attributes that are integral to the significance of the place. They include elements that provide important evidence of its historical development and are directly associated with the key historic period of development and use from the commencement of construction in 1853 until 1891, which is the date that the first stage of the Maroondah system came on line and was connected with the Yan Yean system at the Junction Basin. The elements of primary significance are those that are associated with: . The initial construction of the Yan Yean system from 1853 to 1857. This includes items that are still in use as well as decommissioned items, as follows: Ø Yan Yean Reservoir, including inlet channel, dam wall to the extent of the 1850s fabric (not including any materials associated with the reinforcement of 1999), Valve House, Outlet Tower, By-wash (Spillway, including the channel leading to the Plenty River), Caretaker's House & tank, remnants of early landscaping. Ø The pipe reserve between Yan Yean Reservoir and Merri Creek including the remnants of original cast iron pipes (No. 1 and No. 3 mains) that remain in situ. Ø Valve House, Mill Park Ø Darebin Creek Bridge (1850s section) Ø Valve House, Preston Reservoir Ø Merri Creek Pipe Bridge, remains of Ø Watertank from Eastern Hill, now at Werribee Sewerage Farm. . The additions and alterations that were made to the Yan Yean system up to 1891, which illustrate refinements to the system's operating performance and water quality, rather than expansions of capacity. . Mature trees surrounding Yan Yean reservoir, particularly conifers and sugar gums Ø Preston Reservoir No 1 (1864) and Caretaker's Residence and garden (1865) Ø Morang Aqueduct (1875) and associated features (drystone walls, and brick & bluestone culverts), and remains of Pipehead Reservoir at McDonalds Road (1873-5) Ø Flume over Plenty River (rebuilt 1879) Ø Clearwater Channel (1885) and remnant early trees Ø Toorourrong Reservoir and landscaped park (1883-5) Ø Jacks Creek and Deviation Channel (1880s)

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Ø Silver Creek (1886) and Wallaby Creek (1885) systems (including the Wallaby Creek Quarters, The Cascades and associated quarries and tree plantations) Ø Junction Basin (1891) which signals end of Yan Yean as the sole source of water supply in Melbourne. Secondary significance These are features and attributes that are important as evidence of the development of the Yan Yean system after 1891 when the Maroondah system came on-stream and prior to 1949 when the development of the Upper Yarra system began. These elements are of secondary significance in the context of the development of the original Yan Yean system from 1853-1891, but may be significant for other reasons. The elements of secondary significance include: . MMBW Rates office (1900) and Preston Reservoir No 2 (1909) and Preston Reservoir No 3 (1913) . Egyptian Revival Valve House and instrumentation cubicle valve houses, St Georges Road (1928-9) . Pipes installed from 1892 to c.1950 . MMBW depot at Yan Yean Reservoir behind Caretaker's House (c.1920s) . Caretaker's Residence (1928-9) at Toorourrong Reservoir . Timber bridges across the Clearwater Channel aqueduct (c.1940s) Limited significance The elements of limited significance, but are of some interest in demonstrating the continuing development of the Yan Yean system in the twentieth century are those that are associated with changes to the Yan Yean system made after c.1930: . Infrastructure, buildings and landscaping dating from after c.1950. . Pipeline from Yan Yean Reservoir to Morang (placed within the aqueduct in 1960)

Place History

The following history is an extract from Volume 1: History of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). Please refer to that report for more information about the historical development of the Yan Yean system. Introduction Early Melburnians drew their water supplies from the Yarra River, but problems of pollution and the high cost of delivery soon prompted a search for a better supply. During the 1850s, as James Blackburn's scheme to bring water from the mountain ranges north of Melbourne was taking shape, other services and institutions essential to the growing city were also being developed. "The Yan Yean" as Melbourne's water came to be known, was a key resource in Melbourne's transformation from a small frontier town to a sophisticated modern city with a special pride in its gardens. The innovative Yan Yean water supply system was not without its problems, however, and remedies to improve water quality and quantity reflected scientific theories of the era. One of the main actions taken to improve water quality was to close the catchment to all other uses. During the latter decades of the nineteenth century the Yan Yean system was improved and expanded to its limits. The Wallaby Creek weirs and aqueduct were built to divert water from north flowing creeks, bringing extra water via the Toorourrong Reservoir and Clearwater Channel. The delivery system from Yan Yean was greatly expanded by increasing the pipelines and building service reservoirs. Other water supply systems were also developed, mostly during the twentieth century, integrating the Yan Yean system into a greatly enlarged urban scheme. This is the story of the Yan Yean water supply system and its place in Melbourne's growth and development from first European settlement to the present. Subsequent chapters will expand on various aspects of the system. Melbourne's early water supply Crucial to the choice of the site for Melbourne in 1834 were the availability of fresh water and access for shipping. Batman's village began to take shape on the banks of the Yarra River where a rocky barrier near present day Queen Street separated salt water from fresh. The Yarra River was Melbourne's first water supply, with a distribution system consisting of horse-drawn tanks delivering to households, at high expense to the consumer. The Yarra was also Melbourne's drain. Within a few years the river was so polluted by wastes created by the settlers and their industries,

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Page 5 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water that its water posed a threat to public health. Melbourne Town Council, formed in 1842, sought suggestions for a clean piped water supply for the town. Of the schemes put forward, the best was that of Melbourne's Town Clerk, J.C. King, who proposed pumping Yarra water into a reservoir on high ground near Dight's Falls. However, although Council saw the provision of a water supply as its right and responsibility, it lacked the funds to implement such a scheme. A decade of investigations and deliberations ensued before a decision could be made regarding a suitable water supply system for Melbourne.[i] Meanwhile, in 1849, a slight improvement in quality and price was achieved when the Melbourne Water Company commenced pumping water from the Yarra. The water was filtered through charcoal and stored in iron tanks on the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets. From there it was distributed by water carters.[ii] The Melbourne Water Company was owned by James Blackburn, who was to become a key player in the story of the Yan Yean water supply system. Following Separation from New South Wales in 1851 the new Victorian Legislative Council, instead of providing the hoped-for funds to the Melbourne Council, appointed a Commission of Sewers and Water Supply, thus taking the matter out of municipal control. In 1854 the Commissioners built a large elevated tank on Eastern Hill with the intention of providing a reticulated supply of water pumped from the Yarra. They had already begun laying pipes in the city, in anticipation of the Yan Yean system, then in course of construction, but the tank was inadequate for the purpose.[iii] Development of Melbourne's infrastructure By this time Melbourne had grown into a sizeable town, serving as a port and commercial centre for the pastoral industry that had spread across the western and central regions of the Port Phillip District. In 1851, the year in which the Port Phillip District separated from New South Wales to become the colony of Victoria, Melbourne's population was 29,000, comprising 38 per cent of the new colony's total population. The other major event of 1851 was the discovery of gold in payable quantities, which brought immigrants flocking into Victoria. Within a decade Melbourne's population had more than quadrupled, to 125,000, making it Australia's largest city.[iv] The 1850s saw the beginnings of cultural and administrative institutions and infrastructure for essential services that was to change Melbourne from a small primitive frontier town to a large metropolis that boasted the latest in nineteenth century amenities. Building of both the University of Melbourne and the Public Library commenced in 1853. By the end of the decade Parliament House, the Treasury Building and the General Post Office had been started.[v] Such buildings were designed to express the permanency, wealth and pride of the young city and reflected the grandeur of the Victorian age. This rapidly growing city required essential services, the most vital being water, but other amenities such as gas and transport services were needed for the burgeoning population. In the early 1850s gasworks, run by private companies, commenced providing reticulated gas for lighting in various parts of the city. By the end of the 1870s the service was being extended to the suburbs within an eight mile radius of the GPO.[vi] Telephone services commenced in the 1880s, reticulated electricity was provided by the City of Melbourne's Spencer Street power-house from 1894. The Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Work's sewerage system did not come into operation until 1897.[vii] Victoria's first railway commenced operating between the city and Sandridge (Port Melbourne) in 1854, with a branch line to St Kilda added in 1857. A line to Geelong was also opened in 1857. Like the gasworks, these and other early suburban lines were developed by private companies, but the companies were unable to become economically viable. By the late 1870s the government had taken over the whole rail system. This included a proposed line to link the Mt Alexander goldfields with Melbourne, initially planned by a private company in the early 1850s. This line reached Bendigo in 1862, and a line connecting Geelong and Ballarat opened in the same year. Both public works were of a high standard of engineering that was not repeated in subsequent railway construction.[viii] Water however, being the most urgent need, was to be Victoria's first major public works engineering project. The new water supply system at Yan Yean was the first of its kind in Australia. James Blackburn James Blackburn, born in 1803, trained as an engineer, surveyor and architect, and worked as an inspector of sewers

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Page 6 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water in London. In 1833 he was convicted of forging a cheque and transported for life to Hobart, where his engineering abilities were put to use by the Department of Public Works. He was responsible for many of Tasmania's early buildings, roads and other engineering projects, including the design and construction of a water supply for Launceston. Blackburn was granted a pardon in 1841 and subsequently set up his own practice. In 1849 he moved to Melbourne, where he commenced private practice and began the Melbourne Water Company. In the same year he was appointed City Surveyor, with the task of investigating options for a water supply for Melbourne.[ix] Blackburn examined proposals involving pumping plants and reservoirs on the Yarra in the Melbourne area, but preferred a gravitational system that did not rely on pumping machinery. After considering all the catchments in the vicinity of Melbourne, Blackburn proposed the Plenty River as the best source of a water supply. He designed the basic concept plan for the Yan Yean system that was adopted a few years later, but did not live to see it built, as he died of typhoid fever in 1854.[x] Development of the Yan Yean water supply system History of the site The Plenty Valley The Plenty River rises in Mount Disappointment - a high point in the Great Dividing Range about 50 kilometres to the north of Melbourne. The river and its tributaries run through the thickly timbered forests of the southern slopes of the range before reaching an alluvial flood plain near Whittlesea. In ancient times the valley was blocked by a lava flow from volcanic activity to the west, causing the river to change course to skirt the eastern edge of the resulting basalt layer. Thus the Plenty River marks the border between the Great Basalt Plains of Western Victoria and the Eastern Highlands. At present day Yarrambat, the Plenty has cut a deep gorge into the softer Silurian stone of the eastern side, exposing the basalt in the cliffs on the western side.[xi] The Plenty joins the Yarra at Templestowe. Prior to 1857 the Plenty was a substantial river, "the only stream except the Barwun (sic) deserving the name river" according to Joseph Tice Gellibrand, who explored the district from the west.[xii] The Plenty Valley is sufficiently elevated to allow for the flow of water by gravity all the way to Melbourne, and this was a key factor in Blackburn's choice of the Plenty River as the water supply. Early occupation of the Plenty district The fertile Plenty valley was part of the estate of the Wurundjeri willam, a clan of the Kulin people. The land provided a rich food supply - fish and eels in the streams and swamps, kangaroos in the grassy woodlands and a variety of birds and edible plants. Its trees and grasses also provided materials for spears, canoes and string. Early European observers suggested that that Yan Yean was a place where young men underwent their initiation rights, and its place name was derived from the word for young man.[xiii] Aborigines continued to camp in the district for a number of years following contact with European pastoralists who began settling the district in 1837, and many were employed on the pastoral stations. Amongst the early pastoralists to occupy the site of the future Yan Yean Reservoir were John Bear, Captain John Harrison, Patrick Reid, George Sherwin and Dr William Ronald. By the 1840s a strong community had formed at Yan Yean, and residents were successful in having a road laid out from Melbourne to the "Upper Plenty".[xiv] John Bear and his family arrived at Port Phillip from Devon, England in 1841. They took up several pastoral runs across the Port Phillip District, including the New Leicester station on the Plenty. This run originally extended from the Plenty River to what is now the Kinglake National Park in the north, and to the present suburb of Hurstbridge in the south. Bear planted orchards and vines at Yan Yean, and by the end of the decade was producing wine at his Castle Hill vineyard. The Bear family progressively purchased sections of the run as the land became available for sale, the first being Crown Allotment 20, Parish of Yan Yean in 1842. John's sons, Thomas Hutchins and John Pinney Bear, were partly responsible for establishing the Chateau Tahbilk winery in the Goulburn Valley.[xv] A reminder of the Bear family, their squatting empire and the pastoral era in the district, is the unusual earthen building known as Bear's Castle. Situated on a hill near the site of Bear's vineyard, it overlooks the northern part of the Yan Yean Reservoir. Built by Bear's shepherds using a technique known as cob, it originally had the appearance of a small castle. It was used as a shepherd's hut and later as a temporary home for Thomas Bear's station manager. Bear's Castle was a popular tourist landmark until the closure of the catchment.[xvi]

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Government land sales in 1853 brought new settlers to the area to take up small agricultural allotments, so that the growth of Yan Yean's settled farming community coincided with the construction of the reservoir.[xvii] Blackburn's water supply scheme James Blackburn's scheme to bring water from many miles outside Melbourne was innovative in a time when cities tended to rely on water in streams, swamps or wells within or close to city boundaries. London, for example, drew its supplies from the River Thames; Sydney relied on streams and swamps in and around the town until the 1880s. The nineteenth century saw the rapid growth of city populations in Europe and America, with urban supplies unable to keep up with demand. Where reticulated supplies were established in English cities they were intermittent, that is they were only turned on for an hour or two each day. In 1842 New York had addressed the problem of shortage by bringing water along 35 miles of aqueducts from the Croton catchment. Local supplies in unsewered cities were also suffering increasingly from pollution, as the human and industrial wastes mingled with stream waters used for drinking. [xviii] This we have already noted in even such a small city as Melbourne in the early 1850s. Conventional urban systems usually relied on pumping machinery and small impounding reservoirs within or close to the towns. This was the type of scheme King proposed for Melbourne. Blackburn proposed a plan that would address all of the above shortcomings. He had recently designed the Launceston (Tasmania) system, which brought water from a distance of 13 miles.[xix] For Melbourne, Blackburn proposed to make use of the clear mountain streams that flowed into swamps that fed the Plenty River. Measuring flows above and below the swamps, Blackburn found that almost half of this water was lost through seepage and evaporation, so he planned a channel that would collect the water and take it into the Plenty River below the swamps. Eighteen miles of aqueduct would then take the water from the river to a reservoir on the outskirts of Melbourne. This scheme was calculated to provide a city of 70,000 people with 40 gallons (182 litres) each per day, a very large quantity by the standards of the day. Aware that the diversion of water from the Plenty River would reduce the flow needed to power some mills situated downstream of the aqueduct, Blackburn proposed a small reservoir to provide sufficient water for the mills. However, Blackburn soon saw such a storage reservoir as prudent in the likely event of drought. The site of the proposed reservoir, known as Ryder's Swamp after the early settler, was a natural basin that could be closed by means of a dam.[xx] In 1852 Clement Hodgkinson, an assistant surveyor in the Surveyor General's Department, assessed both King's and Blackburn's schemes, and eventually recommended Blackburn's, with some amendments.[xxi] The Commissioners appointed Matthew Bullock Jackson as the engineer in charge of establishing a water supply system for Melbourne. Jackson was 27 years of age, and his only experience in water supply appears to have been to report on the failure of the Bilberry Dam in Yorkshire, England. He had trained as a surveyor, served an apprenticeship with the eminent engineers George and Robert Stephenson and claimed to be "a practical man in every sense of the word". He immigrated to South Australia hoping to be employed on designs for the railway, but the project was postponed, so Jackson applied for the job of Chief Engineer for Waterworks in Melbourne.[xxii] Jackson recommended Blackburn's Plenty scheme. The deciding factors for the Commissioners were the superior quality of the Plenty water and the lower running costs for Blackburn's gravitational scheme. Although Blackburn's scheme involved a much higher capital outlay to construct than King's Yarra scheme would have required, it did not entail the ongoing expense of running pumping machinery. Blackburn's original plan was modified by engineer Charles Oldham, who joined Hodgkinson and Blackburn in examining the scheme. Oldham, who had experience with water supply and sewerage contracts in England, proposed to amend the plan to divert all of the Plenty water into the reservoir and to carry the water to Melbourne in pipes rather than an open aqueduct.[xxiii] These amendments proved to be responsible for some of the system's problems, and were later altered to accord with Blackburn's original plan. On his appointment as engineer for the scheme, Jackson made some further amendments, in consultation with Blackburn, including the raising of the embankment to make a larger reservoir. By this stage Melbourne's population had risen dramatically as gold seekers crowded in. The supply was now calculated to serve 200,000 people with 30 gallons (135 litres) per day - still a generous per capita ration of water.[xxiv] Construction of the Yan Yean Reservoir and associated system

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When on 20 December 1853 Governor La Trobe turned the first sod, the guests invited to the ceremony found the journey to Yan Yean difficult because of the state of the roads and river crossings. The state of the roads was just one of many problems to be overcome by Jackson and the Commissioners. In the early years the scarcity of labour due to the gold rushes forced wages up, as did the granting of the eight hour day to stone masons in 1854. Jackson also experienced problems with the contractors, partly due to his bullying management style.[xxv] The whole project was a huge undertaking. The cast iron pipes, some as large as 30 inches in diameter - amounting to 123,000 miles of piping altogether - were shipped from England. To overcome the bad roads, nineteen miles of wooden tramway were laid beside the pipe track for hauling the pipes, but it was not much better than the road. Three horses were needed to pull each pipe, and many horses were injured by plunging into the holes between the sleepers. [xxvi] The pipe track extended from the Carlton Gardens, along Nicholson Street and the route of what is now St George's Road, then along Plenty Road to Yan Yean. The St George's Road route avoided the steep slopes of Ruckers Hill at High Street.[xxvii] Three bridges were built to carry the pipeline across the streams in its path. A tubular girder bridge on bluestone piers carried the pipeline across Merri Creek at St Georges Road. The pipeline was carried across Darebin Creek on bluestone piers. A single arch bluestone bridge was built to take the pipe and tramline across the Plenty River near Bridge Inn Road.[xxviii] At the Yan Yean end a township grew up at the construction site. Over 400 labourers - 700 by 1856 - some with their families, took up residence in slab huts or tents. Yan Yean Quarry School was opened, and the contractors for the embankment opened a hotel, later known as the Yan Yean Hotel. A house was built for the resident engineer, John Charles Taylor. This house later became the caretaker's residence. The first job was to clear all the vegetation, including some large trees, from the site of the embankment. A quarry was opened to the south of the reservoir for the bluestone facing inside the embankment. Construction of the embankment took three years. The work was carried out using the muscle power of men and beasts for felling timber, digging, moving earth and carrying materials and equipment. Implements were simple: "ploughs, scoops, and tip-drays drawn by horses and bullocks, shovels wielded by men".[xxix] A network of pipes was laid through Melbourne's city streets, under the street channels rather than under the footpaths as Blackburn originally intended. Service pipes made of lead lined with tin were laid to connect with each property. Seventeen hundred fireplugs and fire hydrants were installed in the city. Such a large undertaking for such a young city attracted much interest and anticipation in the community, as everywhere the work of pipe laying was evident. Governor La Trobe, who had favoured the Yan Yean system from the outset, took a personal interest, and made frequent visits to inspect the progress of the works. By the time the system was completed, however, La Trobe had finished his term of office and returned to England.[xxx] In 31 December 1857 a large crowd assembled at the valve house in Carlton Gardens to witness Major-General Edward Macarthur, deputising for the Governor, turning on the Yan Yean water supply. A procession then moved through the streets to the standpipe on the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets, where the Chairman of the Commission turned on a jet of water that "projected sixty or seventy feet in a perpendicular direction", splashing the onlookers.[xxxi] The project took far longer and was much more expensive than originally estimated. There were accusations of wastage and corruption, with a great deal of blame laid on Jackson. The final figure of £754,203, almost double Jackson's initial estimate, was never fully explained. Jackson returned to England 1861, a figure of public disgrace at the time when many of the Yan Yean system's early problems were manifested. Although Jackson had his faults, he suffered more than his share of the blame for the water supply system's problems.[xxxii] Jackson should be remembered as the engineer who developed Blackburn's innovative plan, working under the great difficulties of gold-rush labour shortages and inflation, long distances and undeveloped transport systems, and sometimes lack of co-operation from government authorities, to provide Melbourne with a reticulated water supply that was generous for the needs of the time. That system, with some modifications, remains in use 150 years later. Problems with the system In the first two decades of its operations the Yan Yean system was plagued with problems of water quality and

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Page 9 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water quantity. The water was discoloured, unpalatable and, in the view of some medical experts, dangerous to health. An increase in diarrhoea and dysentery had been noted from the time the Yan Yean water supply was turned on, but because the theory of water-borne infection was as yet unknown, science could not attribute this to the water supply. The two committees appointed to inquire into the matter in 1858 and 1859 found various causes for the poor quality of the water. Discolouration came from the water flowing through swamps, but it was not considered dangerous to health. Land use above the reservoir was also causing pollution. Water entering the system from Bruce's Creek was contaminated by sewage from Whittlesea, and by domestic animals using the stream. With its high levels of organic matter, the water stagnated in the pipes overnight when its long journey from Yan Yean was slowed by low demand. [xxxiii] Another report, this time to the Central Board of Health in 1870, identified a sawmill on the upper reaches of the Plenty River and a piggery as causes of pollution, however the worst offenders were herds of travelling livestock: It is not an unusual thing for 600 head of cattle and 15,000 sheep to come down the Magpie and Stump Road in a week, pass through Whittlesea and go down to Greensborough.These overheated animals trample through all the creeks and leave large deposits of dung on the various reserves to be swept into the creek on the first rain. Again there is scarcely a mob of cattle or sheep pass through but some of them die on the roads and are left by the drivers to rot. [xxxiv] Despite these concerns, a nexus between organic contamination of water and infection was not scientifically established until the 1870s, so little action was taken to protect the water supply from pollution near the source. The other cause of contamination was lead from faulty tin-lined lead pipes used to connect houses with the mains. Although many people showed symptoms now attributed to lead poisoning, and there were a number of deaths, the condition and its cause were not fully understood by public health officials. Consumers were simply advised to let their taps run for a minute in the mornings before using the water. The use of lead pipes was eventually discontinued and the existing ones replaced with iron pipes.[xxxv] Shortages and interrupted supplies were also of concern. Due to the difficulty of regulating water pressure, pipes frequently burst, cutting off supplies. During dry spells, such as the summer of 1862, sufficient pressure could not be maintained to supply all consumers. The problems of regulating supply and the stagnation in the pipes were addressed in the short term by the construction of a small holding reservoir at Preston in 1864. It was filled at night when demand was low. This helped regulate the pressure in the pipes, and provided a daily supply close to Melbourne. [xxxvi] Because of the problems with water quality, the Yan Yean system, along with its Commissioners and engineer Jackson, became the object of public criticism and scorn. In response to the Commissioners' failure to provide a clean and constant supply, the government abolished the Commission in 1860 and took direct control of water supply through the Board of Land and Works. From 1862 Melbourne's water supply was administered by the Water Supply Branch of the Public Works Department.[xxxvii] By the early 1870s Melbourne's population had reached 200,000, the maximum the Yan Yean system had been built to serve. More shortages were experienced, particularly by residents of the higher suburbs east of Melbourne. Water rationing was introduced in the summer of 1871-72.[xxxviii] Another government inquiry in 1872 considered the effects of land use in the catchment, particularly timber cutting. The forests of the Yan Yean catchment provided timber for the rapidly growing city, however, timber harvesting was identified as a cause of pollution through eroded soil entering the system and fouling by the working animals. More importantly, it was believed forests were essential to water production by attracting rainfall. In 1872, despite the protests of timber interests, the government reserved the catchment of the Yan Yean system for water supply purposes and excluded timber cutters. A year later the reserve was extended across the crest of the ranges to take in two miles of the northern slopes. The Board of Land and Works subsequently acquired all the land adjacent to the reservoir, including the Upper Plenty Farmers' Common, and in 1886 the Yan Yean catchment was completely closed to all activities except water harvesting. In 1888 a Royal Commission appointed to inquire into Melbourne's sanitary condition reported favourably on the quality of Yan Yean water, finding it "unusually free from living micro-organisms".[xxxix] At last Melbourne had a clean water supply.

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The closed catchment policy, once established, was maintained for Melbourne's later water supply systems, thus ensuring a high standard of clean water, which required little or no treatment. During the 1870s and 1880s the Department of Water Supply took measures to increase the rate of delivery of water to Melbourne. In 1875 the 30 inch pipe from Yan Yean to Morang was dug up and replaced by an open aqueduct with a larger carrying capacity. The aqueduct ended at small reservoir at Morang, known as the Pipehead Reservoir. As part of the contract to construct the aqueduct, stone walls were built along all or part of the adjoining reserve to keep out wandering livestock. Doyle has noted that the stone wall is marked on a MMBW plan c.1900, extending north of the reservoir towards Gordons Road.[xl] Part of the wall can still be seen along both sides of the pipe track reserve in the section south of Bridge Inn Road. The original pipe was re-laid to duplicate the pipeline between Morang and Preston.[xli] In March 1878 a storm brought heavy rain to the catchment, sending a torrent down the Plenty River. Large tree trunks swept along by the floodwaters blocked the arch of the bridge that carried the aqueduct across the river at Morang. Part of the bridge, aqueduct walls and embankment collapsed under the weight of the built-up waters, cutting off Melbourne's water supply. William Davidson, the superintending engineer, organised the construction of a temporary wooden flume supported by trestles to breach the gap in the aqueduct. Teams worked day and night to restore the water supply in three days. Davidson was rewarded for his quick action with a promotion to Engineer in Charge of Water Supply. In 1879 the temporary flume was replaced by a wrought iron flume five feet wide and four feet deep, carried across the river on steel decking supported by bluestone piers and abutments. This remained in use until 1960.[xlii] Additions and improvements By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of the MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty Ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north-flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated.[xliii] In 1882-83 a weir was built on Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order.[xliv] Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean system intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong Reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean water supply.[xlv] In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek Aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Great Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north-flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. As Melbourne's suburbs expanded, local service reservoirs were also necessary to maintain pressure, particularly in

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Page 11 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water higher areas. Like the Preston Reservoir, they filled overnight, ready for the daily demand. A reservoir was built at Essendon in 1881, with a second one added in 1883. Caulfield Reservoir was also built in 1883 and another was built at Kew in 1886. The last nineteenth century service reservoir was built at Surrey Hills in 1892.[xlvi] By 1868 another main was required to satisfy the demands of Melbourne's growing population. A second 24 inch main, laid from Preston to Collingwood, came into service in 1869 and delivered water from the Preston Reservoir, while the first main delivered the water directly from Yan Yean. Melbourne's booming population and suburban expansion during the 1870s and 80s put increasing demands on its water supply, and kept the Water Supply Department busy laying new mains. Additional mains were laid to increase delivery and to service distant suburbs. In 1877 the third main, 24 inches in diameter, was taken from the 30 inch main before it entered the Preston Reservoir and laid from Preston to the Merri Creek. From here it reduced to an 18 inch main across the Yarra River at Fairfield on stone piers to supply Kew and Hawthorn. This arrangement enabled water to flow directly from Morang, taking advantage of the higher altitude when more pressure was needed. This was duplicated from the Merri Creek to Kew in 1880. The fourth main -24 inch cast iron -was laid from Preston, duplicating the first main along St George's Road and Nicholson Street. In 1885-6 the fifth main - a 30 inch pipe -was laid along the original pipe track from Preston to the Merri Creek. In 1887 the main from Morang to Preston was duplicated, making the carrying capacity equal to that of the aqueduct from Yan Yean. Additional mains were taken from the Merri Creek main to the eastern suburbs and Melbourne in the same year.[xlvii] These additions in effect completed the Yan Yean system. As Melbourne's first reticulated water supply system, originally constructed to provide 200,000 people with 30 gallons each per day, it had been expanded to provide 482,600 people with a daily per capita consumption of around 52 gallons (237 litres) by 1890.[xlviii] Twentieth century developments During the twentieth century several changes were made at Yan Yean Reservoir to improve its working within the enlarged water supply system and to upgrade the water quality to modern standards. In 1960 a new reinforced concrete outlet tower was built at the south end of the reservoir with a steel and concrete lined tunnel outlet 550 feet long. From there a new 68 inch pipeline followed the old aqueduct to Morang.[xlix] Fluoridation of the water commenced in 1976-77.[l] A water treatment plant to filter and chlorinate the water was established in 1994. In 1999-2000 the dam wall was strengthened. This required the relocation of the old valve house a few metres to the west of its original site.[li] As new larger systems were built to keep up with metropolitan expansion, Yan Yean Reservoir's share of the Melbourne's water supply diminished, contributing only three percent in 2005. Nevertheless it remains a valuable holding storage for water from the Plenty catchment and surplus water from other systems.[lii] The original Yan Yean system, including the pipe track to Melbourne and Preston Reservoir, has been modified and expanded, however, it remains an integral part of the overall network of water supply systems for Melbourne. Role in Melbourne's development The provision of a water supply meant, initially that Melbourne's streets could be cleaned and drains flushed. The high pressure water service could be used to power hydraulic lifts in multi-storey buildings, and to extinguish fires quickly. It also had an impact upon the development of Melbourne's public gardens in terms of opening up new possibilities of the range of plants that could be grown within the city, and also allowed more elaborate fountains to be erected. In 1863, Melbourne's first public drinking fountain was relocated from the city streets to the Carlton Gardens.[liii] Yan Yean became synonymous with water supply, as suburban Melbourne spread during the boom years following the gold rushes. A feature of Melbourne's suburban landscape was, and still is, its domestic gardens. William Davidson told the Sanitary Commission in 1889 that: Melbourne is built differently to any town at home, in that the whole settlement is on allotments with gardens. I think the fact that Melbourne is a city of gardens accounts for the big consumption of water; and it is quite clear to me we are getting into trouble because it has been such a dry winter and spring; we have to keep the gardens in order . [liv] It was only possible for Melbourne to become a city of gardens because it was so liberally supplied with water from the Yan Yean system during the years of suburban expansion that followed its construction. Gardeners could not rely on Melbourne's unpredictable rainfall to keep in order the "smooth sward of lawn, high hedge and well tended

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Page 12 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water flower-bed"- thirsty exotic plants that became so much a part of the suburban landscape.[lv] Melbourne's garden culture, once established, placed big demands on its water supply. Keating notes that in 1983, 38 percent of Melbourne's water consumption was used on the garden. This was during a drought when severe water restrictions were imposed.[lvi] The need to "keep our gardens in order" has largely driven the perpetual search for more water resources. An early effect of the new water supply system could be seen in the industrial sector. Industries that relied on water for their processing operations could begin to move away from the Yarra River, although this shift took some decades to complete. Preston's development as an industrial suburb began soon after the opening of the Yan Yean system. Although individual properties were not connected to the supply until the 1870s, water was available in standpipes along the pipe track. In 1862 a bacon factory was opened near the pipeline at Preston, and three tanneries followed soon after. A 1907 map of Preston shows six factories - bacon processors and tanneries close to the pipe track, with several other factories nearby.[lvii] The provision of running water had its down-side during the first 40 years of the Yan Yean system's operations, because Melbourne was as yet unsewered. With each resident using up to 50 gallons per day, the waste water had to be discharged somewhere, and it ended up in the streets and drains, where it contributed to the spread of infectious diseases such as typhoid, and to the nickname "Smelbourne" that was attached to the city before the MMBW's sewerage system was connected in 1897. The provision of abundant Yan Yean water was soon taken for granted by Melburnians, whose per capita demand for water continued to increase while the population grew and the city expanded. For those responsible for satisfying these demands, the task of expanding and improving the supply systems throughout the sprawling metropolis has continued to this day. References [i] Dingle, Tony and Doyle, Helen, Yan Yean, A history of Melbourne's early water supply, North Melbourne, 2003, pp 3-6. [ii] Ibid., p.6. [iii] Seeger, R.C., "The history of Melbourne's water supply-Part 2", Victorian Historical Magazine, Vol. 22, 1947-8., pp 27-8. [iv] Dingle, Tony, The Victorians: Settling, McMahons Point, 1984, pp 152-3. [v] Victorian Year Book, Centenary Edition: Melbourne, 1973, pp 178-9. [vi] Ibid., pp 224-5. [vii] Dingle, 1984, p.161; Victorian Year Book, 1973, pp. 213, 218. [viii] Ibid., pp 245-8.- [ix] Preston, Harley, "Blackburn, James", in Shaw, A.G.L. and Clark C.M.H., (eds) Australian Dictionary of Biography, Vol.1 1788-1850, Melbourne, 1966, p.110. [x] Ibid. [xi] Edwards, Dianne, Yan Yean: A History, Yan Yean, 1978, p.11; Closs, Gerry, "A Story in a Landscape: A Natural and Human History of the Plenty Valley", in Ellem, Lucy G. (ed.) The Australian Experience of the Plenty Valley, Bundoora, 1996, pp 2-3. [xii] Bride, T.F. Letters from Victorian Pioneers, Melbourne, 1983, p.27. [xiii] Edwards, pp 11-15. [xiv] Ibid, pp 15 & 43. [xv] Alves, Lesley; "Bear's Castle", in Griffiths, Tom, Secrets of the Forest: Discovering History in Melbourne's Ash Range, Allen & Unwin, 1992, pp 111-4. [xvi] Ibid. [xvii] Edwards, p. 51-2. [xviii] Bruce, F.E., "Water-Supply", in Singer, Charles et al. (eds) A History of Technology, Vol.5, Oxford University Press, 1979, pp 552-68; Henry, F.J.J., The Water Supply and Sewerage of Sydney, Sydney, 1939. [xix] Dingle and Doyle, p.8.

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[xx] Ibid, pp 9-11. [xxi] 13-15. [xxii] Ibid, pp 21-2; Seeger, p.24; Binnie, G.M., Early Victorian Water Engineers, London, 1981, pp 240-1. [xxiii] Dingle and Doyle, pp 16-17. [xxiv] Ibid., p 22 [xxv] Ibid., pp 26-9. [xxvi] Ibid., p. 28; Payne, J.W., The Plenty: A centenary history of the Whittlesea Shire, Kilmore, 1975, p.127. [xxvii] Lay, Maxwell, Melbourne Miles: the Story of Melbourne's Roads, Melbourne, 2003, p.111. [xxviii] Payne, pp 127-8. [xxix] Payne, p. 126-8. [xxx] Dingle and Doyle, p. 31; Edwards, p.26-8. [xxxi] Edwards, p.28. [xxxii] Dingle and Doyle, p. p.53; Binnie, G.M., Early Victorian Water Engineers, London, 1981, pp252-5. [xxxiii] Ibid., pp 40-48 [xxxiv] Payne, p.130 [xxxv] Dingle and Doyle, pp 44-5 [xxxvi] Ibid., pp 48-51. [xxxvii] Seeger, p.32; Payne, p.131 n.35. [xxxviii] Dingle and Doyle, p.64. [xxxvix] Ibid., pp 64-68, 75-76, 84 [xl] Doyle, Helen, "Yan Yean Pipe track (Preston Reservoir to McDonalds Road)", draft report prepared for Context Pty Ltd, August 2004. [xli] Ibid., p.70. [xlii] Ibid., pp 70-73; Gibbs, p.17; VPRS 8609/P28 Unit 4, Flume over Plenty River 1879; MMBW Annual Report, 1961. [xliii] Dingle and Doyle, p.75, Dingle, Tony, "The Cascades" in Griffiths, pp 197-8. [xliv] Ibid [xlv] Dingle and Doyle, p.83. [xlvi] Gibbs, pp 34-7. [xlvii] Seeger, p.40, Gibbs, George A., Water Supply and Sewerage Systems of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, Melbourne, 1925, pp 34-6. [xlviii] Victorian Year Book, 1973, p.1070; Seeger, p.46. [xlix] MMBW Annual Report, 1960-61 [l] MMBW Annual Report, 1977. [li] Dingle and Doyle, pp 110-12. [lii] Dingle and Doyle, pp 110-12. [liii] Register of the National Estate, file 2/11/033/0235, Royal Exhibition Building National Historic Place, Carlton, Vic [liv] Dingle, Tony and Rasmussen, Carolyn, Vital Connections: Melbourne and its Board of Works1891-1991, Ringwood, 1991, p.29. [lv] Davison, Graeme, The Rise and Fall of Marvellous Melbourne, Carlton, 1978 pp 175-6. [lvi] Keating, Jenny, The Drought Walked Through: A history of water shortage in Victoria, Melbourne, 1992, p.12. [lvii] Carroll, Brian and Rule, Ian, Preston: An Illustrated History, 1985

Description Assessment Against Criteria

This section provides an assessment using the criteria for the assessment of cultural heritage significance adopted by the Heritage Council of Victoria in 1997. The equivalent Register of the National Estate (RNE) criteria, where relevant, is also cited for future reference and comparison (A full list of both sets of criteria is provided in Appendix A), HC criterion A The historical importance, association with or relationship to Victoria's history of the place or object. (RNE criterion A.4, Importance for association with events, developments or cultural phases which have had a

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Page 14 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water significant role in the human occupation and evolution of the nation, State, region or community. RNE criterion H.1, Importance for close associations with individuals whose activities have been significant within the history of the nation, State, or region.) The Yan Yean system is considered to meet Criterion A as it is the oldest surviving water supply system in Victoria and still forms part of Melbourne's water supply today. It pre-dates the Coliban system at Bendigo by 5 years and probably influenced its design as well as those of later systems such as Ballarat. The continuous use of the system for its original purpose is an important part of its significance. It was the first of the major infrastructure projects that later included the development of railways and the Melbourne Sewerage Scheme that were of critical importance in the development of Melbourne (and Victoria) in the wake of the gold rush. For over 30 years it remained the major source of water supply to Melbourne. The Yan Yean system also has strong associations with people who were influential in the historic development of Melbourne and Victoria in the nineteenth century including Clement Hodgkinson, Matthew B Jackson, James Brady and Ferdinand Von Mueller. The Yan Yean system also has associations with Sir John Monash, engineer, and his Reinforced Concrete & Monier Pipe Construction Co., which built Reservoir No 2 at Preston. Finally, the Yan Yean system led to the creation of the Water Supply Branch of the Public Works Department, which was the first State authority to control the planning, development and management of water supplies in Victoria. It also has strong associations with the Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works, which managed the system from 1891-1991. HC criterion B The importance of a place or object in demonstrating rarity or uniqueness. (RNE criterion B.2, Importance in demonstrating a distinct way of life, land use, function or design no longer practised, in dangerof being lost, or of exceptional interest.) The Yan Yean system is considered to meet Criterion B as a rare example of an early continually-operating, water supply system serving a major urban centre that still operates largely according to its original design and remains a small but nonetheless important component of the city water supply. It provides increasingly rare evidence of the evolution of engineering practices and techniques in the mid to late nineteenth century, and incorporates early technical elements such as in-line pressure reducing valves and engineered cascades to aerate incoming water that are not found in other systems in Victoria or Australia. The Yan Yean system also provides detailed and varied evidence of engineering construction techniques prior to the revolution brought by concrete construction, which was used extensively in water supply systems built later in the nineteenth century and in the twentieth century. HC criterion C The place or object's potential to educate, illustrate or provide further scientific investigation in relation to Victoria's cultural heritage. (RNE criterion C.2, Importance for information contributing to a wider understanding of the history of human occupation of Australia.) The Yan Yean system is considered to meet Criterion C as it remains, 150 years after it was completed, a working system where the function and use of many of the original features can still be understood and interpreted. Another notable feature of the Yan Yean system is the extent of archaeological remains, which includes decommissioned pipes, reservoirs, aqueducts and other infrastructure that has the potential to provide further evidence about the system and how it was constructed and operated. For example, the recent replacement of early cast and wrought iron pipe mains in the pipe reserve between South Morang and Preston has yielded valuable information about nineteenth century construction techniques including the method of manufacture and installation and repairs and improvements that were made. HC criterion D The importance of a place or object in exhibiting the principal characteristics or the representative nature of a place or object as part of a class or type of places or objects. (RNE criterion D.2, Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of the range of human activities in the Australian environment (including way of life, custom, process, land-use, function, design or technique).) The Yan Yean system is considered to meet Criterion D as it contains representative examples of most (if not all) of the features associated with nineteenth and early-twentieth century water supply systems including storage and service

Yan Yean Water Supply System

Hermes Number 23020 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:24 am

Page 15 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water reservoirs, weirs, pipe mains and reserves, aqueducts, siphons, tunnels and, as such, is one of the best representative examples of a such a system not only in Victoria, but also Australia. As previously noted, it includes features that are rare or possibly unique such as the valve houses and The Cascades. A notable feature is that much of the original infrastructure remains intact and still in use and therefore the way that the system was used and operated can still be understood and interpreted relatively easily. While essentially intact, it has been modified and adapted to improve water supply and quality and to meet changing technical requirements and standards and this provides a fascinating illustration of the evolution of water supply technology over a 150-year period. HC criterion E The importance of the place or object in exhibiting good design or aesthetic characteristics and/or in exhibiting a richness, diversity or unusual integration of features. (RNE criterion A.3. Importance in exhibiting unusual richness or diversity of flora, fauna, landscapes or cultural features; RNE criterion F.1, Importance for its technical, creative, design or artistic excellence, innovation or achievement.) The Yan Yean system is considered to meet Criterion E as most the components of the system were designed and constructed to a high standard that is comparable to other nineteenth century projects such as the railways and the Melbourne sewerage system. As such, it is a symbol of the period when infrastructure projects were a matter of considerable State investment and community pride and this is expressed in the architecture of its visible components. Like the Coliban system, the Yan Yean system is notable for the diversity of features that include weirs, aqueducts, siphons, flumes, bridges, etc. Notable and unique features of Yan Yean include the valve houses and The Cascades. Yan Yean is also notable for the remnants of the early landscaping schemes around Yan Yean and Toorourrong reservoirs (thought to use planting schemes suggested by Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, Victoria's first Government Botanist and former Director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens) and along the aqueducts and pipe reserves, which illustrate the influences of nineteenth century notions of the 'picturesque'. HC criterion F The importance of the place or object in demonstrating or being associated with scientific or technical innovations or achievements. (RNE criterion F.1, Importance for its technical, creative, design or artistic excellence, innovation or achievement.) The Yan Yean system is considered to meet Criterion F as it was the first large scale engineered water supply in Victoria and introduced a number of engineering innovations that were to be influential in the design and construction of later systems in Victoria and Australia. Chief amongst these was the concept based on a remote supply fed by gravity rather than machinery to the city and the successful application of British dam construction technologies to Australian conditions. Lessons learnt at Yan Yean were used to make improvements that benefited these later systems. As previously noted, what is notable about the system is that much of the original infrastructure is still in use and has been little modified since it was first constructed. HC criterion G The importance of the place or object in demonstrating social or cultural associations. The Yan Yean system is considered to meet Criterion G as the construction of the system was a great source of pride for Melbourne and Victoria in the nineteenth century and it became an early symbol of the development of Melbourne into a modern city in the Victorian age. The landscape around the Yan Yean reservoir, acclaimed as one of the largest in the world, attracted writers and artists who marvelled at its technical and engineering accomplishments and eulogised the picturesque setting. The Yan Yean system was also associated with the early development of tourism in Victoria and for many years until they were closed to the public, the forested catchments around the reservoirs were a well-known and popular spot for day-trippers from the city. While the catchment areas are now closed to the public, the parks at Yan Yean and Toorourrong reservoirs remain popular to this day.

Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

Yan Yean Water Supply System

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Page 16 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Integrity

Varies - please refer to individual place records.

Physical Conditions

The condition and potential threats to the features associated with the system are described in Chapter 2.6 and Appendix D of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). In summary, it is noted that: -The threats to operational components of the Yan Yean system range from inappropriate maintenance causing damage to fabric to proposed future capital works, which are discussed in more detail in the following section. Some threats are posed by the need for replacement of infrastructure such as pipes that have reached the end of their service life. -Another potentially significant threat is being posed by encroaching urban development around parts of the system, particularly the section of the Yan Yean- South Morang pipe reserve at Mill Park and South Morang. Trees (Sugar gums) in this section of the pipe reserve are in poor condition and may pose a risk to public safety, and features such as the drystone walls and archaeological remains of the aqueduct are vulnerable to damage. -The majority of the operational components of the Yan Yean system are in good condition and well maintained, however, some of the non-operational components of the system are in poor condition as a result of lack of maintenance. As noted in Chaper 2.6 of Volume 4 this is a consequence of the lack of management/maintenance responsibility within Melbourne Water for these components.

Physical Description 1

Reservoirs, aqueducts, weirs, pipe reserves, cultural landscapes, buildings, valve houses, archaeological sites, bridges

Physical Description 2

The Yan Yean system extends from north of the Great Dividing Range to Merri Creek in Northcote, 5 kilometres north of the Melbourne Central Business District. Refer to precinct and place records for detailed descriptions of components and sub-components of the Yan Yean System.

Recommended Management

The recommended management strategies for the Yan Yean systemare set out in Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Water Supply System

Hermes Number 23020 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:24 am

Page 17 VOLUME 5: HERITAGE PLACE & PRECINCT CITATIONS

SILVER CREEK WEIRS TO JACKS CREEK

Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek

Granite or Stony Weir

Hellhole Weir

Jacks Creek & Jacks Creek Diversion Channel

Mud Weir

Nimmo Falls Quarry and campsite

Silver Creek Aqueduct

Silver Creek Weir

The Cascades

Wallaby Creek Aqueduct

Wallaby Creek Quarters

Wallaby Creek Weir

26 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Heritage Overlay No

Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Precinct VHR Number N/A Utilities - Water / Weir HI Number Utilities - Water / Water Aqueduct File Number Utilities - Water / Water Tunnel Mining and Mineral Processing / Quarry Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22830

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek

Hermes Number 22830 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:48 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The Yan Yean water supply system, completed in 1853-7, was designed to cater for a population of 200,000 people, however, by the end of the 1870s Melbourne with a population of 281,000 was one of the world's fastest growing cities and had outgrown its water supply system. New sources were urgently sought and in 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. Materials to construct the weirs and aqueducts were obtained from local sites including a quarry near Nimmo Falls. A caretaker's residence and workers residences were constructed near the Wallaby Creek. Bushfires devastated the catchment areas around Wallaby Creek in the early decades of the twentieth century and in 1929 a major re-afforestation scheme using exotic species such as California Redwoods and Oregon resulted in over 300 acres being re-planted to prevent erosion and improve run-off. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. How is it significant? The Silver Creek to Jacks Creek precinct isof historic, technical, scientific (archaeological) and aesthetic significance to the State of Victoria as an integral component of the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it significant? Historically, the Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek precinct forms part of the Yan Yean water supply system, which until 1891 was Melbourne's sole source of water. The precinctillustrates the additions made to the Yan Yean system to improve the quality and quantity of supply to serve the huge growth in Melbourne's population in the wake of the gold rush. The construction of the Silver Creek to Jacks Creek precinct and associated down-stream features including Toorourrong Reservoir and the Clearwater Channel effectively completed the Yan Yean system. (HV criterion A) Technically, the Silver CreekWeirs toJacks Creek precinctcontinued the philosophy of using gravity alone to deliver the water over long distances and further demonstrates the technical accomplishment of the system. The fact that it remains an operating component of the Yan Yean system essentially without change to its original design is testament to the high standard of the original design and its construction. The Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek precinct is also significant as a representative example of an early aqueduct system with a range of features typical to this type of infrastructure as well as less common features such as tunnels and the Cascades. As such, it provides important evidence of the development of engineering construction practices and techniques. (HV criterion F) Scientifically, the Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek precinct has archaeological value for its potential to yield artefacts and evidence that will be able to provide further information about the technology used in the construction of the Yan Yean system and the lives of the people who created it. (HV criterion C) Aesthetically, the Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek precinct is notable as a cultural landscape that evokes nineteenth century notions of the picturesque. The sinuous line of the elegant stone-lined aqueducts leading through the tall native and exotic forests create a dramatic landscape with a series of unfolding vistas, which culminate at the delightful fern-draped waterfall at the Cascades. The construction of the aqueducts and weirs is typical of the high standard of craftsmanship and skill evident throughout the system. (HV criteria E & F)

Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek

Hermes Number 22830 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:48 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Place History

By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

All components within this precinct of the Yan Yean system have a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

As operational parts of the system, the individual component in this precinctare inspected on a regular basis and generally are in good condition and well-maintained. The most apparent threats to this part of the system are the result of inappropriate maintenance or upgrading works, which have the potential to damage significant fabric. For example, Melbourne Water have identified problems with leaking in the Wallaby Creek aqueduct, and have been undertaking repairs that require removing a section of stone blocks, which are then relaid on a concrete base with new mortar between the joints. The repaired sections often appear very different to the original, particularly because of the visually prominent newly mortared joints. Please refer to individual place records for further detail. Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek

Hermes Number 22830 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:48 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Please refer to individual place records for further detail.

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct, weir, cultural landscape, building, archaeological sites

Physical Description 2

The Yan Yean system begins on the northern side of the Great Dividing Range, in Kinglake West. This northernmost section of the system comprises the following key elements: Silver Creek system, which comprises a series of four weirs that diverts the flow of that creek and its tributaries into a granite-lined aqueduct that winds its way 12.8 km, through two tunnels, to the Wallaby Creek Weir. Wallaby Creek system, which comprises a weir and aqueduct that connects to The Cascades. Associated features include the Wallaby Creek Caretaker's residence and quarters, and the Nimmo Falls Quarry site. The Cascades, a stepped feature that connects the Wallaby Creek Aqueduct to Jacks Creek. Jacks Creek & Jacks Creek diversion channel, which connects system to the Toorourrong Reservoir For further detail about each feature, please refer to the individual place record.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek

Hermes Number 22830 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:48 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Granite or Stony Weir Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Weir VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22831

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Granite or Stony Weir

Hermes Number 22831 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:44 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Granite or Stony Weir, constructed in 1886, is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Silver Creek weirs and aqueduct system was completed in 1886 at a total cost of £59,575. The survey was conducted by William Wilson, later the Engineer of Sewerage at the MMBW, and the contractor was J. Baker [1]. Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place Id: 102611, Place File No. 2/14/054/0019 CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

Granite or Stony Weir

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

Good.

Physical Description 1

Weir

Physical Description 2

The Silver Creek system, constructed in 1883-86 comprises a series of four weirs that diverts the flow of that creek and its tributaries into a granite-lined aqueduct that winds its way 12.8 km, through two tunnels, to the Wallaby Creek Weir. The largest of the four weirs, known as the Silver Creek Weir is of granite masonry construction, measuring 38.1 metres long and 1 metre high. The foundations are of concrete, kept in position by sheet piling. A stepped spillway is located in the centre wall, similar to that at Wallaby Creek Weir, and there is an inlet and outlet gate on either side of the wall, connecting the weir with the Silver Creek Aqueduct. The flow is supplemented by three smaller weirs known respectively as 'Granite' or 'Stony' (also known as No.1), 'Mud' (No. 2) and 'Hellhole' (No. 3). The three smaller weirs are connected by a series of channels that decrease in size according to the size of the tributary, with the smallest (from Hellhole Weir) measuring 1.5 metres across the top to 0.3 metres at the base of the channel (refer to Figure 3). The three tributary channels are flat bottomed, unlike the curved base of the main Silver Creek aqueduct. The Silver Creek aqueduct, like the main Wallaby Creek aqueduct, is lined with granite pitchers, but is smaller in section, measuring 7 feet 1 inch (2.1 metres) across at the top and tapers into the curved bottom of the channel. As noted above, it has two tunnels along its course.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Granite or Stony Weir

Hermes Number 22831 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:44 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Hellhole Weir Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Weir VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22833

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Hellhole Weir

Hermes Number 22833 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:44 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Hellhole Weir, constructed in 1886, is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Silver Creek weirs and aqueduct system was completed in 1886 at a total cost of £59,575. The survey was conducted by William Wilson, later the Engineer of Sewerage at the MMBW, and the contractor was J. Baker [1]. Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place Id: 102611, Place File No. 2/14/054/0019 CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Hellhole Weir

Hermes Number 22833 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:44 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Physical Conditions

Good

Physical Description 1

Weir

Physical Description 2

The Silver Creek system, constructed in 1883-86 comprises a series of four weirs that diverts the flow of that creek and its tributaries into a granite-lined aqueduct that winds its way 12.8 km, through two tunnels, to the Wallaby Creek Weir. The largest of the four weirs, known as the Silver Creek Weir is of granite masonry construction, measuring 38.1 metres long and 1 metre high. The foundations are of concrete, kept in position by sheet piling. A stepped spillway is located in the centre wall, similar to that at Wallaby Creek Weir, and there is an inlet and outlet gate on either side of the wall, connecting the weir with the Silver Creek Aqueduct. The flow is supplemented by three smaller weirs known respectively as 'Granite' or 'Stony' (also known as No.1), 'Mud' (No. 2) and 'Hellhole' (No. 3). The three smaller weirs are connected by a series of channels that decrease in size according to the size of the tributary, with the smallest (from Hellhole Weir) measuring 1.5 metres across the top to 0.3 metres at the base of the channel (refer to Figure 3). The three tributary channels are flat bottomed, unlike the curved base of the main Silver Creek aqueduct. The Silver Creek aqueduct, like the main Wallaby Creek aqueduct, is lined with granite pitchers, but is smaller in section, measuring 7 feet 1 inch (2.1 metres) across at the top and tapers into the curved bottom of the channel. As noted above, it has two tunnels along its course.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Hellhole Weir

Hermes Number 22833 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:44 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Jacks Creek & Jacks Creek Diversion Heritage Overlay No Channel Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Channel VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22841

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded Jacks Creek & Jacks Creek Diversion Channel

Hermes Number 22841 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:47 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

Jacks Creek and Jacks Creek Diversion Channel constructed in 1885-86, are of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The construction of the Wallaby Creek system began delivering water to Yan Yean reservoir via Jacks Creek in 1883. Dingle & Doyle (2003:79) note that: An average of seven million gallons a day glided smoothly along the five and half mile long aqueduct before tumbling at high speed down the set of giant stone steps that constituted the Cascades... From here the water rushed into the natural bed of Jack's Creek, which had been formed by a far smaller stream... Under the pressure of hte extra water travelling at high speed, it was found that 'its banks at first seemed to melt away, but the destructive process soon became more limited; a broken bed of rock was reached, and steps were taken to protect the banks, where the scour was greatest, by an irregular wall of stones. This led to the creation of the Jack's Creek Diversion Channel, which begins at a feature known as the 'Breakaway' and provided an alternative and more direct route for the water to enter the Toorourrong Reservoir. CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

Jacks Creek & Jacks Creek Diversion Channel

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

Good

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct, Cultural landscape

Physical Description 2

A channel of approximately the same dimensions as the Wallaby Creek Aqueduct (3.7 m wide x 1.4 m deep), lined with mudstone rather than the granite pitchers of the Wallaby Creek channel. The aqueduct extends from a point known as 'The Breakaway', where the original course of Jack's Creek has been diverted to Toorourrong Reservoir, a distance of about 5 km. A series of steps breaks the flow of the channel on the steeper grades, with one section of steps about 2 metres apart on the steepest section and gradually increasing in width as the channel reaches the gentle gradients towards the reservoir. The mudstones are arranged in rows on the bottom and up the sides of the channel, in a similar manner to the granite-lined Wallaby Creek Aqueduct. Evidence of a large quarry in an embankment along the channel indicates the stone was obtained from the local environment. "The Breakaway" forms the beginning of the stone-lined channel, with concrete walls diverting the natural water course at this point. A metal slot on either side of the concrete channel entrance indicates the use of lengths of timber to block off the channel if required (see illustration). This is a typical arrangement also observed in other small weirs such as at Nimmo Falls (Wallaby Creek) and near Smith's Farm site (O'Shannassy). A wide concrete "slipway" mounted on timber sleepers forms the entrance to the old creek channel (see illustration). Mudstones have been used to line the natural creek and the old creek channel at this point, no doubt to protect the banks from erosion caused by turbulence. Lengths of timber have been used to break the flow of the creek about 5 metres upstream of the diversion channel. Jack's Creek appears to flow in its natural course from the basin at the base of The Cascades, with concrete walls and lengths of cut timber again used to protect the sides of the channel at the point where the water flows from the basin into the creek.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components.

Jacks Creek & Jacks Creek Diversion Channel

Hermes Number 22841 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:47 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

- Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Jacks Creek & Jacks Creek Diversion Channel

Hermes Number 22841 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:47 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Mud Weir Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Weir VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22832

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Mud Weir

Hermes Number 22832 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:50 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Mud Weir, constructed in 1886, is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Silver Creek weirs and aqueduct system was completed in 1886 at a total cost of £59,575. The survey was conducted by William Wilson, later the Engineer of Sewerage at the MMBW, and the contractor was J. Baker [1]. Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place Id: 102611, Place File No. 2/14/054/0019 CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Mud Weir

Hermes Number 22832 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:50 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Physical Conditions

Good.

Physical Description 1

Weir

Physical Description 2

The Silver Creek system, constructed in 1883-86 comprises a series of four weirs that diverts the flow of that creek and its tributaries into a granite-lined aqueduct that winds its way 12.8 km, through two tunnels, to the Wallaby Creek Weir. The largest of the four weirs, known as the Silver Creek Weir is of granite masonry construction, measuring 38.1 metres long and 1 metre high. The foundations are of concrete, kept in position by sheet piling. A stepped spillway is located in the centre wall, similar to that at Wallaby Creek Weir, and there is an inlet and outlet gate on either side of the wall, connecting the weir with the Silver Creek Aqueduct. The flow is supplemented by three smaller weirs known respectively as 'Granite' or 'Stony' (also known as No.1), 'Mud' (No. 2) and 'Hellhole' (No. 3). The three smaller weirs are connected by a series of channels that decrease in size according to the size of the tributary, with the smallest (from Hellhole Weir) measuring 1.5 metres across the top to 0.3 metres at the base of the channel (refer to Figure 3). The three tributary channels are flat bottomed, unlike the curved base of the main Silver Creek aqueduct. The Silver Creek aqueduct, like the main Wallaby Creek aqueduct, is lined with granite pitchers, but is smaller in section, measuring 7 feet 1 inch (2.1 metres) across at the top and tapers into the curved bottom of the channel. As noted above, it has two tunnels along its course.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Mud Weir

Hermes Number 22832 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:50 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Nimmo Falls Quarry and Campsite Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22838

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Nimmo Falls Quarry and Campsite

Hermes Number 22838 Heritage Place Report 13-Jun-2007 4:11 pm

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Nimmo Falls Quarry and Campsite, established in 1882-3, is of primary significance as a place associated with the development of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The quarry at Nimmo Falls was created in 1882-3 during construction of the Wallaby Creek system and supplied stone for the construction of the weir and aqueduct. CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Physical Description 1

Archaeological site.

Nimmo Falls Quarry and Campsite

Hermes Number 22838 Heritage Place Report 13-Jun-2007 4:11 pm

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Physical Description 2

This quarry, which provided the source of granite for the Wallaby Creek weir and aqueduct, is situated near Nimmo Falls to the west of the Wallaby Creek weir. The quarry face is about 6 metres high and extends for about 20 metres. An area of about 100 square metres contains the mounds of rock flakes removed from the pitchers. A campsite is located above the quarry face, with the remains of nine fireplaces (damaged). The fireplaces are identified by granite pitchers arranged in squares or semi-circles.

Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Nimmo Falls Quarry and Campsite

Hermes Number 22838 Heritage Place Report 13-Jun-2007 4:11 pm

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Silver Creek Aqueduct Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Aqueduct VHR Number N/A HI Number File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22834

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Silver Creek Aqueduct

Hermes Number 22834 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:47 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Silver Creek aqueduct, constructed in 1886, is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Silver Creek weirs and aqueduct system was completed in 1886 at a total cost of £59,575. The survey was conducted by William Wilson, later the Engineer of Sewerage at the MMBW, and the contractor was J. Baker [1]. Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place Id: 102611, Place File No. 2/14/054/0019 CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

Silver Creek Aqueduct

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

Good

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct

Physical Description 2

The Silver Creek system, constructed in 1883-86 comprises a series of four weirs that diverts the flow of that creek and its tributaries into a granite-lined aqueduct that winds its way 12.8 km, through two tunnels, to the Wallaby Creek Weir. The largest of the four weirs, known as the Silver Creek Weir is of granite masonry construction, measuring 38.1 metres long and 1 metre high. The foundations are of concrete, kept in position by sheet piling. A stepped spillway is located in the centre wall, similar to that at Wallaby Creek Weir, and there is an inlet and outlet gate on either side of the wall, connecting the weir with the Silver Creek Aqueduct. The flow is supplemented by three smaller weirs known respectively as 'Granite' or 'Stony' (also known as No.1), 'Mud' (No. 2) and 'Hellhole' (No. 3). The three smaller weirs are connected by a series of channels that decrease in size according to the size of the tributary, with the smallest (from Hellhole Weir) measuring 1.5 metres across the top to 0.3 metres at the base of the channel (refer to Figure 3). The three tributary channels are flat bottomed, unlike the curved base of the main Silver Creek aqueduct. The Silver Creek aqueduct, like the main Wallaby Creek aqueduct, is lined with granite pitchers, but is smaller in section, measuring 7 feet 1 inch (2.1 metres) across at the top and tapers into the curved bottom of the channel. As noted above, it has two tunnels along its course.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Silver Creek Aqueduct

Hermes Number 22834 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:47 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Silver Creek Weir Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Weir VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22821

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Silver Creek Weir

Hermes Number 22821 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:47 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Silver Creek Weir, constructed in 1886, is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

Constructed in 1886 as part of the Silver Creek system.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

Good.

Physical Description 1

Weir

Physical Description 2

The Silver Creek system, constructed in 1883-86 comprises a series of four weirs that diverts the flow of that creek and its tributaries into a granite-lined aqueduct that winds its way 12.8 km, through two tunnels, to the Wallaby Creek Weir. The largest of the four weirs, known as the Silver Creek Weir is of granite masonry construction, measuring 38.1 metres long and 1 metre high. The foundations are of concrete, kept in position by sheet piling. A stepped spillway is located in the centre wall, similar to that at Wallaby Creek Weir, and there is an inlet and outlet gate on either side of the wall, connecting the weir with the Silver Creek Aqueduct. The flow is supplemented by three smaller weirs known respectively as 'Granite' or 'Stony' (also known as No.1), 'Mud' (No. 2) and 'Hellhole' (No. 3). The three smaller weirs are connected by a series of channels that decrease in size according to the size of the tributary, with the smallest (from Hellhole Weir) measuring 1.5 metres across the top to 0.3 metres at the base of the channel (refer to Figure 3). The three tributary channels are flat bottomed, unlike the curved base of the main Silver Creek aqueduct. The Silver Creek aqueduct, like the main Wallaby Creek aqueduct, is lined with granite pitchers, but is smaller in section, measuring 7 feet 1 inch (2.1 metres) across at the top and tapers into the curved bottom of the channel. As noted above, it has two tunnels along its course.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to:

Silver Creek Weir

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- Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Silver Creek Weir

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Melbourne Water

Name The Cascades Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Aqueduct VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22839

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

The Cascades

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Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Cascades, constructed in 1882-3, is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Cascades was constructed in 1882-3 as part of the Wallaby Creek system. It was constructed by the Department of Mines and Supply using day labour under the supervision of Yan Yean's resident inspector, John Wilson. CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

The Cascades

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Good.

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct, Cultural landscape

Physical Description 2

The Cascades, constructed in 1885, is a stepped water channel used to break the velocity of the Wallaby Creek Aqueduct and aerate the water as it enters Jacks Creek, falling into basins at the bottom. It is cut out of the soft local stone, a schist, and lined with granite blocks. The length of the incline is 228 metres and the total vertical drop is 37 metres. There are three sections, each of varying steepness. The Cascades appears to be in good condition with a high degree of integrity. There is a scour gate at the top of The Cascades to catch debris - originally of timber construction, this has been replaced in steel. A concrete by-pass drain was constructed adjacent to the scour gate in 2005. A staircase of granite pitchers runs parallel to The Cascades on the east side. It post-dates The Cascades, and was installed to provide access for day-trippers who had come to admire The Cascades and their surroundings. It is now in poor condition.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

The Cascades

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Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Wallaby Creek Aqueduct Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Aqueduct VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22836

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Wallaby Creek Aqueduct

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Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Wallaby Creek Aqueduct, constructed in 1882-3, is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Wallaby Creek Aqueduct was constructed in 1882-3 as part of the Wallaby Creek system. The contract for the weir and aqueduct was let to contractor Cornwall and Wright. Originally it was hoped that the aqueduct could be cut from solid rock, but the rock was soft and likely to erode and so quarrymen opened up a granite outcrop at Nimmo Falls close to the beginning of the aqueduct. Dingle & Doyle (2003:79) describe how: Masons shaped the hard stone into uniformly sized pitchers... The pitchers were then bedded carefully into place. The lack of sand deposits in the vicinity was responsible for the sinuous line of sturdy and elegant granite-lined aqueducts, weirs and tunnels extending through the towering forest. CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system. Wallaby Creek Aqueduct

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Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

Fair to Good. Potential threats: Repair works to the aqueduct to prevent leakages are potentially damaging to historic fabric. Other works to repair scour gates and install an access platform at Wallaby Weir may have minor impacts.

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct; Cultural Landscape

Physical Description 2

The Wallaby Creek Aqueduct, constructed in 1880-83 is lined with granite blocks set in cement. It measures 3.7 metres across at the top, narrowing at the bottom. At regular intervals there are straight-sided sections, with lower pits apparently for collecting sediment. The granite pitchers were quarried from the nearby Nimmo Falls Quarry (see below). Soon after leaving Wallaby Weir, the aqueduct passes through a small tunnel lined with granite blocks. From here it hugs the northern spur of Mount Disappointment to a low saddle where it discharges into the Cascades. It is in good condition and has a high degree of integrity. However, there are problems with leakage and, as a result, repairs have been carried out at various points along the aqueduct. Mature stands of exotic trees including pines, redwoods and conifers planted in the 1920s and 30s are situated on either side of the aqueduct downstream from the Wallaby Creek Quarters.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Wallaby Creek Aqueduct

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Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Wallaby Creek quarters Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22837

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Wallaby Creek quarters

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Statement of Significance

The Wallaby Creek Caretaker's residence of c.1882 is of primary significance as an integral part of the Yan Yean system, however, further investigation is required in order to fully establish the heritage values of the buildings on this site.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY Living and office accommodation was built at Wallaby Creek during construction of the system in the early 1880s. This slab cottage with a shingle roof was used as a caretaker's cottage on completion of the scheme. A water supply was brought from a small weir at Nimmo Falls via an iron pipeline. By 1905 there were two "roomy, well built cottages" on the site, known as "The Hospice". One cottage had accommodation for fourteen people, presumably the men who worked on the channels. The second cottage had the caretaker's quarters, and a "roomy dining hall" for accommodating MMBW Commissioners and official visitors. The buildings were sewered. The quarters were threatened by bushfires in 1926 and a dug-out was built to provide a fire refuge. In 1928-9 the MMBW undertook a program of improvements to caretakers' residences, including Wallaby Creek. New sleeping quarters were added and a kitchen was built in 1930 at Wallaby Creek. Quarters were also provided for a new Superintendent of Forests appointed in 1929. In the same year a small hydro-electric system was connected to the water supply. Around this time the Board began employing a housekeeper, and later casual housemaids, were to look after visitors. Weekend holidays at Wallaby Creek "Quarters" later known as the "Lodge" were privileges enjoyed by MMBW Commissioners. There were 56 Commissioners prior to 1978, when the MMBW was restructured to a seven-member board. At some stage an orchard was planted. This was important as part of the self-sufficiency scheme adopted by the Board for its reservoir staff, particularly in the remote Wallaby Creek district. At the time the quarters were upgraded in 1928 the garden was laid out in a semi-formal style similar to that of the Caretaker's garden at Yan Yean, with five acres of trees and shrubs, mainly exotic. Most of the large tree species reflected a continuing taste for exotic conifers. A plan of the garden drawn by Rose Ness in 1997 shows a long avenue of Douglas Firs and Californian Redwoods, interspersed with a few Blackwoods (Acacia melanoxylon). The latter tree grows in mountain forests and is probably indigenous to the area. At the south-western end of the garden is a row of four Monterey Pines, the only specimens of this species shown on this garden plan. Other large tree specimens, mostly exotic, are dotted throughout the garden. Exotic shrubs include rhododendron, azaleas, camelias and a New Zealand Pittosporum. It is possible that this garden is modelled on the gardens created by the wealthy in their mountain retreats at Mount Macedon and the Dandenong Ranges. Further research and a physical examination to establish the age of the plants is necessary to ascertain whether Ness' plan reflects the original lay-out and plantings. This garden was a significant element in the accommodation provided for visitors to the "Quarters". Ness noted that some of the plants have names on them, and used the term "Botanical Gardens" in her description. Clearly the garden was an important part of the showpiece that was the Wallaby Creek water supply scheme, contrasting with the surrounding bush and reflecting the MMBW's pride in the whole system. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water, pp 27, 54 CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the

Wallaby Creek quarters

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This complex contains a number of buildings, which have not been closely inspected. Further investigation is required.

Physical Conditions

The buildings comprising the Wallaby Creek Quarters complex appear externally to be in good condition. Detailed investigation is required.

Physical Description 1

Buildings, cultural landscape

Physical Description 2

Just south of the Wallaby Creek Weir on the eastern side of the aqueduct is the Wallaby Creek Quarters; a group of buildings in landscaped grounds. The earliest building, constructed c.1884, is the Caretaker's Residence Quarters, which is of drop-log construction, the Single Men's Quarters, and the Stables. Sleeping quarters were added in 1928, while the site was used as an MMBW lodge, and the present kitchen in 1930. There are a number of other, more recent buildings on the site. The buildings were not closely inspected, but appear to be in good condition. The Quarters are set amidst extensive lawns and mature exotic trees, including a range of conifers and blackwoods.

Recommended Management

Non-operational (Adapt or re-use)

Wallaby Creek quarters

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This management strategy applies to the buildings forming part of the Yan Yean system that may be suitable for adaptation for a new use or uses, and any associated cultural landscapes (trees, gardens and associated features such as drystone walls). The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings and associated cultural landscapes in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for buildings or trees that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all buildings and trees in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Find an appropriate use for the buildings that are currently vacant, and reviewing the use of the other buildings to determine whether it is the most optimal use of the building having regard to its on-going conservation and interpretation - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that there may be some degree of change to these places in order to accommodate new uses, but this should be limited consistent with finding a compatible use in accordance with the specific conservation policies. Of particular relevance are the guidelines contained in Policy 3.2 - Change of use - adaptive re-use. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Wallaby Creek quarters

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Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Wallaby Creek Weir Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Weir VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Silver Creek Weirs to Jacks Creek Hermes Number 22835

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Wallaby Creek Weir

Hermes Number 22835 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:55 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Wallaby Creek Weir, constructed in 1882-3, is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Wallaby Creek Aqueduct was constructed in 1882-3 as part of the Wallaby Creek system. The contract for the weir and aqueduct was let to contractor Cornwall and Wright. Originally it was hoped that the aqueduct could be cut from solid rock, but the rock was soft and likely to erode and so quarrymen opened up a granite outcrop at Nimmo Falls close to the beginning of the aqueduct. Dingle & Doyle (2003:79) describe how: Masons shaped the hard stone into uniformly sized pitchers... The pitchers were then bedded carefully into place. The lack of sand deposits in the vicinity was responsible for the sinuous line of sturdy and elegant granite-lined aqueducts, weirs and tunnels extending through the towering forest. CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system. Wallaby Creek Weir

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Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

Fair to Good

Physical Description 1

Weir; Cultural Landscape

Physical Description 2

The Wallaby Creek Weir, constructed in 1880-83, is built of granite masonry with a stepped granite spillway. There is a timber inlet gate connecting to the Silver Creek aqueduct and similar pair of outlet gates that lead to the Wallaby Creek aqueduct (refer to Figure 4). The Weir has a high degree of integrity with few modifications; In 2005‑06 the timber gates were replaced using similar materials, and a steel platform was constructed in 2006 to facilitate maintenance. There are several mature exotic trees in the vicinity of Wallaby Weir including a Giant Redwood (Sequoia giganteum) and a Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). According to a sign on site, these were planted in the 1920s.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Wallaby Creek Weir

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Page 3 VOLUME 5: HERITAGE PLACE & PRECINCT CITATIONS

TOOROURRONG RESERVOIR

Toorourrong Reservoir

Caretaker’s residence

Toorourrong Reservoir reserve

66 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Toorourrong Reservoir Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Precinct VHR Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Supply Reservoir/ HI Number N/A Dam File Number Utilities - Water / Water Aqueduct Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Toorourrong Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22842

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Toorourrong Reservoir

Hermes Number 22842 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:50 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The Yan Yean water supply system constructed in 1853-7 comprised the reservoir at Yan Yean, which was connected to Melbourne by the No.1 cast iron main. In 1883-6 the Toorourrong Reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean system supply. The reservoir was designed by William Thwaites, who had made the surveys of Mount Disappointment and recommended the Wallaby Creek scheme. Thwaites also designed the channels, the Cascades and associated works. John Wilson, the Resident Inspector at Yan Yean Reservoir, supervised the work. In 1918, the reservoir embankment was raised by 2 feet (600mm) to accommodate the accumulation of silt. A house was built for the caretaker, which was situated on an elevated site close to the dam wall at the northern end. This was demolished when the present caretaker's residence was erected in 1928-9. As at Yan Yean, a park was established around the reservoir, which became a popular tourist attraction. How is it significant? The Toorourrong Reservoir complex is of historical, scientific (archaeological) and aeshetic significance to the State of Victoria as part of the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it significant? Historically, the Toorourrong Reservoir complex provides important evidence of significant stages in the nineteenth century development of the Melbourne's water supply including the changes that were made to increase and improve supply as Melbourne's population increased in the wake of the gold rush. Up until 1891 when the Watts River weir (now part of the Maroondah system) was commissioned, the Yan Yean system provided the whole of Melbourne's reticulated water supply and the construction of Toorourrong Reservoir completed the additions made to the system in the 1880s which harvested water from the Wallaby and Silver Creek catchments. (HV criterion A) The Toorourrong Reservoir complex is also of scientific (archaeological) significance as it contains the remains of various mains and other features and is likely to contain further archaeological evidence that will provide further information about the construction and maintenance of the Yan Yean system and the lives of the people who created it. (HV criterion C) The Toorourrong Reservoir and its surrounds are of aesthetic significance as a most picturesque cultural landscape. As at Yan Yean, the planting of trees appears to have been undertaken for practical and aesthetic effect and the now mature trees provide a dramatic landscape setting for the reservoir. (HV criterion E) Note: Please refer to the place records for individual features within the complex including the Caretaker's residence, and the reserve.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY In 1883-6 the Toorourrong Reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean system supply. The reservoir was designed by William Thwaites, who had made the surveys of Mount Disappointment and recommended the Wallaby Creek scheme. Thwaites also designed the channels, the Cascades and associated works. John Wilson, the Resident Inspector at Yan Yean Reservoir, supervised the work. In 1918, the reservoir embankment was raised by 2 feet (600mm) to accommodate the accumulation of silt. A house was built for the caretaker, which was situated on an elevated site close to the dam wall at the northern end. This was demolished when the present caretaker's residence was erected in 1928-9. CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000,

Toorourrong Reservoir

Hermes Number 22842 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:50 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

The Toorourrong Reservoir has a high degree of integrity. Please refer to the appropriate place records for the integrity of other features.

Physical Conditions

The Toorourrong Reservoir is in good condition, however, its operating capacity has been significantly reduced as a consequence of silt build-up. Melbourne Water advises that the option of dredging the reservoir to remove the silt has been set aside because of the impact upon water quality and the environmental impact (the reservoir provides an important habitat for a platypus population) and so it is proposed to raise and strengthen the dam well. Please refer to the appropriate place records for information about the condition of the Caretaker's residence and other features.

Physical Description 1

Reservoir, Cultural landscape, Building, Aqueduct, Archaeological site

Toorourrong Reservoir

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Physical Description 2

Toorourrong Reservoir is a small settling basin for the fast-flowing waters from Wallaby and Silver Creeks in the Wallaby Creek Catchment. It covers an area of about 15 hectares with a capacity of 60 million gallons (273 megalitres), and is formed by an embankment about 300 metres long across the valley of the Plenty River East Branch, immediately below the junction with Jack's Creek. The dam consists of an earthwork embankment with a core puddle wall and stone facing on the inner slopes. There is a stone-lined spillway at the north end of the dam, and an outlet into the Clearwater Channel aqueduct at the south end, which conveys water to Yan Yean Reservoir. The Reservoir is surrounded by a park, which contains picnic grounds, an ornamental lake and the former Caretaker's residence. Please refer to the separate place records for further information about these features.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Toorourrong Reservoir

Hermes Number 22842 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:50 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Caretaker's residence - Toorourrong Heritage Overlay No Reservoir Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Toorourrong Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22843

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded Caretaker's residence - Toorourrong Reservoir

Hermes Number 22843 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:19 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The 1928-9 The Caretaker'squarters at Toorourrong Reservoir is of secondary significance as a component of the Yan Yean system that illustrates development in the early twentieth century.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The present Caretaker's residence at Toorourrong Reservoir was constructed in 1928-9 as part of a program undertaken by the MMBW to improve caretaker's accommodation - other places to be upgraded included quarters at Wallaby Creek. It replaced the earlier residence, constructed c.1886,on a nearby site (for further detail about the original caretaker's residence, please refer to the place record for Toorourrong Reservoir). CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. In 1886 a further extension was made with the construction of a weir on Silver Creek, another tributary of King Parrot Creek, and an aqueduct to link it with the Wallaby Creek aqueduct. The diversions of Wallaby and Silver Creeks were to be the only exploitation of water resources north of the Divide for Melbourne's use. Later attempts to harvest water from north flowing streams for the metropolis were strongly resisted by rural political interests. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102616, Place File No: 2/14/054/0024

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

Caretaker's residence - Toorourrong Reservoir

Hermes Number 22843 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:19 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

Good

Physical Description 1

Building

Physical Description 2

The former Caretaker's residence (constructed 1928-29) is situated adjacent to the Clearwater Channel. It is an asymmetrical inter-war brick bungalow with a hipped tile roof that extends to incorporate the front verandah. The verandah is supported on heavy piers with brick bases that have rendered caps and paired timber posts with curved brackets. Windows are paired double hung sashes with multi-paned uppers. There are two slender brick chimneys. It is in good condition and appears to be externally intact. The house is situated within its own garden, now overgrown, which is defined by a metal tubular steel and wire fence. This replaced an earlier building, now demolished, which was situated on a raised site closer to the dam wall - this is now marked by stone steps and some remnant ornamental trees such as an old ornamental peach.

Recommended Management

Non-operational (Adapt or re-use) This management strategy applies to the buildings forming part of the Yan Yean system that may be suitable for adaptation for a new use or uses, and any associated cultural landscapes (trees, gardens and associated features such as drystone walls). The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings and associated cultural landscapes in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for buildings or trees that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all buildings and trees in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Find an appropriate use for the buildings that are currently vacant, and reviewing the use of the other buildings to determine whether it is the most optimal use of the building having regard to its on-going conservation and interpretation - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that there may be some degree of change to these places in order to accommodate new uses, but this should be limited consistent with finding a compatible use in accordance with the specific conservation policies. Of particular relevance are the guidelines contained in Policy 3.2 - Change of use - adaptive re-use. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Caretaker's residence - Toorourrong Reservoir

Hermes Number 22843 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:19 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Toorourrong Reservoir reserve Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Toorourrong Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22844

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Toorourrong Reservoir reserve

Hermes Number 22844 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:51 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Toorourrong Reservoir reserve created in 1883, is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

At the time of the construction of the Toorourrong Reservoir, the Government acquired 208 acres (84 hectares) of freehold land sloping down to the reservoir, in order to secure against pollution. An engraving from the Illustrated Australian News dated 18 April, 1883, includes a scene of the "sub-reservoir, Yan Yean Reserve", showing the embankment and an assortment of tents and small buildings on the hill above the reservoir. The exact date that planting commenced at Toorourrong Reservoir is not known, however, it is known that extensive plantings of exotic trees, particularly conifers, were carried at Yan Yean Reservoir from the early 1880s onwards on the advice of Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller, Victoria's first Government Botanist and a former Directorof the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. It is likely that the landscaping schemes carried out at Yan Yean influenced the planting undertaking at Toorourrong and the dense plantings of Monterey Pines along the southern embankment overlooking the reservoir would appear to support this. In 1888, large plantations of pines and other trees in the Yan Yean reservoir reserve were considered worthy of note in the description of the "Yan Yean Waterworks" in Victoria and its Metropolis. The tourist guide Picturesque Victoria of 1892 noted that the shores were planted with: .large numbers of pines and other ornamental trees and the beauty of its surrounds has been greatly enhanced thereby. Almost a decade later the MMBW Chairman's Report for the years 1899-1901 were echoing the earlier comments: A large number of pines, eucalyptus and other ornamental tress have been planted around the lake, enhancing its picturesque appearance. Source Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102616, Place File No: 2/14/054/0024 Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water (cites various sources includingSutherland, Alexander, Victoria and Its Metropolis, Vol.2A, Melbourne, 1888, p.24; Victorian Railways, Picturesque Victoria and How to Get There, Melbourne, 1897. p.15; MMBW Chairman's Report 1899-1901, p.50.)

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Physical Conditions

The condition of the vegetation within the reserve surrounding Toorourrong Reservoir varies. Many trees (particularly the pines) are in an advanced state of maturity and some appear to be in decline. It would be desirable to undertake a detailed condition survey of all trees.

Physical Description 1

Cultural landscape

Physical Description 2

The Toorourrong Reservoir Park is a small landscaped area on the southern and eastern sides of the reservoir, providing picnic and recreational facilities. Access is via a gate down a sealed public road through the catchment (Road 1), to a circular drive and large carparking area. The entrance roads to the reservoir have bluestone kerbs and

Toorourrong Reservoir reserve

Hermes Number 22844 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:51 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water channels. The Reserve extends up a hill overlooking the reservoir, affording scenic views over the reservoir and to the surrounding forest. The hill features, lawns, walking tracks, stone steps and mature Monterey Pines (Pinus radiata). A walking track crosses the entrance to the Clearwater Channel aqueduct and follows the dam wall. Another track provides access to the main picnic area at the base of the wall. Other tree species include a Canary Island Pine (Pinus canariensis). There are also a number of Oaks including a Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris) in the far south-west corner. There is a 1960s era toilet block and picnic furniture dating from the post-war era is dotted throughout the grounds. A flattened area with mature plantings of peppercorns, pines, hawthorn trees and swampy oaks at the north end of the wall indicates the site of a former caretaker's house, demolished in the 1920s. A private road leading from the Clearwater Channel crossing follows the aqueduct to the 1929 Caretaker's residence and outbuildings. The slopes above the residence, on the opposite side of the aqueduct, are cleared and several flattened sites can be detected.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Toorourrong Reservoir reserve

Hermes Number 22844 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:51 am

Page 3 YAN YEAN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM CMP

CLEARWATER CHANNEL AQUEDUCT

Clearwater Channel Aqueduct

Bridge WBRG309

Bridge WBRG312

Plenty River Gates & Inlet

77 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Clearwater Channel Aqueduct Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Jacks Creek Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Lachlan Lane WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Wildwood Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 River Street WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Cades Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Dunnetts Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Precinct VHR Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Supply Channel HI Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Aqueduct File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Clearwater Channel Aqueduct Hermes Number 22846

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Clearwater Channel Aqueduct

Hermes Number 22846 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:28 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The Clearwater Channel, constructed in 1884-5, was designed to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. The channel, extending over a mile and a half, was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean reservoir and connected to the channel constructed in 1853-7, between the Plenty River and the reservoir. Once the Clearwater Channel came on-line the old gates to the Plenty River at this point were closed and subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. These works were undertaken as part of a 'closed catchment policy' that, once established, was maintained for Melbourne's later water supply systems, thus ensuring a high standard of clean water, which required little or no treatment. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. How is it significant? The Clearwater Channel is of historic, technical, scientific (archaeological)and aesthetic significance to the State of Victoria as an integral component of the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it significant? Historically, the Clearwater Channel is a part of the Yan Yean water supply system, which until 1891 was Melbourne's sole source of water. The Channel illustrates the additions made to the Yan Yean system to improve the quality and quantity of supply in response to the huge growth in Melbourne's population in the wake of the gold rush. It also provides evidence of the increased awareness to prevent pollutants from entering the water supply, which led to the practice of creating 'closed catchments'. The construction of the Clearwater Channel and associated up-stream features including Toorourrong Reservoir, the Silver and Wallaby Creek weirs and associated aqueducts effectively completed the Yan Yean system. (HV criterion A) Technically, the Clearwater Channel continued the philosophy of using gravity alone to deliver the water over long distances and further demonstrates the technical accomplishment of the system. The fact that it remains an operating component of the Yan Yean system essentially without change to its original design is testament to the high standard of the original design and its construction. The Clearwater Channel is also significant as a representative example of an early aqueduct system with a range of features typical to this type of infrastructure including the use of a siphonwhere the aqueduct traverses a steep hill. As such, it provides important evidence of the development of engineering construction practices and techniques. (HV criterion F) Scientifically, the Clearwater Channel has archaeological value for its potential to yield artefacts and evidence that will be able to provide further information about the technology used in the construction of the Yan Yean system and the lives of the people who created it. (HV criterion C) Aesthetically, the Clearwater Channel with its associated mature trees is a significant element in the cultural landscape of Whittlesea and the surrounding areas. The construction of the channel is typical of the high standard of craftsmanship and skill evident throughout the system. (HV criteria E & F)

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Clearwater Channel aqueduct was constructed in 1884-5 as part of a series of works undertaken to improve the quality of the Yan Yean system water supply. CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000,

Clearwater Channel Aqueduct

Hermes Number 22846 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:28 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity

Physical Conditions

The condition of the Clearwater Channel aqueduct is generally good. The condition of other features varies. Potential threats/key issues To control water quality, the Channel may require enclosing or replacement with a pipe. However, this is not expected to occur within the immediate future (i.e., not envisaged within the next 5 years). Many of the mature pine trees lining the Channel are in decline and will require replacement. The surviving early timber bridges over the Channel may require upgrading or replacement in accordance with the Bridge Management Strategy.

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct, Cultural landscape, Bridge

Physical Description 2

The Clearwater Channel, constructed in 1884-5, is an aqueduct that extends over 7.6 km from Toorourrong Reservoir

Clearwater Channel Aqueduct

Hermes Number 22846 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:28 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water to the Plenty River Junction. It is in good condition and has a very high degree of integrity. For most of its length, it is an open channel about 4 metres wide and 1.4m deep, constructed of bluestone and granite pitchers, with angled side walls. The banks on either side of the Channel are raised above the level of surrounding land. It is set within a 30m wide reservation that contains a mix of exotic, native and indigenous trees. The predominant species used is Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata), which form a distinctive element in the landscape that marks the path of the Channel. Many of the trees are up to 100 years old and some are in decline. Melbourne Water has removed some trees in poor condition in the section that passes through Whittlesea township. It is not an aqueduct for the whole of its length; at a place adjacent to Wildwood Road between the Toorourrong Reservoir and Whittlesea it enters a pipe for a short length where it traverses a steep hillside. This feature is known as 'Siphon Hill'. Further downstream the Channel is carried in a short wrought iron flume where it crosses Scrubby Creek on the west side of the Whittlesea Showgrounds. Other features include: Drops and Scour Gates. Drops are features where the Channel abruptly changes level, while Scour Gates are features designed to catch debris - the latter features were originally constructed with timber slats, which have now been replaced with steel. Drops are found at regular intervals along the Channel, while there are Scour Gates at the top of Siphon Hill and just north of Cades Road, 7.3 km from Toorourrong Reservoir. Aqueduct covers. These are constructed of curved corrugated iron on wrought iron frames and are situated adjacent to public roads in three locations where the Channel passes through Whittlesea township. They are intended to prevent dust and pollutants from entering the channel. Bridges. These are situated along the length of the Channel on public roads, and to provide local access for abutting landowners and maintenance crews. Originally constructed of timber, many have been replaced in concrete and in 2005 only two pre-Second World War timber bridges survive, which are known as WBRG309 and WBRG312. Please refer to the separate place records for each bridge for further detail. Catch drains. These are mostly earthen drains that run along the side of the Channel to prevent polluted water entering from adjoining land. In some instances close to the Channel they are lined with stone - one example is adjacent to Bridge No. WBRG310. Overdrains. These are pipes which collect and carry run‑off from the catch drains across the Channel. The example shown in the illustration includes a pit and a timber lined underground drain that carries the run-off under the banks and is situated between bridge nos. WBRG309 and WBRG310, southeast of Whittlesea Underdrains. These have a similar function to overtrains, but convey the water under the Channel.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

Clearwater Channel Aqueduct

Hermes Number 22846 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:28 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

References No Information Recorded

Clearwater Channel Aqueduct

Hermes Number 22846 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:28 am

Page 5 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Bridge WBRG309 Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address 60 River Street WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Clearwater Channel Aqueduct Hermes Number 22847

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Bridge WBRG309

Hermes Number 22847 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:15 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The timber bridge, WBRG309, constructed c.1920s over the Clearwater Channel, is of contributory historical significance as a component of the Clearwater Channel precinct.

Place History

SPECIFIC HISTORY Bridges were constructed across the Clearwater Channel to provide access for abutting landowners and for maintenance crews. Over time, many of these bridges have been replaced and now only two early timber bridges remain -this one, known as WBRG309, and WBRG312. The exact date of this bridge is not known. Advice given by the members of the Industrial Heritage Committee of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) suggests that it may date from the early inter-war period. Matthew Churchward of the IHC provided the following advice: Typically timber bridges with round stringer beams and transverse timber plank decks with running boards were built between about 1890 and 1940, though you occasionally get earlier or later examples. Round beam timber stringer bridges with longitudinal planked decks on timber cross-beams were typically built from 1930 until the late 1960s, though you often get earlier bridges that were modified after WWII with one of these more modern style timber decks being added. Initial advice from other members of the committee indicated that the bridges dated from the post-war period. However, Matthew thought that at least two of the bridges (this bridge and WBRG312) may be earlier - possibly dating from between 1900-1940. He notes that: The other features that make me think the bridges are earlier rather than later are the unusual style side fences, the rough-cast mass concrete abutment blocks and the use of square washers and some square-head bolts and nuts, although there is obviously a mix with some latter style hex head nuts & bolts also - perhaps suggesting later repairs or alterations. On this basis, Matthew Churchward makes the following specific comments about this bridge. This structure looks to have been built probably between 1900 and 1940 based on the general design with round stringer beams and transverse planking with running boards. The concrete abutments have the general appearance of being pre-WWII as they are roughly cast with what looks fairly pebbly ungraded aggregate. I suspect they would be un-reinforced. The deck timbers however are clearly much less weathered and probably date from the last 20 years, probably being a replacement deck replicating the style of an earlier deck. The barrier fence or railing on the bridge span itself is a very interesting and unusual feature. It does not have the appearance of any of the standard bridge railing designs used by either the CRB or local councils. It is nicely made with rounded tops to the posts (to promote water run-off and reduce end rot) and 3 continuous rails of round (galvanised?) pipe which appear to extend through holes drilled through each post - obviously much more trouble to construct that just a pipe clipped to the inside face of the post with pipe brackets or the alternative of timber rails nailed to the posts. The approach sections of fencing with timber rails are much more crudely constructed and I would suggest were added at a later date. Source Matthew Churchward, pers. comm., email dated 23 February, 2007 CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the

Bridge WBRG309

Hermes Number 22847 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:15 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

The condition of this bridge is fair to good Potential threats/ key issues: The surviving early timber bridges over the Clearwater Channel may require upgrading or replacement in accordance with the Bridge Management Strategy and the relevant conservation management policies.

Physical Description 1

Timber bridge

Physical Description 2

This is a small single-span timber bridge situated on the Clearwater Channel aqueduct near the end of River Street, Whittlesea. The structure, which appearsto have been built probably between 1900 and 1940, has round stringer beams and transverse planking with running boards. The concrete abutments have the general appearance of being pre-WWII as they are roughly cast with what looks fairly pebbly ungraded aggregate and probably would be un-reinforced. The deck timbers however are clearly much less weathered and probably date from the last 20 years, probably being a replacement deck replicating the style of an earlier deck. The barrier fence or railing on the bridge span itself is a very interesting and unusual feature. It does not have the appearance of any of the standard bridge railing designs used by either the CRB or local councils. It is nicely made with rounded tops to the posts (to promote water run-off and reduce end rot) and 3 continuous rails of round (galvanised?) pipe which appear to extend through holes drilled through each post - obviously much more trouble to construct that just a pipe clipped to the inside face of the post with pipe brackets or the alternative of timber rails

Bridge WBRG309

Hermes Number 22847 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:15 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water nailed to the posts. The approach sections of fencing with timber rails are much more crudely constructed and were probably added at a later date.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Bridge WBRG309

Hermes Number 22847 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:15 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Bridge WBRG312 Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address 113 Cades Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Clearwater Channel Aqueduct Hermes Number 22848

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Bridge WBRG312

Hermes Number 22848 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:17 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The timber bridge, WBRG312, constructed c.1920s over the Clearwater Channel, is of contributory historical significance as a component of the Clearwater Channel precinct.

Place History

SPECIFIC HISTORY Bridges were constructed across the Clearwater Channel to provide access for abutting landowners and for maintenance crews. Over time, many of these bridges have been replaced and now only two early timber bridges remain, this one known as WBRG312 and WBRG309. The exact date of this bridge is not known. Advice given by the members of the Industrial Heritage Committee of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) suggests that it may date from the early inter-war period. Matthew Churchward of the IHC provided the following advice: Typically timber bridges with round stringer beams and transverse timber plank decks with running boards were built between about 1890 and 1940, though you occasionally get earlier or later examples. Round beam timber stringer bridges with longitudinal planked decks on timber cross-beams were typically built from 1930 until the late 1960s, though you often get earlier bridges that were modified after WWII with one of these more modern style timber decks being added. Initial advice from other members of the committee indicated that the bridges dated from the post-war period. However, Matthew thought that at least two of the bridges (this bridge and WBRG312) may be earlier - possibly dating from between 1900-1940. He notes that: The other features that make me think the bridges are earlier rather than later are the unusual style side fences, the rough-cast mass concrete abutment blocks and the use of square washers and some square-head bolts and nuts, although there is obviously a mix with some latter style hex head nuts & bolts also - perhaps suggesting later repairs or alterations. On this basis, Matthew Churchward makes the following specific comments about this bridge. This structure looks to be a similar age to #309 and is of the same basic design but its deck timbers are much older with the weathering obvious at the edges suggesting they have been in place for 50+ years. They may even be the original early 20th century deck timbers. Same comments as for #309 apply with regard to the railings and abutments. The fact that details like the railings are so similar suggests that both bridges were built by the same contractor or the same construction authority. Source Matthew Churchward, pers. comm., email dated 23 February, 2007 CONTEXTUAL HISTORY By the end of the 1870s Melbourne was one of the world's fastest growing cities. With a population of 281,000, Melbourne had outgrown its water supply system, and new sources were urgently sought. In 1881 Davidson sent a young engineer named William Thwaites (who later became the first Engineer-in-Chief of MMBW) to investigate a possible extension of the Yan Yean system by using water from the northern slopes of the Plenty ranges. Thwaites recommended that the waters of the north flowing Wallaby Creek, a tributary of King Parrot Creek, be diverted into the Plenty catchment. This was a relatively inexpensive and quick solution to water shortages, while other sources of supply were being investigated. In 1882-83 a weir was built on the Wallaby Creek, with an aqueduct and an artificial waterfall, known as the Cascades, to bring seven million gallons per day of clear mountain water to Jack's Creek, a tributary of the eastern branch of the Plenty River, and thence to the Yan Yean Reservoir. Construction of these works involved up to 1300 workers: axemen to clear and grub the trees, labourers (navvies they were then called) wielding pick and shovel, quarrymen to cut the stone for the aqueducts, masons to shape the stone into pitchers, and carters to haul the stone to the site. The workers were camped in tents, with a mobile store and a policeman to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, a greater understanding of waterborne infections had prompted works to prevent the polluted waters of Bruce's and Scrubby Creeks and the Plenty River from entering the reservoir after they flowed through Whittlesea. Bruce's Creek was diverted into the Plenty River below the Yan Yean intake by means of a channel a mile and a half

Bridge WBRG312

Hermes Number 22848 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:17 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water long. Subsequently only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty River was harvested. A channel was cut and lined with bluestone to carry the water from Jack's Creek to Yan Yean. This Clearwater Channel connected directly to the reservoir intake channel. In 1886 the Toorourrong reservoir was constructed on the eastern branch of the Plenty River just below the Jack's Creek junction. Its purpose was to allow the sediments in the fast flowing stream to settle before the water entered the Clearwater Channel. It also contributed an additional five million gallons a day to the Yan Yean supply. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Managment Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

The condition of this bridge is fair. Potential threats/ key issues The surviving early timber bridges over the Clearwater Channel may require upgrading or replacement in accordance with the Bridge Management Strategy and the relevant conservation management policies.

Physical Description 1

Timber bridge

Physical Description 2

This is a small single-span timber bridge situated on the Clearwater Channel aqueduct about 100m to the north of Cades Road, Whittlesea. The structure, which appearsto have been built probably between 1900 and 1940, has round stringer beams and transverse planking with running boards. The concrete abutments have the general appearance of being pre-WWII as they are roughly cast with what looks fairly pebbly ungraded aggregate and probably would be un-reinforced. The deck timbers however are clearly much less weathered and probably date from the last 20 years, probably being a replacement deck replicating the style of an earlier deck. The barrier fence or railing on the bridge span itself is a very interesting and unusual feature. It does not have the appearance of any of the standard bridge railing designs used by either the CRB or local councils. It is nicely made with rounded tops to the posts (to promote water run-off and reduce end rot) and 3 continuous rails of round (galvanised?) pipe which appear to extend through holes drilled through each post - obviously much more trouble to construct that just a pipe clipped to the inside face of the post with pipe brackets or the alternative of timber rails nailed to the posts. The approach sections of fencing with timber rails are much more crudely constructed and were probably added at a later date.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when Bridge WBRG312

Hermes Number 22848 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:17 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Bridge WBRG312

Hermes Number 22848 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:17 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Plenty River gates and inlet Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Cades Road WHITTLESEA VIC 3757 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Clearwater Channel Aqueduct Hermes Number 22850

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Plenty River gates and inlet

Hermes Number 22850 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:43 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Plenty River inlet gates and channel, constructed in 1853-57, is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

The original water supply for the Yan Yean Reservoir was taken from the Plenty River at a point about 3 km north of the inlet tunnel to the reservoir. This inlet from the Plenty River, including a set of sluice gates, the subsequent aqueduct leading south from it, and the inlet tunnel into the reservoir were also part of the original works program for the Yan Yean system of 1853-7. Somewhat unusually for its time the Yan Yean Reservoir was an off-stream storage and the gates allowed the flow of water to the reservoir to be regulated. Discoloured or polluted could be excluded while low summer flows would not be collected. In 1884, due to pollution of the water as it passed through Whittlesea, the originalinlet from the west branch of Plenty River was closed off permanently, after the Clearwater Channel was constructed to carry water directly from Jacks Creek thus ensuring that only water from the unpolluted eastern branch of the Plenty Reiver was harvested. The Clearwater Channel aqueduct connected to the original inlet channel leading to Yan Yean reservoir a few hundred yards to the east of the gates. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2: History Tony Dingle & Helen Doyle, Yan Yean. A history of Melbourne's early water supply, 2003, p.35

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity, with the exception of the channel between the Plenty River Sluice gates and the Clearwater Channel junction where the bluestone blocks lining the channel have been removed.

Physical Conditions

The condition of the Plenty River gates appears to be good. The Channel retains its original formation, which is now somewhat overgrown and the bluestone pitchers have been removed.

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct, archaeological site

Physical Description 2

A major feature of the Clearwater Channel aqueduct is the Plenty River Junction, 7.6 km below Toorourrong Reservoir and 3.2 km north of Yan Yean Reservoir inlet. Here the aqueduct meets the original inlet from the Plenty River just north of the Yan Yean Reservoir. As noted in the History, this water source became polluted by encroaching settlement and was closed off in 1884. Water from the Clearwater Channel leaves the aqueduct to run into a wider, rectangular passage preceding a short drop into a pool where it once met the Plenty River. On the west side of the pool, about 100 metres back, sluice gates on broad granite pillars blocks the original inlet from the Plenty River, leaving a dry bed between the gates and the

Plenty River gates and inlet

Hermes Number 22850 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:43 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water junction. This channel now forms the southern most section of the Clearwater Channel aqueduct from Toorourrong Reservoir. It leads to an inlet tunnel into the Yan Yean Reservoir.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Plenty River gates and inlet

Hermes Number 22850 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:43 am

Page 3 VOLUME 5: HERITAGE PLACE & PRECINCT CITATIONS

YAN YEAN RESERVOIR

Yan Yean Reservoir

Caretaker’s residence

Clearwater Channel inlet

MMBW Depot

Boat ramp

By-wash and Plenty River outlet

Outlet tower

Yan Yean Reservoir park

Valve house and channel

94 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Yan Yean Reservoir Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Reservoir Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Precinct VHR Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Supply Reservoir/ HI Number N/A Dam File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Yan Yean Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22853

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Reservoir

Hermes Number 22853 Heritage Place Report 13-Jun-2007 4:04 pm

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

What is significant? After the establishment of Melbourne in 1835, there were increasing problems with the quality of the water supply as the population increased and two events that occurred in July 1851 greatly affected the future development of Melbourne and its water supply. They were the separation of Victoria from New South Wales and the discovery of gold at Warrandyte near Melbourne. The first enabled the new Government of Victoria to directly borrow money for public works, and the second led to a large increase in the population of Melbourne, and consequently, Victoria. Two schemes were considered: one by James Blackburn proposed a gravity-fed water supply drawn from a reservoir to be constructed near Whittlesea, while another by King proposed a more conventional mechanical pumping station supplying a reservoir near Dight's Falls closer to the city. After assessment by Clement Hodgkinson and later by Matthew Jackson (appointed as engineer in charge of establishing water supply) Blackburn's scheme was recommended with some changes, which included increasing capacity of the reservoir to serve a city of 200,000. The first sod for the Yan Yean reservoir was turned by Governor La Trobe in December 1853 and the system was completed four years later in 1857. The system then comprised the reservoir, outlet tower, valve house and caretaker's residence at Yan Yean and a pipe track to the city that followed road reservations along Nicholson Street, St George's Road and Plenty Road. The reservoir was connected to the Plenty River by a channel that led into a tunnel into the reservoir. Valve houses were constructed at two locations to reduce the build up of pressure in the pipes. From the time of separation (in 1851) to the completion of the system in 1857, the population of Melbourne had already grown from 23,000 to 110,000. How is it significant? The Yan Yean Reservoir complex is of historical, technical, scientific (archaeological) and aesthetic significance to the State of Victoria as an integral part of the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it significant? Historically, theYan YeanReservoir complex comprises components that were key featuresof the original system including the reservoir and bywash, outlet tower and valve house, and caretaker's residence. Up until 1891 when the Watts River weir (now part of the Maroondah system) was commissioned, the Yan Yean system provided the whole of Melbourne's reticulated water supply and the Yan Yean reservoir continues to provide a small percentage of Melbourne's water supply today.(HV criterion A) Technically, the Yan Yean Reservoir is significant as one of the first large reservoir storages in Australiaa and was part of the first remote, gravity fed reticulated supply in the country. It introduced 'puddle clay' technology to Australia and represented a remarkable feat of engineering for the time. (HV criterion F) The Yan Yean Reservoir complex is also of scientific (archaeological) significance as it is likely to contain further archaeological evidence that will provide further information about the construction and maintenance of the Yan Yean system and the lives of the people who created it. (HV criterion C) The Yan Yean Reservoir and its surrounds are of aesthetic significance as a most picturesque cultural landscape. The planting of trees appears to have been undertaken for practical and aesthetic effect and the now mature trees provide a dramatic landscape setting for the reservoir. (HV criterion E) Note: Please refer to the place records for individual features within the complex including the Caretaker's residence, Valve House and channel, bywash and the reserve.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Yan Yean Reservoir, together with its outlet tower and bywash, were constructed as part of the first engineering remote water supply scheme in Victoria. The turning of the first sod by Lieutenant Governor La Trobe occurred on 20 December 1853, and the water from Yan Yean was turned on in Melbourne on 31 December 1857. The new reservoir was 19 miles (32 km) from Melbourne, at an elevation of 590 feet (180 m) above the city of 240,000 inhabitants, and constructed at a cost of 1 million pounds. The scheme included an intake channel 2 miles (3.3 km) long to convey the water from the Plenty River to Yan Yean. It had a capacity of 150 million gallons (680 Ml) a day, and from the reservoir water flowed through a cast-iron pipeline 19 miles to the city.

Yan Yean Reservoir

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

CONTEXTUAL HISTORY Melbourne initially drew its water supply directly from the Yarra River, but by the early 1850s population and industrial growth had led to serious pollution of the river. The Yan Yean scheme was devised by James Blackburn (1803-54), an early City Surveyor who utilised the water of the nearby Plenty River. Blackburn, an engineer and architect, was born in England, sentenced to life imprisonment for forgery, transported to Tasmania in 1833, and pardoned in 1841. He practised professionally in Tasmania on the survey and design of roads, bridges and water supply systems, as well as the design of government buildings and prominent churches. He was appointed City Surveyor 1849 shortly after moving to Melbourne, from where he surveyed and designed the Yan Yean water supply works in 1851. His proposal was adopted by Parliament and work on the Yan Yean embankment commenced in 1853. [1] When on 20 December 1853 Governor La Trobe turned the first sod, the guests invited to the ceremony found the journey to Yan Yean difficult because of the state of the roads and river crossings. The state of the roads was just one of many problems to be overcome by Jackson and the Commissioners. In the early years the scarcity of labour due to the gold rushes forced wages up, as did the granting of the eight hour day to stone masons in 1854. Jackson also experienced problems with the contractors, partly due to his bullying management style. The whole project was a huge undertaking. The cast iron pipes, some as large as 30 inches in diameter - amounting to 123,000 miles of piping altogether - were shipped from England. To overcome the bad roads, nineteen miles of wooden tramway were laid beside the pipe track for hauling the pipes, but it was not much better than the road. Three horses were needed to pull each pipe, and many horses were injured by plunging into the holes between the sleepers. The pipe track extended from the Carlton Gardens, along Nicholson Street and the route of what is now St George's Road, then along Plenty Road to Yan Yean. The St George's Road route avoided the steep slopes of Ruckers Hill at High Street. Three bridges were built to carry the pipeline across the streams in its path. A tubular girder bridge on bluestone piers carried the pipeline across Merri Creek at St Georges Road. The pipeline was carried across Darebin Creek on bluestone piers. A single arch bluestone bridge was built to take the pipe and tramline across the Plenty River near Bridge Inn Road. At the Yan Yean end a township grew up at the construction site. Over 400 labourers - 700 by 1856 - some with their families, took up residence in slab huts or tents. Yan Yean Quarry School was opened, and the contractors for the embankment opened a hotel, later known as the Yan Yean Hotel. A house was built for the resident engineer, John Charles Taylor. This house later became the caretaker's residence. The first job was to clear all the vegetation, including some large trees, from the site of the embankment. A quarry was opened to the south of the reservoir for the bluestone facing inside the embankment. Construction of the embankment took three years. The work was carried out using the muscle power of men and beasts for felling timber, digging, moving earth and carrying materials and equipment. Implements were simple: "ploughs, scoops, and tip-drays drawn by horses and bullocks, shovels wielded by men". A network of pipes was laid through Melbourne's city streets, under the street channels rather than under the footpaths as Blackburn originally intended. Service pipes made of lead lined with tin were laid to connect with each property. Seventeen hundred fireplugs and fire hydrants were installed in the city. Such a large undertaking for such a young city attracted much interest and anticipation in the community, as everywhere the work of pipe laying was evident. Governor La Trobe, who had favoured the Yan Yean system from the outset, took a personal interest, and made frequent visits to inspect the progress of the works. By the time the system was completed, however, La Trobe had finished his term of office and returned to England. In 31 December 1857 a large crowd assembled at the valve house in Carlton Gardens to witness Major-General Edward Macarthur, deputising for the Governor, turning on the Yan Yean water supply. A procession then moved through the streets to the standpipe on the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets, where the Chairman of the Commission turned on a jet of water that "projected sixty or seventy feet in a perpendicular direction", splashing the onlookers. The project took far longer and was much more expensive than originally estimated. There were accusations of wastage and corruption, with a great deal of blame laid on Jackson. The final figure of £754,203, almost double

Yan Yean Reservoir

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Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Jackson's initial estimate, was never fully explained. Jackson returned to England 1861, a figure of public disgrace at the time when many of the Yan Yean system's early problems were manifested (see below). Although Jackson had his faults, he suffered more than his share of the blame for the water supply system's problems. Jackson should be remembered as the engineer who developed Blackburn's innovative plan, working under the great difficulties of gold-rush labour shortages and inflation, long distances and undeveloped transport systems, and sometimes lack of co-operation from government authorities, to provide Melbourne with a reticulated water supply that was generous for the needs of the time. That system, with some modifications, remains in use 150 years later.[2] Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102615, Place File No. 2/14/054/0023. [2] Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2:History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

Good

Physical Description 1

Reservoir, Aqueduct, Cultural landscape, Buildings, Valve House

Physical Description 2

The Yan Yean Reservoir is formed by an embankment constructed across the western extremity of a natural depression formerly known as Ryder's Swamp. The earthen embankment, which is 986 metres long, has an impervious clay puddle core wall, and its inner slope is protected with rough bluestone pitching. At its top water level, the reservoir covers 560 ha. The original bluestone outlet tower is located near the south-western edge of the reservoir, adjacent to the bywash. It has been replaced by a newer concrete outlet structure nearby. The bywash is constructed of local, handworked basalt and measures about 12 metres wide. It delivers overflow water to the Plenty River about 0.6 km away. However, the bywash seldom serves its original purpose now because the reservoir has a small catchment and water from Wallaby Creek can be diverted away if required. Other significant places within the Yan Yean Reservoir catchment include the Valvehouse and Channel, the Inlet Channel and Tunnel, the Boat Structures, the Caretakers Residence and Wooden Water Tank. Bear's Castle, which is located within the reservoir catchment is separately registered.

Recommended Management

Support the on-going management, maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components; Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan.

Yan Yean Reservoir

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References No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Reservoir

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Melbourne Water

Name Caretaker's residence and garden - Yan Yean Heritage Overlay No HO46 Reservoir Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Reservoir Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number H1417 HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Yan Yean Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22855

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded Caretaker's residence and garden - Yan Yean Reservoir

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Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Yan Yean Caretaker's residence, constructed c.1854 and the 1860 additions,is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system. Mature trees that are the remnants of the once-extensive garden including the Bunya Bunya pines, a Stone Pine, Holm Oak, English Elm and a Cabbage Palm are important contributory elements. Please refer to the statement of significance for VHR place H1417.

Place History

The caretaker's residence at Yan Yean was built at the same time as the reservoir, c.1854 for the resident engineer/keeper, at a cost of £1,143. It was possibly designed by the Yan Yean Reservoir engineer Matthew Bullock Jackson. After the completion of the project it was used to house the Resident Inspector (or Caretaker, as he was called later) and his family. An additional weatherboard wing was added in 1860 and further improvements were made in 1901. It was used as the residence until 1964. A new residence was built later, further up the hill to the north-west. The Resident Inspector was responsible for the day-to-day management and maintenance of the Yan Yean system. The longest serving Inspector was John Wilson who held the position for almost 30 years. He was an engineer and contractor who lived in the Yan Yean district and worked for Taylor during the early years of the water works. He supervised the construction of the aqueduct to the Pipehead Reservoir in 1874-5 prior to his appointment as Resident Inspector in 1875. Wilson's responsibilities included the works between Yan Yean and Preston and the Maroondah works from Preston to the Black's Spur. Wilson was succeeded in the position by his son George, who also had a long career with the waterworks. George was caretaker at Preston before he took over as caretaker at Yan Yean in 1907. The Caretaker's House was enlarged further after George's term finished in 1923. The Wilsons typify the family tradition of working on the Yan Yean system. Dingle and Doyle note that the reservoir provided employment for many local people over several generations, so that there was a strong link between community and water works, and a "strong sense of camaraderie and solidarity" amongst the workers who maintained the reservoir. Theirs was a largely self-contained operation and they shared a sense of common identity and loyalty to each other and to Yan Yean. They were proud of their water, and claimed it as amongst the best drinking water in the world. The maintenance program was carried out with "military precision" under a "strictly hierarchical regime" with the caretaker at the top. At one stage the channels were even scrubbed by hand, until Wilson invented a mechanical channel cleaner. This tradition of maintenance continued into the 1960s, when 30 men worked at Yan Yean and 20 worked at Wallaby Creek. It is not known when the garden was first laid out, but it was most likely to have been established during John Wilson's term. A photograph dating from around the turn of the century on an interpretative panel near the house shows the front garden with flower and shrub beds enclosed by low privet hedges, with a central path from the front door on the east side, leading to the reservoir. Large mature exotic and native trees including eucalypts are outside this formal garden and behind the house. A recent plan of the garden, drawn from memory by Doug Kerr, shows that the privet hedges curved across the front of the house. The plan shows lawn rather than flower and shrub beds enclosed by the hedges, with a palm tree each side. Only one of these Fan Palms (Livistona australis) now survives (see above). According to Mr Kerr, the garden was made by his mother and Mr Albert, an MMBW worker at Yan Yean. However, the early photograph shows that the framework of hedging was already established before the Kerrs' time, which commenced in the 1920s. The photograph also shows one of the Fan Palms, which was quite small at the time. Presumably Mrs Kerr and Mr Albert were responsible for changes and ongoing maintenance. Mr Kerr remembers that two huge pine trees in front of the house were cut down 1947-8. Other large trees presently in the front garden, including three Bunya Bunya Pines (Araucaria bidwillii), an English Oak (Quercus robur), a Holm Oak (Quercus ilex), a Stone Pine (Pinus pinea) a Peppercorn (Schinus areira), a Pittosporum species, and a large English Elm (Ulmus procera) at the back near the entrance gate were there in the Kerrs' time. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for

Caretaker's residence and garden - Yan Yean Reservoir

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Melbourne Water (Extracts from chapters 3 and 5 - Note: The garden plan by Mr Kerr is in possession of Ross Mugavin, Parks Victoria, Plenty Gorge Office)

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This caretaker's residence appears to have a high degree of external integrity. It was not inspected internally. The garden has a low degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

The house appears to be in good condition, however, it is presently unoccupied and so is potentially under threat from vandalism. The mature trees appear to be healthy.

Physical Description 1

Building, Cultural landscape, archaeological site

Physical Description 2

This caretaker's residence at Yan Yean Reservoir is a Victorian-era villa, which as noted inthe Historywas constructed in two stages. The first stage, dating from 1853-57, faces the reservoir and is of rendered stone with a low‑pitched M-hipped roof clad in corrugated iron surrounded by a separate verandah. There are bluestone steps and sills. The 1860 addition comprises the weatherboard section at the rear (west) side [1]. The house once had a well-tended garden (this is shown in a photo on an interpretive panel situated near the house), however, little of this survives today. The house now stands in open lawn with some remnant shrubs and mature trees including a three Bunya Bunya pines (Araucaria bidwillii) a Chusan (or Fan) palm (Trachycarpus fortunei? or Livistonia sp.?), Oaks (including a multi‑trunked Holm Oak, Quercus ilex), a Stone Pine (Pinus pinea) and an Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and a large English Elm (Ulmus procera). A stone edged gravel pathway and steps leads from the house down the hill toward the boatshed at the edge of the reservoir [1]. A wooden water tank is said to be located amongst the trees to the north of the residence about 50m above the reservoir. It is described as 'a sturdy structure constructed of Oregon, which was tarred inside to provide water tightness' [2]. This tank was not located and it is not known if it survives. SOURCES [1] Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan Volume 3: Assessment of significance, 2007 [2] Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102615, File No. 2/14/054/0023

Recommended Management

Non-operational (Adapt or re-use) This management strategy applies to the buildings forming part of the Yan Yean system that may be suitable for adaptation for a new use or uses, and any associated cultural landscapes (trees, gardens and associated features such as drystone walls). The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings and associated cultural landscapes in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for buildings or trees that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all buildings and trees in the medium term as a basis for developing a

Caretaker's residence and garden - Yan Yean Reservoir

Hermes Number 22855 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:40 pm

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water maintenance plan; - Find an appropriate use for the buildings that are currently vacant, and reviewing the use of the other buildings to determine whether it is the most optimal use of the building having regard to its on-going conservation and interpretation - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that there may be some degree of change to these places in order to accommodate new uses, but this should be limited consistent with finding a compatible use in accordance with the specific conservation policies. Of particular relevance are the guidelines contained in Policy 3.2 - Change of use - adaptive re-use. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Caretaker's residence and garden - Yan Yean Reservoir

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Melbourne Water

Name Clearwater Channel inlet Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Dunnetts Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Reservoir Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Channel VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Yan Yean Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22851

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Clearwater Channel inlet

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Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

The Clearwater Channel inlet constructed c.1855 is of primary significance as an integral component of the original Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Yan Yean Reservoir, together with its outlet tower, valve houseand bywash, were constructed as part of the first engineering remote water supply scheme in Victoria. The turning of the first sod by Lieutenant Governor La Trobe occurred on 20 December 1853, and the water from Yan Yean was turned on in Melbourne on 31 December 1857. The new reservoir was 19 miles (32 km) from Melbourne, at an elevation of 590 feet (180 m) above the city of 240,000 inhabitants, and constructed at a cost of 1 million pounds. The scheme included an intake channel 2 miles (3.3 km) long to convey the water from the Plenty River via this inlet tunnel to Yan Yean Reservoir. This direct source from the Plenty River was bypassed in 1885 when the Clearwater Channel aqueduct came on-line. CONTEXTUAL HISTORY Melbourne initially drew its water supply directly from the Yarra River, but by the early 1850s population and industrial growth had led to serious pollution of the river. The Yan Yean scheme was devised by James Blackburn (1803-54), an early City Surveyor who utilised the water of the nearby Plenty River. Blackburn, an engineer and architect, was born in England, sentenced to life imprisonment for forgery, transported to Tasmania in 1833, and pardoned in 1841. He practised professionally in Tasmania on the survey and design of roads, bridges and water supply systems, as well as the design of government buildings and prominent churches. He was appointed City Surveyor 1849 shortly after moving to Melbourne, from where he surveyed and designed the Yan Yean water supply works in 1851. His proposal was adopted by Parliament and work on the Yan Yean embankment commenced in 1853. [1] When on 20 December 1853 Governor La Trobe turned the first sod, the guests invited to the ceremony found the journey to Yan Yean difficult because of the state of the roads and river crossings. The state of the roads was just one of many problems to be overcome by Jackson and the Commissioners. In the early years the scarcity of labour due to the gold rushes forced wages up, as did the granting of the eight hour day to stone masons in 1854. Jackson also experienced problems with the contractors, partly due to his bullying management style. The whole project was a huge undertaking. The cast iron pipes, some as large as 30 inches in diameter - amounting to 123,000 miles of piping altogether - were shipped from England. To overcome the bad roads, nineteen miles of wooden tramway were laid beside the pipe track for hauling the pipes, but it was not much better than the road. Three horses were needed to pull each pipe, and many horses were injured by plunging into the holes between the sleepers. The pipe track extended from the Carlton Gardens, along Nicholson Street and the route of what is now St George's Road, then along Plenty Road to Yan Yean. The St George's Road route avoided the steep slopes of Ruckers Hill at High Street. Three bridges were built to carry the pipeline across the streams in its path. A tubular girder bridge on bluestone piers carried the pipeline across Merri Creek at St Georges Road. The pipeline was carried across Darebin Creek on bluestone piers. A single arch bluestone bridge was built to take the pipe and tramline across the Plenty River near Bridge Inn Road. At the Yan Yean end a township grew up at the construction site. Over 400 labourers - 700 by 1856 - some with their families, took up residence in slab huts or tents. Yan Yean Quarry School was opened, and the contractors for the embankment opened a hotel, later known as the Yan Yean Hotel. A house was built for the resident engineer, John Charles Taylor. This house later became the caretaker's residence. The first job was to clear all the vegetation, including some large trees, from the site of the embankment. A quarry was opened to the south of the reservoir for the bluestone facing inside the embankment. Construction of the embankment took three years. The work was carried out using the muscle power of men and beasts for felling timber, digging, moving earth and carrying materials and equipment. Implements were simple: "ploughs, scoops, and tip-drays

Clearwater Channel inlet

Hermes Number 22851 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:33 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water drawn by horses and bullocks, shovels wielded by men". A network of pipes was laid through Melbourne's city streets, under the street channels rather than under the footpaths as Blackburn originally intended. Service pipes made of lead lined with tin were laid to connect with each property. Seventeen hundred fireplugs and fire hydrants were installed in the city. Such a large undertaking for such a young city attracted much interest and anticipation in the community, as everywhere the work of pipe laying was evident. Governor La Trobe, who had favoured the Yan Yean system from the outset, took a personal interest, and made frequent visits to inspect the progress of the works. By the time the system was completed, however, La Trobe had finished his term of office and returned to England. In 31 December 1857 a large crowd assembled at the valve house in Carlton Gardens to witness Major-General Edward Macarthur, deputising for the Governor, turning on the Yan Yean water supply. A procession then moved through the streets to the standpipe on the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets, where the Chairman of the Commission turned on a jet of water that "projected sixty or seventy feet in a perpendicular direction", splashing the onlookers. The project took far longer and was much more expensive than originally estimated. There were accusations of wastage and corruption, with a great deal of blame laid on Jackson. The final figure of £754,203, almost double Jackson's initial estimate, was never fully explained. Jackson returned to England 1861, a figure of public disgrace at the time when many of the Yan Yean system's early problems were manifested (see below). Although Jackson had his faults, he suffered more than his share of the blame for the water supply system's problems. Jackson should be remembered as the engineer who developed Blackburn's innovative plan, working under the great difficulties of gold-rush labour shortages and inflation, long distances and undeveloped transport systems, and sometimes lack of co-operation from government authorities, to provide Melbourne with a reticulated water supply that was generous for the needs of the time. That system, with some modifications, remains in use 150 years later.[2] Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102615, Place File No. 2/14/054/0023. [2] Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2:History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

Fair to poor - subsidence is causing cracking, which will require remedial works in the immediate future.

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct

Physical Description 2

The inlet tunnel to Yan Yean is about 30 metres long and enters the reservoir via a bluestone lined channel about 50 metres long. The entry to the tunnel is bluestone faced with a manually operated sluice gate.

Recommended Management

Clearwater Channel inlet

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Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Clearwater Channel inlet

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Melbourne Water

Name MMBW Depot Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Reservoir Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Yan Yean Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22856

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

MMBW Depot

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Statement of Significance

The MMBW Depot, constructed c.1920s, is of secondary significance as a component of the Yan Yean system that illustrates development of the system in the early twentieth century.

Place History

The exact date of the establishment of the MMBW depot at Yan Yean Reservoir is not known. The existing buildings on site appear to date from the inter-war period. It is known that a large staff of up to thirty men were employed at Yan Yean for much of the twentieth century. Further research is required.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of external integrity.

Physical Conditions

Fair to Good

Physical Description 1

Building

Physical Description 2

The MMBW depot is situated to the north-west of the former caretaker's residence. It comprises corrugated iron-clad gabled buildings surrounded by asphalt car parking areas.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). It is noted that this building also has adaptive re-use potential.

MMBW Depot

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References No Information Recorded

MMBW Depot

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Melbourne Water

Name Yan Yean Reservoir boat ramp Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Reservoir Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Yan Yean Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22860

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Reservoir boat ramp

Hermes Number 22860 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:56 am

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Statement of Significance

The Yan Yean reservoir boat ramp is of contributory significance for its associations with the use of Yan Yean reservoir by the caretakers and commissioners.

Place History

The date of construction of the boat ramp and associated features is not known, though it possibly dates from the time of the construction of the reservoir in 1853-7 or soon after. The RNE place record makes the following comments: No documentary evidence has been found about the construction of the boatshed or slipway on Yan Yean Reservoir. However, an early MMBW photograph, (c. 1910) shows a schooner, the "Commissioner', moored along the bank of the reservoir. In the background is a windmill, most likely used to pump water up to the wooden tank on the hill. There is also a structure shown which is likely to be the boatshed, although the detail is not clear. The location of all these features appears to correlate with the sites found today. In addition, the bluestone slipway is of a similar construction to the bluestone embankment that continues along the shoreline and lines the inlet tunnel. The boat was 11 metres long, and used to carry stone about the reservoir during construction of the embankment, and to ferry special guests about the reservoir for fishing and tours. [1] Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102615, File No. 2/14/054/0023

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

The surviving features of the boat ramp have a moderate to high degree of integrity.

Physical Description 1

Building, cultural landscape

Physical Description 2

The site of the boathouse is on the edge of the reservoir immediately below the caretaker's house. The present boathouse is a colourbond clad shed of recent construction that apparently replaced an earlier structure, which is described in the RNE place record for this site [1]. The shed is surrounded by stone walls set into the bank and an iron slipway leads to the reservoir. The RNE place record also records the existence of a 'bogie' said to be located near the inlet tunnel. This is described as 'a timber-framed structure mounted on two sets of iron bogie wheels, with old pieces of railway track used to strengthen the base'. This item was not seen and it is not known whether it has survived. Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102615, File No. 2/14/054/0023

Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the

Yan Yean Reservoir boat ramp

Hermes Number 22860 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:56 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Reservoir boat ramp

Hermes Number 22860 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:56 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Yan Yean Reservoir Bywash & Plenty River Heritage Overlay No outlet channel Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Reservoir Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Recreation Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Channel VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Yan Yean Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22859

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Reservoir Bywash & Plenty River outlet channel

Hermes Number 22859 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:57 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

The Yan Yean Reservoir Bywash and outlet to the Plenty River, designed by Matthew Jackson and constructed c.1855 is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Yan Yean Reservoir, together with its outlet tower, valve houseand bywash, were constructed as part of the first engineering remote water supply scheme in Victoria. The turning of the first sod by Lieutenant Governor La Trobe occurred on 20 December 1853, and the water from Yan Yean was turned on in Melbourne on 31 December 1857. The new reservoir was 19 miles (32 km) from Melbourne, at an elevation of 590 feet (180 m) above the city of 240,000 inhabitants, and constructed at a cost of 1 million pounds. The scheme included an intake channel 2 miles (3.3 km) long to convey the water from the Plenty River via this inlet tunnel to Yan Yean Reservoir. This direct source from the Plenty Riverwas bypassed in 1885 when the Clearwater Channel aqueduct came on-line. The Yan Yean Reservoir bywash (presumably designed by Matthew Jackson) was originally designed to deliver overflow to the Plenty River, however, it rarely performs this function now - it was to here that the 18 inch 'compensation pipe' from the outlet tower once discharged to provide supply to the mills and other users downstream of the reservoir. For further information, please refer to Volume 1: History of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). CONTEXTUAL HISTORY Melbourne initially drew its water supply directly from the Yarra River, but by the early 1850s population and industrial growth had led to serious pollution of the river. The Yan Yean scheme was devised by James Blackburn (1803-54), an early City Surveyor who utilised the water of the nearby Plenty River. Blackburn, an engineer and architect, was born in England, sentenced to life imprisonment for forgery, transported to Tasmania in 1833, and pardoned in 1841. He practised professionally in Tasmania on the survey and design of roads, bridges and water supply systems, as well as the design of government buildings and prominent churches. He was appointed City Surveyor 1849 shortly after moving to Melbourne, from where he surveyed and designed the Yan Yean water supply works in 1851. His proposal was adopted by Parliament and work on the Yan Yean embankment commenced in 1853. [1] When on 20 December 1853 Governor La Trobe turned the first sod, the guests invited to the ceremony found the journey to Yan Yean difficult because of the state of the roads and river crossings. The state of the roads was just one of many problems to be overcome by Jackson and the Commissioners. In the early years the scarcity of labour due to the gold rushes forced wages up, as did the granting of the eight hour day to stone masons in 1854. Jackson also experienced problems with the contractors, partly due to his bullying management style. The whole project was a huge undertaking. The cast iron pipes, some as large as 30 inches in diameter - amounting to 123,000 miles of piping altogether - were shipped from England. To overcome the bad roads, nineteen miles of wooden tramway were laid beside the pipe track for hauling the pipes, but it was not much better than the road. Three horses were needed to pull each pipe, and many horses were injured by plunging into the holes between the sleepers. The pipe track extended from the Carlton Gardens, along Nicholson Street and the route of what is now St George's Road, then along Plenty Road to Yan Yean. The St George's Road route avoided the steep slopes of Ruckers Hill at High Street. Three bridges were built to carry the pipeline across the streams in its path. A tubular girder bridge on bluestone piers carried the pipeline across Merri Creek at St Georges Road. The pipeline was carried across Darebin Creek on bluestone piers. A single arch bluestone bridge was built to take the pipe and tramline across the Plenty River near Bridge Inn Road. At the Yan Yean end a township grew up at the construction site. Over 400 labourers - 700 by 1856 - some with their families, took up residence in slab huts or tents. Yan Yean Quarry School was opened, and the contractors for the

Yan Yean Reservoir Bywash & Plenty River outlet channel

Hermes Number 22859 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:57 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water embankment opened a hotel, later known as the Yan Yean Hotel. A house was built for the resident engineer, John Charles Taylor. This house later became the caretaker's residence. The first job was to clear all the vegetation, including some large trees, from the site of the embankment. A quarry was opened to the south of the reservoir for the bluestone facing inside the embankment. Construction of the embankment took three years. The work was carried out using the muscle power of men and beasts for felling timber, digging, moving earth and carrying materials and equipment. Implements were simple: "ploughs, scoops, and tip-drays drawn by horses and bullocks, shovels wielded by men". A network of pipes was laid through Melbourne's city streets, under the street channels rather than under the footpaths as Blackburn originally intended. Service pipes made of lead lined with tin were laid to connect with each property. Seventeen hundred fireplugs and fire hydrants were installed in the city. Such a large undertaking for such a young city attracted much interest and anticipation in the community, as everywhere the work of pipe laying was evident. Governor La Trobe, who had favoured the Yan Yean system from the outset, took a personal interest, and made frequent visits to inspect the progress of the works. By the time the system was completed, however, La Trobe had finished his term of office and returned to England. In 31 December 1857 a large crowd assembled at the valve house in Carlton Gardens to witness Major-General Edward Macarthur, deputising for the Governor, turning on the Yan Yean water supply. A procession then moved through the streets to the standpipe on the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets, where the Chairman of the Commission turned on a jet of water that "projected sixty or seventy feet in a perpendicular direction", splashing the onlookers. The project took far longer and was much more expensive than originally estimated. There were accusations of wastage and corruption, with a great deal of blame laid on Jackson. The final figure of £754,203, almost double Jackson's initial estimate, was never fully explained. Jackson returned to England 1861, a figure of public disgrace at the time when many of the Yan Yean system's early problems were manifested (see below). Although Jackson had his faults, he suffered more than his share of the blame for the water supply system's problems. Jackson should be remembered as the engineer who developed Blackburn's innovative plan, working under the great difficulties of gold-rush labour shortages and inflation, long distances and undeveloped transport systems, and sometimes lack of co-operation from government authorities, to provide Melbourne with a reticulated water supply that was generous for the needs of the time. That system, with some modifications, remains in use 150 years later.[2] Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102615, Place File No. 2/14/054/0023. [2] Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2:History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct

Physical Description 2

The Yan Yean Reservoir bywash is constructed of local, hand worked bluestone and measures about 12 metres wide. It is located near to the modern outlet tower and connects to a bluestone‑lined channel that leads in a straight line direct to the Plenty River, passing under Recreation Road. It is in good condition.

Yan Yean Reservoir Bywash & Plenty River outlet channel

Hermes Number 22859 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:57 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Reservoir Bywash & Plenty River outlet channel

Hermes Number 22859 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:57 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Yan Yean Reservoir outlet tower Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Reservoir Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Tower VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Yan Yean Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22857

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded Victorian Period (1851-1901) Vernacular

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Reservoir outlet tower

Hermes Number 22857 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:19 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Yan Yean Reservoir outlet tower, designed by Matthew Jackson and constructed c.1855 is of primary significance as an integral component of the Yan Yean system.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Yan Yean Reservoir, together with its outlet tower, valve houseand bywash, were constructed as part of the first engineering remote water supply scheme in Victoria. The turning of the first sod by Lieutenant Governor La Trobe occurred on 20 December 1853, and the water from Yan Yean was turned on in Melbourne on 31 December 1857. The new reservoir was 19 miles (32 km) from Melbourne, at an elevation of 590 feet (180 m) above the city of 240,000 inhabitants, and constructed at a cost of 1 million pounds. The scheme included an intake channel 2 miles (3.3 km) long to convey the water from the Plenty River via this inlet tunnel to Yan Yean Reservoir. This direct source from the Plenty Riverwas bypassed in 1885 when the Clearwater Channel aqueduct came on-line. The bluestone outlet tower at Yan Yean Reservoir was designed by Matthew Jackson and water collected via the tower was directed into two 33 inch outlet pipes that passed through the base of the dam wall to the valve house. Both of the pipes cracked after installation and Jackson had to affect repairs, which led to fears that the wall might collapse, however, this never eventuated. The outlet tower served its purpose for over 100 years until it was decommissioned and replaced by a new outlet tower located further to the south. For further information, please refer to Volume 1: History of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). CONTEXTUAL HISTORY Melbourne initially drew its water supply directly from the Yarra River, but by the early 1850s population and industrial growth had led to serious pollution of the river. The Yan Yean scheme was devised by James Blackburn (1803-54), an early City Surveyor who utilised the water of the nearby Plenty River. Blackburn, an engineer and architect, was born in England, sentenced to life imprisonment for forgery, transported to Tasmania in 1833, and pardoned in 1841. He practised professionally in Tasmania on the survey and design of roads, bridges and water supply systems, as well as the design of government buildings and prominent churches. He was appointed City Surveyor 1849 shortly after moving to Melbourne, from where he surveyed and designed the Yan Yean water supply works in 1851. His proposal was adopted by Parliament and work on the Yan Yean embankment commenced in 1853. [1] When on 20 December 1853 Governor La Trobe turned the first sod, the guests invited to the ceremony found the journey to Yan Yean difficult because of the state of the roads and river crossings. The state of the roads was just one of many problems to be overcome by Jackson and the Commissioners. In the early years the scarcity of labour due to the gold rushes forced wages up, as did the granting of the eight hour day to stone masons in 1854. Jackson also experienced problems with the contractors, partly due to his bullying management style. The whole project was a huge undertaking. The cast iron pipes, some as large as 30 inches in diameter - amounting to 123,000 miles of piping altogether - were shipped from England. To overcome the bad roads, nineteen miles of wooden tramway were laid beside the pipe track for hauling the pipes, but it was not much better than the road. Three horses were needed to pull each pipe, and many horses were injured by plunging into the holes between the sleepers. The pipe track extended from the Carlton Gardens, along Nicholson Street and the route of what is now St George's Road, then along Plenty Road to Yan Yean. The St George's Road route avoided the steep slopes of Ruckers Hill at High Street. Three bridges were built to carry the pipeline across the streams in its path. A tubular girder bridge on bluestone piers carried the pipeline across Merri Creek at St Georges Road. The pipeline was carried across Darebin Creek on bluestone piers. A single arch bluestone bridge was built to take the pipe and tramline across the Plenty River near Bridge Inn Road. At the Yan Yean end a township grew up at the construction site. Over 400 labourers - 700 by 1856 - some with their families, took up residence in slab huts or tents. Yan Yean Quarry School was opened, and the contractors for the embankment opened a hotel, later known as the Yan Yean Hotel. A house was built for the resident engineer, John Charles Taylor. This house later became the caretaker's residence.

Yan Yean Reservoir outlet tower

Hermes Number 22857 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:19 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

The first job was to clear all the vegetation, including some large trees, from the site of the embankment. A quarry was opened to the south of the reservoir for the bluestone facing inside the embankment. Construction of the embankment took three years. The work was carried out using the muscle power of men and beasts for felling timber, digging, moving earth and carrying materials and equipment. Implements were simple: "ploughs, scoops, and tip-drays drawn by horses and bullocks, shovels wielded by men". A network of pipes was laid through Melbourne's city streets, under the street channels rather than under the footpaths as Blackburn originally intended. Service pipes made of lead lined with tin were laid to connect with each property. Seventeen hundred fireplugs and fire hydrants were installed in the city. Such a large undertaking for such a young city attracted much interest and anticipation in the community, as everywhere the work of pipe laying was evident. Governor La Trobe, who had favoured the Yan Yean system from the outset, took a personal interest, and made frequent visits to inspect the progress of the works. By the time the system was completed, however, La Trobe had finished his term of office and returned to England. In 31 December 1857 a large crowd assembled at the valve house in Carlton Gardens to witness Major-General Edward Macarthur, deputising for the Governor, turning on the Yan Yean water supply. A procession then moved through the streets to the standpipe on the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets, where the Chairman of the Commission turned on a jet of water that "projected sixty or seventy feet in a perpendicular direction", splashing the onlookers. The project took far longer and was much more expensive than originally estimated. There were accusations of wastage and corruption, with a great deal of blame laid on Jackson. The final figure of £754,203, almost double Jackson's initial estimate, was never fully explained. Jackson returned to England 1861, a figure of public disgrace at the time when many of the Yan Yean system's early problems were manifested (see below). Although Jackson had his faults, he suffered more than his share of the blame for the water supply system's problems. Jackson should be remembered as the engineer who developed Blackburn's innovative plan, working under the great difficulties of gold-rush labour shortages and inflation, long distances and undeveloped transport systems, and sometimes lack of co-operation from government authorities, to provide Melbourne with a reticulated water supply that was generous for the needs of the time. That system, with some modifications, remains in use 150 years later.[2] Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102615, Place File No. 2/14/054/0023. [2] Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2:History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of external integrity.

Physical Description 1

Building

Physical Description 2

The square bluestone outlet tower within Yan Yean Reservoir is built of rough-faced and tooled bluestone blocks, beneath a low pyramidal roof clad in recent corrugated iron. The western elevation facing the dam has a pair of arched doors, beneath the inscription 'M.B. Jackson', after the designer Matthew Jackson. It appears to be in good condition.

Recommended Management

Yan Yean Reservoir outlet tower

Hermes Number 22857 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:19 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Reservoir outlet tower

Hermes Number 22857 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:19 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Yan Yean Reservoir Park Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Reservoir Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Yan Yean Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22854

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Reservoir Park

Hermes Number 22854 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:19 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Yan Yean Reservoir Park is of secondary significance as a contributory element within the Yan Yean reservoir precinct. Contributory elements include remnant indigenous vegetation and vegetation planted during the late nineteenth century or in the twentieth century prior to World War II.

Place History

Much of the indigenous vegetation surrounding the Yan Yean Reservoir was removed during construction of the reservoir, and also afterwards because of extensive timber cutting in the catchment.From the time of its completion the Yan Yean system was eulogised as a triumph of engineering within a natural picturesque setting, however, it was more than two decades before any attention was given to the vegetation surrounding the reservoir. The subsequent planting program, which began in earnest in 1881, focussed on protecting water quality and quantity, nevertheless aesthetics were a strong consideration. The selection of trees and shrubs by Ferdinand Von Mueller and others reflected both botanical interests and garden fashion of the time and the most highly recommended trees were conifers. The nineteenth century landscapes, once established, saw little change apart from the natural cycle of growth and decay, and the replacement of many diseased pines with eucalypts. An area of native forest adjacent to the Yan Yean Reservoir has remained essentially in its natural state and is now designated a Reference Area. Nurseries were established at Yan Yean and Toorourrong reservoirs to provide trees for re-afforestation of the catchment and for aqueduct plantings. The mature landscape within the Yan Yean Reservoir Park that exists today is therefore very much a created landscape that is the result of over 100 years of planting. Yan Yean became a popular tourist resort, particularly after the opening of the Whittlesea railway in 1889. The surrounding bush, Bear's Castle, and the Cascades north of the Toorourrong Reservoir were popular with walkers, and the New Year's Day Friendly Societies' picnic was an annual event for over 50 years. In the twentieth century, when improved transport widened options for tourist areas further afield, the Yan Yean system lost some of its appeal, however, the Yan Yean system remained popular with people from the northern suburbs, and from the 1940s bushwalkers re-discovered the Cascades and Bear's Castle. In the 1950s a new picnic area was laid out below the dam wall to prevent rubbish from entering the water. Later, post-war immigrants moving out to the northern suburbs discovered Yan Yean's charms as a venue for family picnics or social club outings. For further information, please refer to Volume 1: History of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, pp 45, 59-61

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Intactness

This area is thought to have a moderate to low degree of intactness. Apart from the remnant mature trees, much of the landscaping and other features date from the post-World War II period and are outside the period of primary or secondary significance.

Physical Description 1

Cultural landscape, archaeological site

Physical Description 2

Yan Yean Reservoir Park

Hermes Number 22854 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:19 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

The Yan Yean Reservoir Park comprises the publicly accessible parts of the site below the dam wall and immediately adjacent. Many of the features within this area date from the post‑Second World Warperiod - this includes thecar park, c.1970s toilet block and other accretions. The most notable feature of thisarea is the many mature trees such as pines that may be remnants of the planting carried out from the late nineteenth to early twentieth century, as well as some indigenous trees that may be remnants of the original landscape such as this old gum by the entrance from Reservoir Road. (Note: Significant features such as the Caretaker's residence and garden, and the Valve House and channel are described separately).

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use including the component and any associated cultural landscape feature such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation or remedial works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Reservoir Park

Hermes Number 22854 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:19 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Yan Yean Reservoir valve house & channel Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Reservoir Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Yan Yean Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22858

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Yan Yean Reservoir valve house & channel

Hermes Number 22858 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:20 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Yan Yean Reservoir Valve House, designed by Matthew Jackson and originallyconstructed c1855 (re-erected in 1999) and the associated section of bluestone channel constructed in 1874 as part of the aqueduct to South Morang (re-erected in 1999)are of primary historical significance as integral components of the Yan Yean system, which demonstrate the initial scheme and the later additions that were made to improve supply. (HC crierion A)

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The Valve House at Yan Yean Reservoir was designed by Matthew Jackson and constructed c.1855 as part of the original Yan Yean system. It transferred water from the outlet tower in the reservoir to the No.1 main that connected the reserovir to Melbourne. In 1874, the No.1 main was lifted and replaced by a bluestone aqueduct. In the early 1960sthe outlet tower andvalve house were decommissioned when a new outlet tower was built that connected to a pipe laid within the old aqueduct. In 1999, the valve house and a small surviving section of the bluestone aqueduct were dismantled, moved and re-erected in the present position to allow for expansion and strengthening of the dam wall. It was at this time that interpretive information, including signage and sections of the old cast iron mains was installed at the site. For further information, please refer to Volume 1: History of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). CONTEXTUAL HISTORY Melbourne initially drew its water supply directly from the Yarra River, but by the early 1850s population and industrial growth had led to serious pollution of the river. The Yan Yean scheme was devised by James Blackburn (1803-54), an early City Surveyor who utilised the water of the nearby Plenty River. Blackburn, an engineer and architect, was born in England, sentenced to life imprisonment for forgery, transported to Tasmania in 1833, and pardoned in 1841. He practised professionally in Tasmania on the survey and design of roads, bridges and water supply systems, as well as the design of government buildings and prominent churches. He was appointed City Surveyor 1849 shortly after moving to Melbourne, from where he surveyed and designed the Yan Yean water supply works in 1851. His proposal was adopted by Parliament and work on the Yan Yean embankment commenced in 1853. [1] When on 20 December 1853 Governor La Trobe turned the first sod, the guests invited to the ceremony found the journey to Yan Yean difficult because of the state of the roads and river crossings. The state of the roads was just one of many problems to be overcome by Jackson and the Commissioners. In the early years the scarcity of labour due to the gold rushes forced wages up, as did the granting of the eight hour day to stone masons in 1854. Jackson also experienced problems with the contractors, partly due to his bullying management style. The whole project was a huge undertaking. The cast iron pipes, some as large as 30 inches in diameter - amounting to 123,000 miles of piping altogether - were shipped from England. To overcome the bad roads, nineteen miles of wooden tramway were laid beside the pipe track for hauling the pipes, but it was not much better than the road. Three horses were needed to pull each pipe, and many horses were injured by plunging into the holes between the sleepers. The pipe track extended from the Carlton Gardens, along Nicholson Street and the route of what is now St George's Road, then along Plenty Road to Yan Yean. The St George's Road route avoided the steep slopes of Ruckers Hill at High Street. Three bridges were built to carry the pipeline across the streams in its path. A tubular girder bridge on bluestone piers carried the pipeline across Merri Creek at St Georges Road. The pipeline was carried across Darebin Creek on bluestone piers. A single arch bluestone bridge was built to take the pipe and tramline across the Plenty River near Bridge Inn Road. At the Yan Yean end a township grew up at the construction site. Over 400 labourers - 700 by 1856 - some with their families, took up residence in slab huts or tents. Yan Yean Quarry School was opened, and the contractors for the embankment opened a hotel, later known as the Yan Yean Hotel. A house was built for the resident engineer, John Charles Taylor. This house later became the caretaker's residence. The first job was to clear all the vegetation, including some large trees, from the site of the embankment. A quarry was opened to the south of the reservoir for the bluestone facing inside the embankment. Construction of the

Yan Yean Reservoir valve house & channel

Hermes Number 22858 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:20 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water embankment took three years. The work was carried out using the muscle power of men and beasts for felling timber, digging, moving earth and carrying materials and equipment. Implements were simple: "ploughs, scoops, and tip-drays drawn by horses and bullocks, shovels wielded by men". A network of pipes was laid through Melbourne's city streets, under the street channels rather than under the footpaths as Blackburn originally intended. Service pipes made of lead lined with tin were laid to connect with each property. Seventeen hundred fireplugs and fire hydrants were installed in the city. Such a large undertaking for such a young city attracted much interest and anticipation in the community, as everywhere the work of pipe laying was evident. Governor La Trobe, who had favoured the Yan Yean system from the outset, took a personal interest, and made frequent visits to inspect the progress of the works. By the time the system was completed, however, La Trobe had finished his term of office and returned to England. In 31 December 1857 a large crowd assembled at the valve house in Carlton Gardens to witness Major-General Edward Macarthur, deputising for the Governor, turning on the Yan Yean water supply. A procession then moved through the streets to the standpipe on the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets, where the Chairman of the Commission turned on a jet of water that "projected sixty or seventy feet in a perpendicular direction", splashing the onlookers. The project took far longer and was much more expensive than originally estimated. There were accusations of wastage and corruption, with a great deal of blame laid on Jackson. The final figure of £754,203, almost double Jackson's initial estimate, was never fully explained. Jackson returned to England 1861, a figure of public disgrace at the time when many of the Yan Yean system's early problems were manifested (see below). Although Jackson had his faults, he suffered more than his share of the blame for the water supply system's problems. Jackson should be remembered as the engineer who developed Blackburn's innovative plan, working under the great difficulties of gold-rush labour shortages and inflation, long distances and undeveloped transport systems, and sometimes lack of co-operation from government authorities, to provide Melbourne with a reticulated water supply that was generous for the needs of the time. That system, with some modifications, remains in use 150 years later.[2] Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102615, Place File No. 2/14/054/0023. [2] Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2:History, 2007, for Melbourne Water.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a fair to moderate degree of external integrity.

Physical Description 1

Building, aqueduct, archaeological site, pipes

Physical Description 2

The relocated and reconstructed Valve House is octagonal outside and circular inside, constructed from a single layer of bluestone, with the masons marks still visible on the individual stones. It is situated below the bank on the dam, on the west side. It is connected to a short section of bluestone channel. Samples of early cast iron pipes are also displayed.

Recommended Management

Yan Yean Reservoir valve house & channel

Hermes Number 22858 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 11:20 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Charles Taylor. This house later became the caretaker's residence. The first job was to clear all the vegetation, including some large trees, from the site of the embankment. A quarry was opened to the south of the reservoir for the bluestone facing inside the embankment. Construction of the embankment took three years. The work was carried out using the muscle power of men and beasts for felling timber, digging, moving earth and carrying materials and equipment. Implements were simple: "ploughs, scoops, and tip-drays drawn by horses and bullocks, shovels wielded by men". A network of pipes was laid through Melbourne's city streets, under the street channels rather than under the footpaths as Blackburn originally intended. Service pipes made of lead lined with tin were laid to connect with each property. Seventeen hundred fireplugs and fire hydrants were installed in the city. Such a large undertaking for such a young city attracted much interest and anticipation in the community, as everywhere the work of pipe laying was evident. Governor La Trobe, who had favoured the Yan Yean system from the outset, took a personal interest, and made frequent visits to inspect the progress of the works. By the time the system was completed, however, La Trobe had finished his term of office and returned to England. In 31 December 1857 a large crowd assembled at the valve house in Carlton Gardens to witness Major-General Edward Macarthur, deputising for the Governor, turning on the Yan Yean water supply. A procession then moved through the streets to the standpipe on the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets, where the Chairman of the Commission turned on a jet of water that "projected sixty or seventy feet in a perpendicular direction", splashing the onlookers. The project took far longer and was much more expensive than originally estimated. There were accusations of wastage and corruption, with a great deal of blame laid on Jackson. The final figure of £754,203, almost double Jackson's initial estimate, was never fully explained. Jackson returned to England 1861, a figure of public disgrace at the time when many of the Yan Yean system's early problems were manifested (see below). Although Jackson had his faults, he suffered more than his share of the blame for the water supply system's problems. Jackson should be remembered as the engineer who developed Blackburn's innovative plan, working under the great difficulties of gold-rush labour shortages and inflation, long distances and undeveloped transport systems, and sometimes lack of co-operation from government authorities, to provide Melbourne with a reticulated water supply that was generous for the needs of the time. That system, with some modifications, remains in use 150 years later.[2] Development of the System (1853-1891) The original scheme was to supply water at the rate of 30 gallons (136.5) per head to a population of 200,000 people, but loss of mains pressure surfaced as a problem as early as 1862. By 1867, service pipes had been extended beyond the 18 million gallons (81.9 MI) per day capacity of the original Yan Yean mains, leading to acute shortages and severe rationing in 1872. The supply was increased in 1874 by construction of a bluestone lined aqueduct from Yan Yean to Morang capable of supplying 33 million gallons (150 M1) per day). The 30 inch (750mm) cast iron main between Yan Yean and Morang was lifted and the pipes relaid alongside the original 27 inch (675mm) No. 1 cast iron main from Morang to Preston. The work, which included construction of a pipehead reservoir at Morang (Mernda) was completed by 1876. During the twentieth century, the aqueduct between Yan Yean and Morang was itself replaced with a pipe main. According to plant operator Mr Dino Eramo who commenced employment with the MMBW in 1960, a fabricated steel main was laid within the abandoned aqueduct. Except where manholes necessitated demolition of stonework using explosives, the original aqueduct was backfilled and left in-situ. [2] Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102615, Place File No. 2/14/054/0023. [2] Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2:History, 2007, for Melbourne Water. [3] Unpublished report prepared by Dr Helen Doyle for Context Pty Ltd dated 23 August 2004 cites various sources including: R.C. Seeger, part 2, Victorian Historical Magazine, vol. 22, 1947-48, pp. 25-27 MMBW, 'Notes on the Melbourne Water Supply', 1902 Argus, 16 June 1868, copy held in VPRS 8609, Unit 15, item 33. Diane Edwards, Yan Yean (1989), p. 31. Special Edition of the Building, Mining & Engineering Journal, 1905, pp. 31-36

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

Hermes Number 22862 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:34 pm

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Intactness

Varies - refer to specific place records.

Physical Conditions

Varies - refer to specific place records

Physical Description 1

Pipe reserve, aqueduct, cultural landscape, bridge, archaeological sites

Physical Description 2

This is the section of the Yan Yean system that connects Yan Yean Reservoir to the (now decommissioned) Pipehead Reservoir adjacent to McDonalds Road in South Morang. As described in the history, this section of the system was originally constructed as a pipe, and then converted to an open bluestone aqueduct in 1874-75 to increase the rate of flow to Melbourne. The walls of the aqueduct were raised in 1918-19 to again increase capacity. The system was converted to a pipe again in 1961, with the pipe inserted into the aqueduct and covered over. The comments in this report provide an overview of the key features of this section of the pipe reserve. Please refer to the separate place records for the aqueduct, drystone walls, Plenty River Flume and Piphead Reservoir further detail about those features. As described below, the character of this section of the pipe reserve changes over the course of its journey from Yan Yean to South Morang. At the beginning, south of Arthurs Creek Road the pipe and former aqueduct are barely visible above ground and there is no evidence of dry stone walls, which do not appear until the pipe reserve passes Bridge Inn Road. As the pipe reserve continues southward, it begins to emerge from the ground so that by the time it reaches Gordons Road at South Morang it presents as an earth-covered mound approximately 1m above the height of the surrounding land. Parts of the bluestone and brick walls of the old aqueduct can be seen along the sides of the embankment. Pipe reserve ‑ Yan Yean Reservoir to Bridge Inn Road The pipe reserve begins its journey southward crossing Arthurs Creek Road parallel to Watts Road. In this location it is barely visible above the ground and dry stone walls do not appear to be a significant feature (although only the parts of the pipe reserve adjacent to public roads were inspected and so dry stone walls may exist in other locations). As with other parts of the pipe reserve, material from the former aqueduct such as bluestone blocks is randomly scattered along its length. An identified feature in this section (situated approximately 500m south of Arthurs Creek Road) is a dressed bluestone culvert with an associated stone-lined open drain and a large cast-iron pipe. Pipe reserve - Bridge Inn Road to Plenty Road In this section, the pipe and former aqueduct start to become more visible. Dry stone walls, constructed of fieldstone or bluestone (mostly in ruinous condition), are found in this section and the top of the bluestone walls of the aqueduct is still visible above ground in some places. The reserve contains a mix of indigenous and native trees including River Red Gums (E. camaldulensis) and Sugar Gums (E. cladocalyx). A key feature is the Plenty River Flume (refer to separate place record). Pipe reserve ‑ Plenty Road to McDonalds Road In this section, the former aqueduct and pipe becomes more prominent and appears as an earth covered mound

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

Hermes Number 22862 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:34 pm

Page 5 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water approximately 1m above the level of surrounding ground as shown. Parts of the aqueduct walls are exposed and the brick and bluestone construction of this section of the aqueduct can be seen. As with other sections, brick and bluestone rubble is found scattered along the reserve. Dry stone walls continue and there is a very intact and well-constructed section near the intersection of Plenty Road and McArthurs Lane, South Morang. Other features in this section include bluestone and brick drainage culverts south of Gordons Road and about 500 metres north of McDonalds Road, where the Whittlesea Railway line once crossed the pipeline. The character of this section is being changed by encroaching urban development. In the area to the north of Gordons Road, the reserve passes throughout a housing estate and traces of the aqueduct and dry stone walls have all but been obliterated by inappropriate landscaping. Similar development is now occurring to the south of Gordons Road, which involves at least one road crossing of the reserve (to be known as Vincent Drive). This section contains the most extensive plantings of Sugar Gums as well as some remnant River Red Gums. Pipehead reservoir ‑ McDonalds Road The pipehead reservoir is situated on the north side of McDonalds Road. The reservoir has been partially demolished and filled in and there is little trace of the structure above ground. Please refer to the separate place record for further information about this feature. Other features found throughout this section of the pipe reserve are standpipes, which are probably associated with the 1961 pipe, that are located near key road crossing such as Plenty Road and Gordons.

Recommended Management

Varies - refer to specific place records.

References No Information Recorded

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

Hermes Number 22862 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:34 pm

Page 6 YAN YEAN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM CMP

PIPE RESERVE --- YAN YEAN-MORANG

Pipe reserve --- Yan Yean to Morang (Pipehead Reservoir)

Yan Yean-Morang Aqueduct

Drystone walls

Pipehead Reservoir

Plenty River Flume

129 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Arthurs Creek Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Watts Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Woods Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Bridge Inn Road DOREEN VIC 3754 Cookes Road DOREEN VIC 3754 Plenty Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 McArthurs Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 The Lakes Boulevard SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 Gordons Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 Vincent Drive SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 Williamsons Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 McDonalds Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Precinct VHR Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Pipe HI Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Aqueduct File Number Utilities - Water / Water Flume Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang Hermes Number 22862

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

Hermes Number 22862 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:34 pm

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The pipe reserve extending from Yan Yean reservoir to Melbourne was established in 1853-7 as part of the original Yan Yean water supply system and contained the No.1 cast iron main. In the 1870s, works were carried out to cater for increasing demand as Melbourne's population grew in the wake of the gold rush. This included replacing the No.1 main in this section of the reserve with an open aqueduct, which was constructed in bluestone and brick between 1872-6 and terminated at a new holding reservoir known as the Pipehead reservoir in South Morang. This connected the aqueduct to the No.1 main and to the pipes replaced by the aqueduct, which were relaid alongside the old main to become the No.3 main. Also constructed at that time were drystone walls alongthe boundaries of the reserve to keep out wandering stock. A bridge carrying the aqueduct over the Plenty River was destroyed in a flood in 1878 and replaced by the present flume in 1879, which remained in use until 1960 when the aqueduct and the Pipehead Reservoir weresuperceded by a pipe that was laid within the aqueduct and covered over. How is it significant? The Yan Yean pipe reserve is of historical, technical and scientific (archaeological) significance to the State of Victoria as part of the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it significant? Historically, the pipe reserve forms part of the original Yan Yean water supply system and provides important evidence of significant stages in the nineteenth century development of the Melbourne's water supply including the changes that were made to increase and improve supply as Melbourne's population increased in the wake of the gold rush. Up until 1891 when the Watts River weir (now part of the Maroondah system) was commissioned, the Yan Yean system provided the whole of Melbourne's reticulated water supply. (HV criterion A) The pipe reserve is also of scientific (archaeological) significance as it contains the remains of the aqueduct and is likely to contain further archaeological evidence that will provide further information about the construction and maintenance of the Yan Yean system and the lives of the people who created it. (HV criterion C) Note: Please refer to the statements of significance for individual features within the reserve including the Plenty River Flume, drystone walls and the Pipehead Reservoir.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY The route of this pipe reserve was established as part of the original Yan Yean system in 1853-7. Upon completion of the Yan Yean system in 1857, water was brought from the Yan Yean Reservoir to Melbourne by means of a 30 inch (760 mm) diameter cast iron main laid within the reserve for the first seven miles (11.7 km) to South Morang, thence to Preston by a 27 inch (685 mm) pipe, and the remaining distance to Fitzroy in a 24 inch (610 mm) pipe. There were three separate contracts drawn up in 1853 for the pipe-laying. - The first contract for the first 7 miles at the reservoir end was taken by Messrs McNamara and Whitehair at a price, including the tramline, of £39,000. They did not complete the works and the work was then contracted to Messrs Bolton and Reilly. - The second Contract for the city end of the pipe line, and extended to the Merri Creekwas carried by Mr Rees Davies.

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

- The third Contract for pipe laying between the Merri Creek and the old Plough Inn near Janefield, was taken by Mr Donaldson at a price of £13,000. A government inquiry of 1872 advised the replacement of pipes from Yan Yean Reservoir to Morang with an aqueduct and in about 1873 work commenced on the construction of a bluestone aqueduct between the reservoir at Yan Yean and a new Pipehead Reservoir at Morang. This work was undertaken to improve the volume of water to Melbourne and was completed by early 1876. As part of these works a bluestone bridge with a single arch of 45 feet was built to carry the aqueduct over the Plenty River. This bridge was destroyed in the 'phenomenal flood' of 1878 and was replaced in 1879 by an iron flume carried on bluestone piers. It is thought that tree planting of Sugar Gums was carried out along the reserve in the 1930s. Dingle and Doyle (2003:100) note that under E.G. Ritchie, Engineer for Water Supply and a keen promoter of 'forest conciousness' the MMBW in 1929 launched a major re-afforestation scheme: ... and appointed Mr Middlin tothe new live-in position of Superintendent of Forests at Wallaby Creek. A nursery was established under his direction and a nurseryman employed. The substantial sum of £7,494 was expended on the program in its first year and an extra nurseryman taken on in 1931. Sugar Gums were also planted in the 1930s, and probably came from the on-site nursery. The aqueduct was replaced with a new underground main in 1961 as Melbourne's north eastern suburbs expanded closer to the area crossed by the aqueduct. For further information please see the place records for the specific features within this section of the pipe reserve. Additional contextual history can be found within Volume 1: History of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). CONTEXTUAL HISTORY Melbourne initially drew its water supply directly from the Yarra River, but by the early 1850s population and industrial growth had led to serious pollution of the river. The Yan Yean scheme was devised by James Blackburn (1803-54), an early City Surveyor who utilised the water of the nearby Plenty River. Blackburn, an engineer and architect, was born in England, sentenced to life imprisonment for forgery, transported to Tasmania in 1833, and pardoned in 1841. He practised professionally in Tasmania on the survey and design of roads, bridges and water supply systems, as well as the design of government buildings and prominent churches. He was appointed City Surveyor 1849 shortly after moving to Melbourne, from where he surveyed and designed the Yan Yean water supply works in 1851. His proposal was adopted by Parliament and work on the Yan Yean embankment commenced in 1853. [1] When on 20 December 1853 Governor La Trobe turned the first sod, the guests invited to the ceremony found the journey to Yan Yean difficult because of the state of the roads and river crossings. The state of the roads was just one of many problems to be overcome by Jackson and the Commissioners. In the early years the scarcity of labour due to the gold rushes forced wages up, as did the granting of the eight hour day to stone masons in 1854. Jackson also experienced problems with the contractors, partly due to his bullying management style. The whole project was a huge undertaking. The cast iron pipes, some as large as 30 inches in diameter - amounting to 123,000 miles of piping altogether - were shipped from England. To overcome the bad roads, nineteen miles of wooden tramway were laid beside the pipe track for hauling the pipes, but it was not much better than the road. Three horses were needed to pull each pipe, and many horses were injured by plunging into the holes between the sleepers. The pipe track extended from the Carlton Gardens, along Nicholson Street and the route of what is now St George's Road, then along Plenty Road to Yan Yean. The St George's Road route avoided the steep slopes of Ruckers Hill at High Street. Three bridges were built to carry the pipeline across the streams in its path. A tubular girder bridge on bluestone piers carried the pipeline across Merri Creek at St Georges Road. The pipeline was carried across Darebin Creek on bluestone piers. A single arch bluestone bridge was built to take the pipe and tramline across the Plenty River near Bridge Inn Road. At the Yan Yean end a township grew up at the construction site. Over 400 labourers - 700 by 1856 - some with their families, took up residence in slab huts or tents. Yan Yean Quarry School was opened, and the contractors for the embankment opened a hotel, later known as the Yan Yean Hotel. A house was built for the resident engineer, John

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

Hermes Number 22862 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:34 pm

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Charles Taylor. This house later became the caretaker's residence. The first job was to clear all the vegetation, including some large trees, from the site of the embankment. A quarry was opened to the south of the reservoir for the bluestone facing inside the embankment. Construction of the embankment took three years. The work was carried out using the muscle power of men and beasts for felling timber, digging, moving earth and carrying materials and equipment. Implements were simple: "ploughs, scoops, and tip-drays drawn by horses and bullocks, shovels wielded by men". A network of pipes was laid through Melbourne's city streets, under the street channels rather than under the footpaths as Blackburn originally intended. Service pipes made of lead lined with tin were laid to connect with each property. Seventeen hundred fireplugs and fire hydrants were installed in the city. Such a large undertaking for such a young city attracted much interest and anticipation in the community, as everywhere the work of pipe laying was evident. Governor La Trobe, who had favoured the Yan Yean system from the outset, took a personal interest, and made frequent visits to inspect the progress of the works. By the time the system was completed, however, La Trobe had finished his term of office and returned to England. In 31 December 1857 a large crowd assembled at the valve house in Carlton Gardens to witness Major-General Edward Macarthur, deputising for the Governor, turning on the Yan Yean water supply. A procession then moved through the streets to the standpipe on the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets, where the Chairman of the Commission turned on a jet of water that "projected sixty or seventy feet in a perpendicular direction", splashing the onlookers. The project took far longer and was much more expensive than originally estimated. There were accusations of wastage and corruption, with a great deal of blame laid on Jackson. The final figure of £754,203, almost double Jackson's initial estimate, was never fully explained. Jackson returned to England 1861, a figure of public disgrace at the time when many of the Yan Yean system's early problems were manifested (see below). Although Jackson had his faults, he suffered more than his share of the blame for the water supply system's problems. Jackson should be remembered as the engineer who developed Blackburn's innovative plan, working under the great difficulties of gold-rush labour shortages and inflation, long distances and undeveloped transport systems, and sometimes lack of co-operation from government authorities, to provide Melbourne with a reticulated water supply that was generous for the needs of the time. That system, with some modifications, remains in use 150 years later.[2] Development of the System (1853-1891) The original scheme was to supply water at the rate of 30 gallons (136.5) per head to a population of 200,000 people, but loss of mains pressure surfaced as a problem as early as 1862. By 1867, service pipes had been extended beyond the 18 million gallons (81.9 MI) per day capacity of the original Yan Yean mains, leading to acute shortages and severe rationing in 1872. The supply was increased in 1874 by construction of a bluestone lined aqueduct from Yan Yean to Morang capable of supplying 33 million gallons (150 M1) per day). The 30 inch (750mm) cast iron main between Yan Yean and Morang was lifted and the pipes relaid alongside the original 27 inch (675mm) No. 1 cast iron main from Morang to Preston. The work, which included construction of a pipehead reservoir at Morang (Mernda) was completed by 1876. During the twentieth century, the aqueduct between Yan Yean and Morang was itself replaced with a pipe main. According to plant operator Mr Dino Eramo who commenced employment with the MMBW in 1960, a fabricated steel main was laid within the abandoned aqueduct. Except where manholes necessitated demolition of stonework using explosives, the original aqueduct was backfilled and left in-situ. [2] Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102615, Place File No. 2/14/054/0023. [2] Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2:History, 2007, for Melbourne Water. [3] Unpublished report prepared by Dr Helen Doyle for Context Pty Ltd dated 23 August 2004 cites various sources including: R.C. Seeger, part 2, Victorian Historical Magazine, vol. 22, 1947-48, pp. 25-27 MMBW, 'Notes on the Melbourne Water Supply', 1902 Argus, 16 June 1868, copy held in VPRS 8609, Unit 15, item 33. Diane Edwards, Yan Yean (1989), p. 31. Special Edition of the Building, Mining & Engineering Journal, 1905, pp. 31-36

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

Hermes Number 22862 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:34 pm

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Intactness

Varies - refer to specific place records.

Physical Conditions

Varies - refer to specific place records

Physical Description 1

Pipe reserve, aqueduct, cultural landscape, bridge, archaeological sites

Physical Description 2

This is the section of the Yan Yean system that connects Yan Yean Reservoir to the (now decommissioned) Pipehead Reservoir adjacent to McDonalds Road in South Morang. As described in the history, this section of the system was originally constructed as a pipe, and then converted to an open bluestone aqueduct in 1874-75 to increase the rate of flow to Melbourne. The walls of the aqueduct were raised in 1918-19 to again increase capacity. The system was converted to a pipe again in 1961, with the pipe inserted into the aqueduct and covered over. The comments in this report provide an overview of the key features of this section of the pipe reserve. Please refer to the separate place records for the aqueduct, drystone walls, Plenty River Flume and Piphead Reservoir further detail about those features. As described below, the character of this section of the pipe reserve changes over the course of its journey from Yan Yean to South Morang. At the beginning, south of Arthurs Creek Road the pipe and former aqueduct are barely visible above ground and there is no evidence of dry stone walls, which do not appear until the pipe reserve passes Bridge Inn Road. As the pipe reserve continues southward, it begins to emerge from the ground so that by the time it reaches Gordons Road at South Morang it presents as an earth-covered mound approximately 1m above the height of the surrounding land. Parts of the bluestone and brick walls of the old aqueduct can be seen along the sides of the embankment. Pipe reserve ‑ Yan Yean Reservoir to Bridge Inn Road The pipe reserve begins its journey southward crossing Arthurs Creek Road parallel to Watts Road. In this location it is barely visible above the ground and dry stone walls do not appear to be a significant feature (although only the parts of the pipe reserve adjacent to public roads were inspected and so dry stone walls may exist in other locations). As with other parts of the pipe reserve, material from the former aqueduct such as bluestone blocks is randomly scattered along its length. An identified feature in this section (situated approximately 500m south of Arthurs Creek Road) is a dressed bluestone culvert with an associated stone-lined open drain and a large cast-iron pipe. Pipe reserve - Bridge Inn Road to Plenty Road In this section, the pipe and former aqueduct start to become more visible. Dry stone walls, constructed of fieldstone or bluestone (mostly in ruinous condition), are found in this section and the top of the bluestone walls of the aqueduct is still visible above ground in some places. The reserve contains a mix of indigenous and native trees including River Red Gums (E. camaldulensis) and Sugar Gums (E. cladocalyx). A key feature is the Plenty River Flume (refer to separate place record). Pipe reserve ‑ Plenty Road to McDonalds Road In this section, the former aqueduct and pipe becomes more prominent and appears as an earth covered mound

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

Hermes Number 22862 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:34 pm

Page 5 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water approximately 1m above the level of surrounding ground as shown. Parts of the aqueduct walls are exposed and the brick and bluestone construction of this section of the aqueduct can be seen. As with other sections, brick and bluestone rubble is found scattered along the reserve. Dry stone walls continue and there is a very intact and well-constructed section near the intersection of Plenty Road and McArthurs Lane, South Morang. Other features in this section include bluestone and brick drainage culverts south of Gordons Road and about 500 metres north of McDonalds Road, where the Whittlesea Railway line once crossed the pipeline. The character of this section is being changed by encroaching urban development. In the area to the north of Gordons Road, the reserve passes throughout a housing estate and traces of the aqueduct and dry stone walls have all but been obliterated by inappropriate landscaping. Similar development is now occurring to the south of Gordons Road, which involves at least one road crossing of the reserve (to be known as Vincent Drive). This section contains the most extensive plantings of Sugar Gums as well as some remnant River Red Gums. Pipehead reservoir ‑ McDonalds Road The pipehead reservoir is situated on the north side of McDonalds Road. The reservoir has been partially demolished and filled in and there is little trace of the structure above ground. Please refer to the separate place record for further information about this feature. Other features found throughout this section of the pipe reserve are standpipes, which are probably associated with the 1961 pipe, that are located near key road crossing such as Plenty Road and Gordons.

Recommended Management

Varies - refer to specific place records.

References No Information Recorded

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

Hermes Number 22862 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:34 pm

Page 6 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Morang Aqueduct Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Watts Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Pipe VHR Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Aqueduct HI Number File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang Hermes Number 22863

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Morang Aqueduct

Hermes Number 22863 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:28 pm

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The remains of the aqueduct extending from Yan Yean to Morang, constructed in1873-6, comprising the aqueduct, associated culverts and drains and archaeological remnants such as bricks and stone blocks is of primary significance to the Yan Yean water supply system.

Place History

The route of the aqueduct between Yan Yean and Morang generally follows the pipe reserve that was established as part of the original Yan Yean system in 1853-7. Upon completion of the Yan Yean system in 1857, water was brought from the Yan Yean Reservoir to Melbourne by means of a 30 inch (760 mm) diameter cast iron main laid within the reserve for the first seven miles (11.7 km) to South Morang, thence to Preston by a 27 inch (685 mm) pipe, and the remaining distance to Fitzroy in a 24 inch (610 mm) pipe. During the 1870s and 1880s the Department of Water Supply took measures to increase the rate of delivery of water to Melbourne. A government inquiry of 1872 advised the replacement of pipes from Yan Yean Reservoir to Morang with an aqueduct and in about 1873 work commenced on the construction of a bluestone aqueduct between the reservoir at Yan Yean and a new Pipehead Reservoir at Morang. This work was undertaken to improve the volume of water to Melbourne and was completed by early 1876. The work to construct the aqueduct was let in two contracts: - Overend and Robb in 1872 and 1873. This comprised the section from Yan Yean Reservoir to about 50 yards south of the Plenty River. Originally, they were contracted only to supply the bluestone ashlar, while a separate contract was let to another firm to excavate and set the masonary. However, that firm relinquished the contract a few months after appointment and it was sub-let to Overend and Robb. - Stewart and Harrison in 1874-75. This extended from the southern end of the first section to, and including, the Pipehead Reservoir. John Wilson was commissioned to carry out the survey work for the aqueduct and assisted in the supervision of contracts replacing Mr Thom Cattanach who retired as a result of old age and ill health. Concurrently with the supervision of the contracts, Mr Wilson had the supervision of works not included in the contract, and being executed by day labour. The number of hands averaged over 100 until the end of the year 1875. These were employed in levelling spoil, forming and soiling slopes, providing material for, and the erection of stone and timber fences, accommodation crossings over aqueduct, side and outlet drains, etc. The pipes replaced by the aqueduct were lifted and re-laid alongside the No.1 main between the new Pipehead Reservoir and Preston Reservoir to become the No.3 main. Additional mains were laid between Preston Reservoir and the city. The dimensions of the aqueduct as constructed were 5 feet 3 inches wide on top, 4 feet 9 inches wide on bottom, and 3 feet 9 inches deep, with a fall of 7.5 feet to a mile and a carrying capacity of 32,000,000 gallons per day. The dimensions were continued for 4.5 miles, when the sectional area increases to 6 feet 9 inches on top, 6 feet 3 inches on bottom and 3 feet 9 inches deep, with a fall of 3.5 feet to the mile. It appears that the first 5 miles of aqueduct heading south from Yan Yean Reservoir was constructed of bluestone with the balance of the length to the Pipehead Reservoir (approximately 1.75 miles) built of brick, with a bluestone coping, but with the same sectional area and fall as the bluestone section. The capacity of the aqueduct was increased in 1918-19 by raising the bluestone walls with an upper portion of brick. A c.1908 plan produced by the MMBW shows the route of the aqueduct as well as the location of 'drops' - places where the aqueduct abruptly stepped down - along the way. A bluestone bridge with a single arch of 45 feet was built in c.1875-76 to carry the aqueduct over the Plenty River. This bridge was destroyed in the 'phenomenal flood' of 1878 and was replaced in 1879 by an iron flume carried on bluestone piers. By the 1960s suburban growth was reaching beyond Preston into the countryside to the north, where the open aqueduct ran the risk of pollution from increased human activity. The development of large diameter pipes made a pipeline the safe and efficient alterative to the aqueduct for water delivery. In 1960-61 the MMBW replaced the Morang Aqueduct with enamel-lined steel pipes laid generally within the aqueduct structure. Parts of the stone aqueduct were demolished, while other parts, such as the section near the Plenty River Flume at Mernda, were filled in. According to plant operator Mr Dino Eramo, who commenced employment with the MMBW in 1960, except

Morang Aqueduct

Hermes Number 22863 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:28 pm

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water where 'manholes' (i.e. jointing pits at the pipe butts) necessitated demolition of the stonework using explosives, the original aqueduct was backfilled and left in-situ. Sources [1] Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water. [2] Unpublished report prepared by Dr Helen Doyle for Context Pty Ltd dated 23 August 2004 cites various sources including: R.C. Seeger, part 2, Victorian Historical Magazine, vol. 22, 1947-48, pp. 25-27 MMBW, 'Notes on the Melbourne Water Supply', 1902 Argus, 16 June 1868, copy held in VPRS 8609, Unit 15, item 33. Diane Edwards, Yan Yean (1989), p. 31. Special Edition of the Building, Mining & Engineering Journal, 1905, pp. 31-36

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

Difficult to assess. Further investigation is desirable.

Physical Conditions

Difficult to assess due to the concealment of the structure - appears to be partly ruinous in some sections, while other sections appear to be relatively intact.

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct, archaeological site

Physical Description 2

For much of its length the former Yan Yean aqueduct is buried below ground level and is not visible. The dimensions and construction materials of the aqueduct when constructed are provided in the History and according to oral sources it is thought that much of it remains intact. Works carried out in 2007 for a new housing estate south of Gordons Road inadventently damaged and exposed part of the aqueduct showing that it remains largely as built in that location. At the beginning of the pipe reserve, south of Arthurs Creek Road the former aqueduct is barely visible above ground and it is only when it crosses Plenty Road at South Morang that it begins to present as an earth-covered mound approximately 1m above the height of the surrounding land. Parts of the bluestone and brick walls of the aqueduct can be seen along the sides of the embankment, particularly in the section between Gordons Road and McDonalds Road. Material from the former aqueduct such as bluestone blocks and bricks is randomly scattered along its length. Other visible features associated with the former aqueduct include bluestone and brick drainage culverts. One such feature is situated a few hundred metres south of Arthurs Creek Road and was apparently constructed to drain low lying areas of the Riversdale Property (now Laurimar) under the pipe reserve and into the nearby Plenty River. The exact date of the culvert is not known, but it could been constructed as early as 1853-7 when the pipe main was first laid or in 1874-6 when the aqueduct was constructed. There is an open drain leading to the culvert, cutting through a rocky rise near the Pipe reserve, which is lined with basalt blocks on the former Riversdale property. Water from the culvert also passes through what appears to be a remnant cast iron pipe under a track on an adjacent property. Another brick culvert is situated to the south of Gordons Road and there are brick retaining walls about 500 metres

Morang Aqueduct

Hermes Number 22863 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:28 pm

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water north of McDonalds Road, where the Whittlesea Railway line once crossed the aqueduct.

Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Morang Aqueduct

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Melbourne Water

Name Drystone walls Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Arthurs Creek Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Watts Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Woods Road YAN YEAN VIC 3755 Bridge Inn Road DOREEN VIC 3754 Cookes Road DOREEN VIC 3754 Plenty Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 McArthurs Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 The Lakes Boulevard SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 Gordons Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 Vincent Drive SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 Williamsons Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 McDonalds Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang Hermes Number 22865

Drystone walls

Hermes Number 22865 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:37 pm

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

The drystone walls (including ruined sections)that line the boundaries of sections of the pipe reserve were constructed c.1875 as part of the contract to construct the aqueduct between Yan Yean reservoir and the Pipehead reservoir at Morang. They are of contributory significance as features that provide further evidence of the efforts that were made to guarantee the quality of supply.

Place History

During the 1870s and 1880s the Department of Water Supply took measures to increase the rate of delivery of water to Melbourne. In 1875 the 30 inch pipe from Yan Yean to Morang was dug up and replaced by an open aqueduct with a larger carrying capacity. The aqueduct ended at small reservoir at Morang, known as the Pipehead Reservoir. As part of the contract to construct the aqueduct, stone walls were built along all or part of the adjoining reserve to keep out wandering livestock. A stone wall is marked on a MMBW plan c.1900, extending north of the Pipehead Reservoir towards Gordons Road. In 2006, sections of the walls survive along both sides of the pipe reserve in various locations, generally in the section between Bridge Inn Road, Mernda and McDonalds Road, South Morang. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007 Helen Doyle, 'Yan Yean Pipe Track (Preston Reservoir to McDonalds Road) Research by Helen Doyle', unpublished report prepared for Context Pty Ltd, 23 August 2004

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

It is difficult to assess the integrity of the remnant walls as it is not known how they were originally constructed. Most sections appear to have been simply constructed of randomly laid fieldstones, while some sections appear to be more carefully constructed using dressed stones.

Physical Conditions

Varies - many sections of the walls are in ruinous condition. There is a good section of wall near where the pipe reserve crosses Plenty Road.

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct, archaeological site, Cultural landscape

Drystone walls

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Physical Description 2

The drystone walls found along this section of the pipe reserve vary in terms of their construction technique, condition and integrity. There appear to be two broad types, the most predominant type being a roughly constructed 'wall' of what appears to be local fieldstones and the second type beinga carefully constructed wall using dressed bluestone. The former type are often in ruinous or collapsed condition. Inspection of the whole pipe reserve was not undertaken, however selective inspections were made of each section and the following observations are made. - There appear to be no surviving drystone walls in the section between Arthur's Creek Road and Bridge Inn Road.Whether this is because the walls have been removed or destroyed or that they were never constructed in the first place is not known. - South of Bridge Inn, roughly constructed walls of local fieldstone line both sides of the pipe reserve extending to the Plenty River Flume. The section south of the Plenty River to Plenty Road was not closelyinspected, though intermittent sections of walls can be observed from a distance. - There is avery intact and well-constructed section of bluestone wall on the west side of Plenty Roadnear the intersection withMcArthurs Lane, South Morang. This is the only such section that has been identified, though there may be others. - South of McArthurs Lane,collapsed sections of randomfieldstone walls continue intermittently. In the area to the north of Gordons Road, the reserve passes throughout a housing estate and traces of the aqueduct and dry stone walls have all but been obliterated by inappropriate landscaping. - To the south of Gordons Road there are further examples of collapsed random fieldstone walls along both sides ofthe reserve extending to near McDonalds Road.

Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Drystone walls

Hermes Number 22865 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:37 pm

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water the gold rushes forced wages up, as did the granting of the eight hour day to stone masons in 1854. Jackson also experienced problems with the contractors, partly due to his bullying management style. The whole project was a huge undertaking. The cast iron pipes, some as large as 30 inches in diameter - amounting to 123,000 miles of piping altogether - were shipped from England. To overcome the bad roads, nineteen miles of wooden tramway were laid beside the pipe track for hauling the pipes, but it was not much better than the road. Three horses were needed to pull each pipe, and many horses were injured by plunging into the holes between the sleepers. The pipe track extended from the Carlton Gardens, along Nicholson Street and the route of what is now St George's Road, then along Plenty Road to Yan Yean. The St George's Road route avoided the steep slopes of Ruckers Hill at High Street. Three bridges were built to carry the pipeline across the streams in its path. A tubular girder bridge on bluestone piers carried the pipeline across Merri Creek at St Georges Road. The pipeline was carried across Darebin Creek on bluestone piers. A single arch bluestone bridge was built to take the pipe and tramline across the Plenty River near Bridge Inn Road. At the Yan Yean end a township grew up at the construction site. Over 400 labourers - 700 by 1856 - some with their families, took up residence in slab huts or tents. Yan Yean Quarry School was opened, and the contractors for the embankment opened a hotel, later known as the Yan Yean Hotel. A house was built for the resident engineer, John Charles Taylor. This house later became the caretaker's residence. The first job was to clear all the vegetation, including some large trees, from the site of the embankment. A quarry was opened to the south of the reservoir for the bluestone facing inside the embankment. Construction of the embankment took three years. The work was carried out using the muscle power of men and beasts for felling timber, digging, moving earth and carrying materials and equipment. Implements were simple: "ploughs, scoops, and tip-drays drawn by horses and bullocks, shovels wielded by men". A network of pipes was laid through Melbourne's city streets, under the street channels rather than under the footpaths as Blackburn originally intended. Service pipes made of lead lined with tin were laid to connect with each property. Seventeen hundred fireplugs and fire hydrants were installed in the city. Such a large undertaking for such a young city attracted much interest and anticipation in the community, as everywhere the work of pipe laying was evident. Governor La Trobe, who had favoured the Yan Yean system from the outset, took a personal interest, and made frequent visits to inspect the progress of the works. By the time the system was completed, however, La Trobe had finished his term of office and returned to England. In 31 December 1857 a large crowd assembled at the valve house in Carlton Gardens to witness Major-General Edward Macarthur, deputising for the Governor, turning on the Yan Yean water supply. A procession then moved through the streets to the standpipe on the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets, where the Chairman of the Commission turned on a jet of water that "projected sixty or seventy feet in a perpendicular direction", splashing the onlookers. The project took far longer and was much more expensive than originally estimated. There were accusations of wastage and corruption, with a great deal of blame laid on Jackson. The final figure of £754,203, almost double Jackson's initial estimate, was never fully explained. Jackson returned to England 1861, a figure of public disgrace at the time when many of the Yan Yean system's early problems were manifested (see below). Although Jackson had his faults, he suffered more than his share of the blame for the water supply system's problems. Jackson should be remembered as the engineer who developed Blackburn's innovative plan, working under the great difficulties of gold-rush labour shortages and inflation, long distances and undeveloped transport systems, and sometimes lack of co-operation from government authorities, to provide Melbourne with a reticulated water supply that was generous for the needs of the time. That system, with some modifications, remains in use 150 years later.[2] Development of the System (1853-1891) The original scheme was to supply water at the rate of 30 gallons (136.5) per head to a population of 200,000 people, but loss of mains pressure surfaced as a problem as early as 1862. By 1867, service pipes had been extended beyond the 18 million gallons (81.9 MI) per day capacity of the original Yan Yean mains, leading to acute shortages and severe rationing in 1872. The supply was increased in 1874 by construction of a bluestone lined aqueduct from Yan Yean to Morang capable of supplying 33 million gallons (150 M1) per day). The 30 inch (750mm) cast iron main between Yan

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

Hermes Number 22862 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:36 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Yean and Morang was lifted and the pipes relaid alongside the original 27 inch (675mm) No. 1 cast iron main from Morang to Preston. The work, which included construction of a pipehead reservoir at Morang (Mernda) was completed by 1876. During the twentieth century, the aqueduct between Yan Yean and Morang was itself replaced with a pipe main. According to plant operator Mr Dino Eramo who commenced employment with the MMBW in 1960, a fabricated steel main was laid within the abandoned aqueduct. Except where manholes necessitated demolition of stonework using explosives, the original aqueduct was backfilled and left in-situ. Sources [1] Register of the National Estate, Place ID: 102615, Place File No. 2/14/054/0023. [2] Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2:History, 2007, for Melbourne Water. [3] Unpublished report prepared by Dr Helen Doyle for Context Pty Ltd dated 23 August 2004 cites various sources including: R.C. Seeger, part 2, Victorian Historical Magazine, vol. 22, 1947-48, pp. 25-27 MMBW, 'Notes on the Melbourne Water Supply', 1902 Argus, 16 June 1868, copy held in VPRS 8609, Unit 15, item 33. Diane Edwards, Yan Yean (1989), p. 31. Special Edition of the Building, Mining & Engineering Journal, 1905, pp. 31-36

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Intactness

Varies - refer to specific place records.

Physical Conditions

Varies - refer to specific place records

Physical Description 1

Pipe reserve, aqueduct, cultural landscape, bridge, archaeological sites

Physical Description 2

This is the section of the Yan Yean system that connects Yan Yean Reservoir to the (now decommissioned) Pipehead Reservoir adjacent to McDonalds Road in South Morang. As described in the history, this section of the system was originally constructed as a pipe, and then converted to an open bluestone aqueduct in 1874-75 to increase the rate of flow to Melbourne. The walls of the aqueduct were raised in 1918-19 to again increase capacity. The system was converted to a pipe again in 1961, with the pipe inserted into the aqueduct and covered over. As described below, the character of this section of the pipe reserve changes over the course of its journey from Yan Yean to South Morang. At the beginning, south of Arthurs Creek Road the pipe and former aqueduct are barely visible above ground and there is no evidence of dry stone walls, which do not appear until the pipe reserve passes Bridge Inn Road. As the pipe reserve continues southward, it begins to emerge from the ground so that by the time it reaches Gordons Road at South Morang it presents as an earth-covered mound approximately 1m above the height of the surrounding land. Parts of the bluestone and brick walls of the old aqueduct can be seen along the sides of the embankment. Pipe reserve ‑ Yan Yean Reservoir to Bridge Inn Road

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

Hermes Number 22862 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:36 am

Page 5 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

The pipe reserve begins its journey southward crossing Arthurs Creek Road parallel to Watts Road. In this location it is barely visible above the ground and dry stone walls do not appear to be a significant feature (although only the parts of the pipe reserve adjacent to public roads were inspected and so dry stone walls may exist in other locations). As with other parts of the pipe reserve, material from the former aqueduct such as bluestone blocks is randomly scattered along its length. An identified feature in this section (situated approximately 500m south of Arthurs Creek Road) is a dressed bluestone culvert with an associated stone-lined open drain and a large cast-iron pipe. Pipe reserve - Bridge Inn Road to Plenty Road In this section, the pipe and former aqueduct start to become more visible. Dry stone walls, constructed of fieldstone or bluestone (mostly in ruinous condition), are found in this section and the top of the bluestone walls of the aqueduct is still visible above ground in some places. The reserve contains a mix of indigenous and native trees including River Red Gums (E, camaldulensis) and Sugar Gums (E. cladocalyx). A key feature is the Plenty River Flume (refer to separate place record). Pipe reserve ‑ Plenty Road to McDonalds Road In this section, the former aqueduct and pipe becomes more prominent and appears as an earth covered mound approximately 1m above the level of surrounding ground as shown. Parts of the aqueduct walls are exposed and the brick and bluestone construction of this section of the aqueduct can be seen. As with other sections, brick and bluestone rubble is found scattered along the reserve. Dry stone walls continue and there is a very intact and well-constructed section near the intersection of Plenty Road and McArthurs Lane, South Morang. Other features in this section include bluestone and brick drainage culverts south of Gordons Road and about 500 metres north of McDonalds Road, where the Whittlesea Railway line once crossed the pipeline. The character of this section is being changed by encroaching urban development. In the area to the north of Gordons Road, the reserve passes throughout a housing estate and traces of the aqueduct and dry stone walls have all but been obliterated by inappropriate landscaping. Similar development is now occurring to the south of Gordons Road, which involves at least one road crossing of the reserve (to be known as Vincent Drive). This section contains the most extensive plantings of Sugar Gums as well as some remnant River Red Gums. Pipehead reservoir ‑ McDonalds Road The pipehead reservoir is situated on the north side of McDonalds Road. The reservoir has been partially demolished and filled in and there is little trace of the structure above ground. Please refer to the separate place record for further information about this feature.

Recommended Management

Varies - refer to specific place records.

References No Information Recorded

Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang

Hermes Number 22862 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:36 am

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Melbourne Water

Name Pipehead Reservoir Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address McDonalds Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Reservoir/ VHR Number N/A Dam HI Number File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang Hermes Number 23725

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Pipehead Reservoir

Hermes Number 23725 Heritage Place Report 13-Jun-2007 4:50 pm

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

What is Significant? The Yan Yean water supply system comprising the Yan Yean reservoir and a series of pipes fed by gravity to a holding reservoir at Preston was created from 1853 and 1857 and was Melbourne's first water supply. By 1875 Melbourne's population had exceeded the original design capacity of the system and while there was enough water in the Reservoir, there was not longer sufficient capacity to deliver it at the rate required. In 1873-75 in order increase the carrying capacity of the Yan Yean water supply system between Yan Yean reservoir and Preston reservoir an aqueduct was constructed leading from the Yan Yean reservoir toSouth Morang which terminated at a new small reservoir known as the Pipehead. The Pipehead Reservoir, which had a capacity of 3 million gallons, was an open square basin approximately 3m deep and 56m square and was constructed of bluestone. The aqueduct between the reservoir at Yan Yean and the new Pipehead Reservoir was open and lined with bluestone and bricks. The aqueduct replaced the original 30 inch pipe, which was re-laid next to the original main between the Pipehead Reservoir and Preston reservoir. The Reservoir was de-commissioned in the 1960s partly demolished and filled in, while the aqueduct was replaced at the same time with a pipe, and was substantially demolished. How is it Significant? The remains of the Yan Yean Aqueduct and Pipehead Reservoir are of historic and technical significance to the State of Victoria as an integral component of the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it Significant? Historically, the remains of the aqueduct and Pipehead Reservoir are significant as the first major changes that were made to the Yan Yean water supply system in order to increase carrying capacity. They are a tangible reminder of the growth of Melbourne during the late nineteenth century and the major engineering works that were required in order to meet increased demand for services. (HV criterion A) Technically, the ruins of the aqueduct and the reservoir provide important evidence of nineteenth century engineering techniques and contribute to an overall understanding of the use, development and management of the Yan Yean water supply system in the nineteenth century. (HV criterion F)

Place History

The original Yan Yean scheme was to supply water at the rate of 30 gallons (136.5) per head to a population of 200,000 people, but loss of mains pressure surfaced as a problem as early as 1862. The population of Melbourne grew considerably more rapidly than had been anticipated during the original construction of the scheme and there had been complaints of water shortages from the late 1860s on. This was particularly problematic during the summer of 1871-2 when some parts of Melbourne suffered periodic disruptions to water supply and a system of rationing had to be introduced. A Water Supply Board was appointed to examine ways of increasing the supply. A number of options were considered, including censure of people who used water on their gardens, the installation of water meters and investigation of alternative water supplies. One of the more interesting and controversial initiatives was to recommend the expansion of the reserves around the catchment based in the belief that rainfall would be adversely impacted if trees were felled (Dingle and Doyle, 2003:65-9). One of the issues affecting water supply was that although the carrying capacity between Preston and Melbourne was 18 million gallons per day, the capacity between Yan Yean and Preston was only 12 million gallons. It was decided at this time to increase the flow between Yan Yean and Preston through the construction of an open aqueduct, which would replace the 30 inch cast iron main laid between the Reservoir and South Morang. The 33 million gallon capacity aqueduct was to enter a 3 million gallon capacity breaking reservoir at South Morang (the Pipehead Reservoir). The construction contract for both the aqueduct and reservoir was awarded to David McKenzie Barry in late 1873. Works were complete by 1875. The superintending officer from the Department of Public Works Charles Taylor noted that unusually high levels of supervision had been required as a result of poor quality construction materials being received on site (Clark, 2005: 5). Upgrade works were undertaken on the Pipehead Reservoir in the 1940s. A 1943 memo from the Engineer of Water Supply noted subsidence and distortion of the brick walls due to movement of the clay outside. It was noted that pervious attempts to stabilise the reservoir had been unsuccessful. The Reservoir was drained and cleaned later that

Pipehead Reservoir

Hermes Number 23725 Heritage Place Report 13-Jun-2007 4:50 pm

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water year, providing an opportunity for inspection. The sloping walls of the Reservoir were found to be distorted and the fill behind them subsiding. Extensive cracking of the brickwork and subsidence of the top coping stones on the eastern and western walls was also identified. Degradation of the infrastructure had reduced the carrying capacity of the Reservoir from 3 to 2 million gallons. A plan was briefly considered to build a new 12 million gallon reservoir on adjoining land but this did not eventuate and repairs were undertaken on the reservoir walls, including cutting out and re-laying of damaged section. The aqueduct and reservoir were decommissioned in the early 1960s and replaced with a high capacity underground main. The reservoir subsequently fell into disrepair and in the late twentieth century was partially demolished and filled with rubble. Sources Dingle, T & Doyle, H (2003) Yan Yean: A history of Melbourne's early water supply. Public Record Office, Melbourne. Hewitt, G. (2003) Yan Yean Pipe Track: No.1 & No. 3 mains, road crossings between Morang and Preston. Report of archaeological Watching Brief Prepared for Heritage Victoria and Context Pty Ltd. Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (1902) Notes on the Melbourne Water Supply by the Chairman (engineering details supplied Mr Wm. Dowden, the engineer for the Water Supply) 20th December 1902, (facsimile in Gould 1991, part 2). Payne, J.W., (1975) The Plenty: a centenary history of the City of the Whittlesea Shire, Lowdens, Kilmore. Seeger, R.C., (1947 - 8) 'This history of Melbourne's water supply Part II'. Victorian Historical Magazine, 22: 23-47.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a moderate degree of integrity and is partly ruinous.

Physical Description 1

Reservoir, archaeological site

Physical Description 2

The Pipehead reservoir was an open, square basin measuring 14 feet in depth and approximately 56m square. In his 2005 report, Dr Vincent Clark reproduces sections of the construction contract which provides considerable detail about the materials and construction methods to be used. The reservoir was to be constructed from clean blue stone "free from honeycomb and other defects". The stones for the floor were to be 9 inches deep, 12 inches wide and not less than 18 inches in length. The joints were to be completely raked out before being filled with cement grout. The side walls were to be jointed in lime mortar. The reservoir fell into disrepair after it had been decommissioned and was filled with rubble and sand. Prior to 2005, the basin was not visible beneath the backfill and the extent and condition of the infrastructure were unknown. In 2005, Vincent Clark opened three test pits in the reservoir for further investigation. Trench 1 in the southeast corner revealed a well preserved foundation level on the south wall and a poorly preserved eastern wall. The south wall was preserved to 4 courses in height and was well constructed, comprising blocks of finely dressed bluestone laid in lime mortar which had apparently been sealed by a bitumen compound. It is thought that the upper courses of the wall were constructed by brick. Only one of the floor paving stones was identified. Trench 2 in the northwest corner revealed walls constructed in brick and although the upper portions had been demolished, substantial portions remained in situ. The aqueduct was found to enter the reservoir at this point. The aqueduct at this point has a concrete floor which Clark indicated was not the original floor surface. The most significant feature identified in Trench 3 on the northern wall of the reservoir was the well preserved bluestone

Pipehead Reservoir

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Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

The aqueduct fed into the basin near the northwest corner in its north side and the outlet pipe was situated on the east side near the north east corner. The Numbers 3 and 5 main run south from the Pipehead reservoir in South Morang and terminate at the Preston Reservoir.

Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Pipehead Reservoir

Hermes Number 23725 Heritage Place Report 13-Jun-2007 4:50 pm

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Plenty River Flume Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Bridge Inn Road DOREEN VIC 3754 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Flume VHR Number H1418 HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Yan Yean-Morang Hermes Number 22864

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Plenty River Flume

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Statement of Significance

The Plenty River Flume, constructed 1879, is of primary significance as an integral element of the Yan Yean system that illustrates the changes that were made to improve supply.

Place History

During the 1870s and 1880s the Department of Water Supply took measures to increase the rate of delivery of water to Melbourne. In 1875 the 30 inch pipe from Yan Yean to Morang was dug up and replaced by an open aqueduct with a larger carrying capacity. The aqueduct ended at small reservoir at Morang, known as the Pipehead Reservoir. As part of the contract to construct the aqueduct, stone walls were built along all or part of the adjoining reserve to keep out wandering livestock. Doyle has noted that the stone wall is marked on a MMBW plan c.1900, extending north of the reservoir towards Gordons Road. Ruined sections of the wall can still be seen along both sides of the pipe track reserve in the section south of Bridge Inn Road. The original pipe was re-laid to duplicate the pipeline between Morang and Preston. In March 1878 a storm brought heavy rain to the catchment, sending a torrent down the Plenty River. Large tree trunks swept along by the floodwaters blocked the arch of the bridge that carried the aqueduct across the river at Morang. Part of the bridge, aqueduct walls and embankment collapsed under the weight of the built-up waters, cutting off Melbourne's water supply. William Davidson, the superintending engineer, organised the construction of a temporary wooden flume supported by trestles to breach the gap in the aqueduct. Teams worked day and night to restore the water supply in three days. Davidson was rewarded for his quick action with a promotion to Engineer in Charge of Water Supply. In 1879 the temporary flume was replaced by a wrought iron flume five feet wide and four feet deep, carried across the river on steel decking supported by bluestone piers and abutments. This remained in use until 1960 Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2: History, p.16

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Conditions

The Plenty River Flume is in good condition.

Physical Description 1

Bridge

Physical Description 2

Situated at the Plenty River south of Bridge Inn Road, this flume was constructed in 1879 to carry the aqueduct over the Plenty and remained in service until 1960. The flume is of bolted wrought iron plate construction, about 1.5 x 1.2 metres and 70 metres long and is supported by three bluestone piers. It was covered with timber when in use, but is now open. Apart from this it appears to be intact and it is in excellent condition Pipes replacing the flume are visible next to it on the west side.

Plenty River Flume

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Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Plenty River Flume

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Page 3 YAN YEAN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM CMP

PIPE RESERVE --- MORANG-PRESTON

Pipe reserve --- Morang to Preston

Junction Basin

Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains

Pipe bridge --- Darebin Creek

Valve house

151 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Pipe Reserve - Morang-Preston Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address McDonalds Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 Centenary Drive MILL PARK VIC 3082 Childs Road MILL PARK VIC 3082 Roycroft Avenue MILL PARK VIC 3082 McKimmie's Road BUNDOORA VIC 3083 Parklands Drive THOMASTOWN VIC 3074 Dalton Road THOMASTOWN VIC 3074 Cheddar Road RESERVOIR VIC 3073 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Precinct VHR Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Pipe HI Number File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Morang-Preston Hermes Number 22867

Pipe Reserve - Morang-Preston

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Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The pipe reserve extending from Yan Yean reservoir to Melbourne was established in 1853-7 as part of the original Yan Yean water supply system and contained the No.1 cast iron main. Also constructed as part of the original system in this section of the reserve between McDonalds Road, South Morang and what would later become the site of the Preston Reservoir (constructed in 1864) wasa bluestone pipe bridge over the Darebin Creek, andone of twopressure-relieving valve houses, also constructed from bluestone. In 1875 inorder to increase the rate of supply, the section of the No.1 main north of McDonalds Road was replaced by an open aqueduct and the pipes were re-laid in this section of the reserve as the No.3 main, which required the construction of a second pipe bridge over Darebin Creek. A third main, constructed predominantly of wrought iron and known as the No.5 was laid in this section in 1887. The next major change came in 1891 when the Watts Creek (Maroondah) system came on-line and the aqueduct from that system connected to the Yan Yean system at a feature known as the Junction Basin about 1km north of Preston Reservoir. The three mains remained in service until 2006 when they were decommissioned. How is it significant? The Yan Yean pipe reserve is of historical, technical and scientific (archaeological) significance to the State of Victoria as part of the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it significant? Historically, the pipe reserve forms part of the original Yan Yean water supply system and provides important evidence of significant stages in the nineteenth century development of the Melbourne's water supply including the changes that were made to increase and improve supply as Melbourne's population increased in the wake of the gold rush. Up until 1891 when the Watts River weir (now part of the Maroondah system) was commissioned, the Yan Yean system provided the whole of Melbourne's reticulated water supply. (HV criterion A) The pipe reserve is also of scientific (archaeological) significance as it contains the remains of the No.1, No.3 and No.5 mains and is likely to contain further archaeological evidence that will provide further information about the construction and maintenance of the Yan Yean system and the lives of the people who created it. (HV criterion C) Note: Please refer to the statements of significance for individual features within the reserve including the No.1 No.3 and No.5 mains, the valve house and the Darebin Creek pipe bridges.

Place History

Background A working plan to supply Melbourne with clean water was developed in the 1840s. James Blackburn, one of the principals of the Melbourne Water Company which sold water pumped by steam from the Yarra into a tank in the town, was appointed to the position of City Surveyor at the end of the 1840s. In this capacity, Blackburn was tasked with undertaking a comprehensive investigation into the possible means of providing a reliable public supply of clean drinking water. A talented civil engineer, Blackburn reviewed the various existing schemes and proposals, identifying their inadequacies in a report to the Corporation in 1851 (MMBW, 1902:1; Seeger, 1941-2:113). Most significantly, Blackburn's report first outlined a plan to supply Melbourne's water needs by gravitation from the Mt Disappointment catchment. A further report by Blackburn to the Corporation shortly after separation of the new Colony of Victoria, defined the scheme, proposing the construction of a reservoir at Yan Yean and total diversion of the flow of the Plenty River as Melbourne's water supply (Seeger, 1941-2:113).

Pipe Reserve - Morang-Preston

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With Blackburn's new scheme in mind, the Corporation of Melbourne applied to the Legislative Council for a grant of the necessary funding. The Legislative Council and Executive, however, lacking confidence in the ability of the Corporation to carry out works of this magnitude, responded by setting up a Select Committee to further investigate the competing proposals. Blackburn's gravitational scheme received much opposition in evidence before the Select Committee but was not rejected outright. Instead, Assistant Surveyor Clement Hodgkinson and an engineering contractor, Thomas Oldham, were directed by the Committee to make further enquiries which resulted in significant modifications to Blackburn's plan. Blackburn's plan, as amended was accepted by the Select Committee. The first sod of earth on Yan Yean construction works was turned by Lt Governor C.J. La Trobe on 20 P December 1853. (MMBW, 1902:1-2; Seeger, 1941-2:114-6; Payne, 1975:124-8). The Yan Yean System (1853-57) The principal works consisted of construction of a 30 foot (9m) earth wall at Yan Yean to create an artificial lake covering an area of 1,360 acres (557.5 ha) with a total capacity of 6,400 million gallons (29.12 GI). The reservoir was supplied from the Plenty River by an aqueduct 2 miles (3.2 km) in length including a tunnel quarter of a mile (0.4 km) long. To convey the water thus collected to Melbourne, a pipe main was constructed. In its original form, the main consisted of cast iron pipes. From the reservoir to Morang, a distance of 7 miles (11.2 km), pipes with a nominal bore (NB) of 30 inch (750mm) were used. From Morang to Preston, the 6 miles (9.6 km) of 27 inch NB (675mm) pipes originally laid were in use for over 150 years as the Number 1 main. From Preston to Melbourne, a distance of a further 6 miles (9.6 km), 24 inch NB (610 mm) pipes were used. It is not known if any sections of this pipe survive; certainly none are in commission. Sections of the 1869 No. 2 main (Preston Reservoir Merri Creek No, 2) remain in the median strip (pipe track) in St Georges Road between Preston reservoir and Merri Creek, along with other nineteenth century pipe infrastructure (See Description). To transport the pipes, each weighing up to approximately 1.4 tonnes, a 19 mile (30.4 km) tramway was built along the pipe route, which commenced just to the east of the Carlton Gardens and followed the alignment of Nicholson Street and St Georges Road to Preston then continued north east to Yan Yean. Except for iron rails laid in the vicinity of Melbourne, the tramway was constructed entirely of timber. Formal turning-on of the Yan Yean supply was celebrated in Melbourne by the Governor, Sir Henry Barkly, KCB on the 27 December 1857 however the Yan Yean supple was not an immediate success. The quality of the Yan Yean water was much criticised. Turbid with suspended decaying organic matter and 'animalcules', the water, offensive to the taste and smell, was described as being a danger to health. In 1860, a Select Committee found the water to be polluted by effluent from farmland and settlements within the Plenty catchment. Remedies recommended included diversion of the offending watercourses and construction of a service reservoir with filter beds at Preston. Development of the System (1853-1891) The original scheme was to supply water at the rate of 30 gallons (136.5) per head to a population of 200,000 people, but loss of mains pressure surfaced as a problem as early as 1862. By 1867, service pipes had been extended beyond the 18 million gallons (81.9 MI) per day capacity of the original Yan Yean mains, leading to acute shortages and severe rationing in 1872. The supply was increased in 1874 by construction of a bluestone lined aqueduct from Yan Yean to Morang capable of supplying 33 million gallons (150 M1) per day). The 30 inch (750mm) cast iron main between Yan Yean and Morang was lifted and the pipes relaid alongside the original 27 inch (675mm) No. 1 cast iron main from Morang to Preston; this is the present No.3 main (see Description). The work, which included construction of a pipehead reservoir at McDonalds Road, South Morang was completed by 1876. The Pipehead reservoir was an open, square basin measuring 14 feet in depth and approximately 56m square and had a capacity of 3 million gallons. The aqueduct fed into the basin near the northwest corner in its north side and the outlet pipe was situated on the east side near the north east corner. Subsequent work within the pipe track included the laying, during 1887, of a further 30 inch (750mm) main between Morang and Preston. This main, which was manufactured from wrought iron (except for the first half mile (0.8 km) south from Morang which was laid using 30 inch (750 mm) cast iron pipes) is in all probability the now-abandoned No.5 main situated between the earlier No.1 and No.3 cast iron mains (see Description). It is quite likely that the cast iron pipes used at the northern end of the abandoned No. 5 main are also recycled, having been manufactured in the

Pipe Reserve - Morang-Preston

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1850s and lifted in the mid 1870s when the original connection between Yan Yean and Morang was replaced by the aqueduct. During the twentieth century, the aqueduct between Yan Yean and Morang was itself replaced with a pipe main. According to plant operator Mr Dino Eramo who commenced employment with the MMBW in 1960, a fabricated steel main was laid within the abandoned aqueduct. Except where manholes necessitated demolition of stonework using explosives, the original aqueduct was backfilled and left in-situ. M57 main replacement project (2003-2006) The No. 1 and No. 3 mains remained in use for almost 150 years and were important secondary transfer mains covering the zone between Morang and Preston, supplying a number of residential and industrial customers. However, corrosion of the pipelines and additional pressure on the mains where road crossings have been constructed required Melbourne Water to upgrade the infrastructure. The construction of road crossings had placed significant pressure on the water mains, resulting in pipe bursts. Accordingly, replacement works were undertaken by Melbourne Water from2003-6 and all three mains were decommissioned and replaced by a new main. SOURCES Published Dingle, A.E. and C. Rasmussen, 1991, Vital connections, Melbourne and its Board of Works 1891-1991, McPhee Gribble, Ringwood. Edwards, D.H., 1978, Yan Yean, a history, Yan Yean School Council, Yan Yean. Gould, M., 1991, Whittlesea Heritage Study 1991, parts 1 and 2, prepared for The City of Whittlesea by Meredith Gould Architects, Conservation Consultants, Eaglemont. Heritage Victoria, 25 September 2003, letter re: Consent to Damage C265, Yan Yean Pipe Track, South Morang - Reservoir, file HER/1999/00053 11, Consent Number C0265. Hicks, P., 1988, Plenty Valley Historical Survey, a report commissioned by the Ministry of Planning and Environment, Melbourne. Kellogg, Brown & Root Pty. Ltd., 2003, M57 (Morang-Preston Nos. 1 and 3 mains replacement, planning permit application to the City of Whittlesea, prepared for Melbourne Water 18 June 2003. Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, 1902, Notes on the Melbourne Water Supply by the Chairman (engineering details supplied by Mr Wm. Dowden, the Engineer for Water Supply) 20th December 1902. (facsimile in Gould, 1991, part 2). Payne, J.W., 1975, The Plenty: a centenary history of the Whittlesea Shire, Lowdens, Kilmore. Pearson, C., 1972, Restoration of cannon and other relics from HMB Endeavour, Report 508, Department of Supply Australian Defence Scientific Service, Defence Standards Laboratories, Maribyrnong Victoria. Plenderleith, H.J. and A.E.A.Werner, 1971, The conservation of antiquities and works of art, treatment, repair and restoration, 2nd. edn., Oxford University Press, London. Seeger, R.C., 1947-8, 'The history of Melbourne's water supply Part II' Victorian Historical Magazine, 22:23-47. Seeger, R.C., 1941-2, 'The history of Melbourne's water supply Part I' Victorian Historical Magazine, 19:107-38. Wuchatsch, R. and G. Hawke, 1988, Historic views of the City of Whittlesea, Whittlesea Historical Society, Thomastown. Wuchatsch, R. and J. Waghorn, 1985, Historic buildings of the Whittlesea Shire, Whittlesea Historical Society, Thomastown. Unpublished Context Pty. Ltd., nd., 'Yan Yean Pipe Track - water main replacement works, South Morang to Reservoir, Application for Consent'. Prepared for Melbourne Water and Heritage Victoria. Context Pty Ltd, December 2006, 'Yan Yean Pipe Replacement Works 2005-2006. Report to Heritage Victoria. M57 Morang-Preston Watermain Renewal Stage 2'. Draft report prepared for Melbourne Water and Heritage Victoria) Hewitt, Geoff, October 2003, 'Yan Yan Pipetrack: No. 1 & No.3 mains, road crossing between Morang and Preston. Report of archaeological watching brief'. Prepared for Heritage Victoria and Context Pty Ltd.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

Pipe Reserve - Morang-Preston

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There are specific conservation policies for the No.1, No.3 and No.5 pipe mains- please refer to the individual place record.

Integrity

Varies - please refer to individual place records.

Physical Conditions

Varies - please refer to individual place records.

Physical Description 1

Pipe reserve, cultural landscape, valve house, bridge, archaeological site

Physical Description 2

The Yan Yean pipe reserve between the Pipehead Reservoir just north of McDonalds Road, Morang and Preston Reservoir covers a distance of just over 10km of which 9km is within a pipe track reserve and 1km is within the Cheddar Road median strip. The width of the reserve varies between 40-60m. In summary, the historic features located within the Yan Yean pipe reserve between McDonalds Road, South Morang and Preston Reservoir are: Pipe mains - sections of the No.1 cast iron main, No.3 cast iron main and the No.5 wrought iron main remain in situ. All three mains were decommissioned in 2006 when a new main was installed. Valve house - this bluestone building, situated at the end of Wright Court in Mill Park, was built as part of the original system in 1853-57. Pipe bridges - two bridges carry the various mains over Darebin Creek, about 300m to the south of McKimmies Road in Thomastown. Junction Basin - Situated at the north-east corner of Cheddar Road and Hickford in Reservoir, this is the place where water from the former Maroondah Aqueduct was fed into the pipe mains of the Yan Yean system. Please refer to the individual place records for further information about each component.

Recommended Management

Varies - please refer to individual place records.

References No Information Recorded

Pipe Reserve - Morang-Preston

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Melbourne Water

Name Junction Basin Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Cheddar Road RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Morang-Preston Hermes Number 22871

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Junction Basin

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Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The Junction Basin, constructed 1891, situated within the Yan Yean pipe reserve on the west side of Cheddar Road, north of Hickford Street, Reservoir. How is it significant? The Junction Basin is of primary historic and technical significance to the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it significant? Historically, it is a tangible illustration of the end of Yan Yean as Melbourne's sole remote source of water and signals the beginning of the expansion of the system that continues to the present day. (HV criterion A) Technically, it is significant as, although no longer in use, it still remains much or all of its original machinery and infrastructure that clearly illustrates its purpose and how it functioned and therefore provides valuable information about how water supply systems operated in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. (HV criterion F)

Place History

The Water Supply Board appointed in 1872 to investigate ways of increasing Melbourne's water supply recommended that future supplies be brought from Watts River in the Yarra watershed, where rainfall was higher than the Plenty watershed. The government subsequently reserved the land in the watershed of the Watts and Little rivers, however, almost two decades passed before the first stage of the Maroondah system came into service. In the late 1880s work began on the construction of a weir across the Watts River near Healesville, and 41 miles of aqueduct, tunnels and syphons to bring 25 million gallons of water per day across to the Preston Reservoir. The Maroondah Aqueduct joined the Yan Yean pipeline at the Junction Basin a little to the north of the reservoir. Completed in 1891, the Maroondah system augmented the Yan Yean system's supply in the winter, when stream flows were high, enabling Yan Yean Reservoir to fill, ready for summer use. The task of replacing the Maroondah Aqueduct with pipes commenced in 1966 starting at the Junction Basin, which was decommissioned some time afterward. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007 (Chapter 2)

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system appears to have a high degree of integrity, with much of the machinery intact though no longer in use.

Physical Description 1

Aqueduct, Pipe reserve

Physical Description 2

The Junction Basin, constructed in 1891, is where water from the former Maroondah Aqueduct was fed into the pipe mains of the Yan Yean system. Water from the Maroondah Aqueduct flowed into a set of concrete channels (refer to illustrations) and then was run though a set of removable screenswithin discrete concrete chambers, to remove debris from the water. The filtered water was then directed into the pipelines leading to Preston. The Junction Basin channels

Junction Basin

Hermes Number 22871 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:48 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water and screens are no longer in use, and retain a high degree of integrity although the condition of some components (e.g. the timber screens) is deteriorating.

Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy.

References No Information Recorded

Junction Basin

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Melbourne Water

Name Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address McDonalds Road SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752 Centenary Drive MILL PARK VIC 3082 Childs Road MILL PARK VIC 3082 Roycroft Avenue MILL PARK VIC 3082 McKimmie's Road BUNDOORA VIC 3083 Parklands Drive THOMASTOWN VIC 3074 Dalton Road THOMASTOWN VIC 3074 Cheddar Road RESERVOIR VIC 3073 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Pipe VHR Number N/A HI Number File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Morang-Preston Hermes Number 22868

Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains

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Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The remnants of the No.1 main, laid in 1853-7, the No.3 main, originally laid in 1853-7 and re-laid in this location in 1875, and the No.5 main laid in 1887 which are situated within the pipe reserve extending from the Pipehead Reservoir to Preston Reservoir. How is it significant? The remnants of the Nos. 1, 3 and 5 mains are of historical and technical significance to the State of Victoria as part of the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it significant? Historically, the the Nos. 1, 3 and 5 mains provide important evidence of significant stages in the nineteenth century development of the Melbourne's water supply system including the construction of the original Yan Yean system and the changes that were made to increase and improve supply. Up until 1891 when the Watts River weir was commissioned (now part of the Maroondah system), the Yan Yean system provided the whole of Melbourne's reticulated water supply. (HV criterion A) Technically, the Nos. 1 and 3 mains are of particular significance as examples of early cast iron pipes that are rare in Victoria and probably nationally. (HV criteria B & F)

Place History

PLACE HISTORY The No.1 main, constructed of cast iron, was laid between 1853 and 1857 as part of the original Yan Yean system. The No.3 main, constructed of cast iron, was laid in 1875 using the pipes removed from the section of the pipe reserve north of McDonalds Road that were replaced by an aqueduct in that section. The No. 5 main, constructed of wrought iron, was laid between the No.1 and No.3 mains in 1887. Between 2003 and 2006, more than half of the No. 5 main and sections of the No.1 and No.3 mains were removed, and all three mains were decommissioned and replaced with a new main laid generally in place of the No.5 main. CONTEXTUAL HISTORY Background A working plan to supply Melbourne with clean water was developed in the 1840s. James Blackburn, one of the principals of the Melbourne Water Company which sold water pumped by steam from the Yarra into a tank in the town, was appointed to the position of City Surveyor at the end of the 1840s. In this capacity, Blackburn was tasked with undertaking a comprehensive investigation into the possible means of providing a reliable public supply of clean drinking water. A talented civil engineer, Blackburn reviewed the various existing schemes and proposals, identifying their inadequacies in a report to the Corporation in 1851 (MMBW, 1902:1; Seeger, 1941-2:113). Most significantly, Blackburn's report first outlined a plan to supply Melbourne's water needs by gravitation from the Mt Disappointment catchment. A further report by Blackburn to the Corporation shortly after separation of the new Colony of Victoria, defined the scheme, proposing the construction of a reservoir at Yan Yean and total diversion of the flow of the Plenty River as Melbourne's water supply (Seeger, 1941-2:113). With Blackburn's new scheme in mind, the Corporation of Melbourne applied to the Legislative Council for a grant of the necessary funding. The Legislative Council and Executive, however, lacking confidence in the ability of the Corporation to carry out works of this magnitude, responded by setting up a Select Committee to further investigate

Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains

Hermes Number 22868 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:57 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water the competing proposals. Blackburn's gravitational scheme received much opposition in evidence before the Select Committee but was not rejected outright. Instead, Assistant Surveyor Clement Hodgkinson and an engineering contractor, Thomas Oldham, were directed by the Committee to make further enquiries which resulted in significant modifications to Blackburn's plan. Blackburn's plan, as amended was accepted by the Select Committee. The first sod of earth on Yan Yean construction works was turned by Lt Governor C.J. La Trobe on 20 P December 1853. (MMBW, 1902:1-2; Seeger, 1941-2:114-6; Payne, 1975:124-8). The Yan Yean System (1853-57) The principal works consisted of construction of a 30 foot (9m) earth wall at Yan Yean to create an artificial lake covering an area of 1,360 acres (557.5 ha) with a total capacity of 6,400 million gallons (29.12 GI). The reservoir was supplied from the Plenty River by an aqueduct 2 miles (3.2 km) in length including a tunnel quarter of a mile (0.4 km) long. To convey the water thus collected to Melbourne, a pipe main was constructed. In its original form, the main consisted of cast iron pipes. From the reservoir to Morang, a distance of 7 miles (11.2 km), pipes with a nominal bore (NB) of 30 inch (750mm) were used. From Morang to Preston, the 6 miles (9.6 km) of 27 inch NB (675mm) pipes originally laid were in use for over 150 years as the Number 1 main. From Preston to Melbourne, a distance of a further 6 miles (9.6 km), 24 inch NB (610 mm) pipes were used. It is not known if any sections of this pipe survive; certainly none are in commission. Sections of the 1869 No. 2 main (Preston Reservoir Merri Creek No, 2) remain in the median strip (pipe track) in St Georges Road between Preston reservoir and Merri Creek, along with other nineteenth century pipe infrastructure (See Description). To transport the pipes, each weighing up to approximately 1.4 tonnes, a 19 mile (30.4 km) tramway was built along the pipe route, which commenced just to the east of the Carlton Gardens and followed the alignment of Nicholson Street and St Georges Road to Preston then continued north east to Yan Yean. Except for iron rails laid in the vicinity of Melbourne, the tramway was constructed entirely of timber. Formal turning-on of the Yan Yean supply was celebrated in Melbourne by the Governor, Sir Henry Barkly, KCB on the 27 December 1857 however the Yan Yean supple was not an immediate success. The quality of the Yan Yean water was much criticised. Turbid with suspended decaying organic matter and 'animalcules', the water, offensive to the taste and smell, was described as being a danger to health. In 1860, a Select Committee found the water to be polluted by effluent from farmland and settlements within the Plenty catchment. Remedies recommended included diversion of the offending watercourses and construction of a service reservoir with filter beds at Preston. Development of the System (1853-1891) The original scheme was to supply water at the rate of 30 gallons (136.5) per head to a population of 200,000 people, but loss of mains pressure surfaced as a problem as early as 1862. By 1867, service pipes had been extended beyond the 18 million gallons (81.9 MI) per day capacity of the original Yan Yean mains, leading to acute shortages and severe rationing in 1872. The supply was increased in 1874 by construction of a bluestone lined aqueduct from Yan Yean to Morang capable of supplying 33 million gallons (150 M1) per day). The 30 inch (750mm) cast iron main between Yan Yean and Morang was lifted and the pipes relaid alongside the original 27 inch (675mm) No. 1 cast iron main from Morang to Preston; this is the present No.3 main (see Description). The work, which included construction of a pipehead reservoir at Morang (Mernda) was completed by 1876. The Pipehead reservoir is located immediately north of McDonalds Road, South Morang. It was an open, square basin measuring 14 feet in depth and approximately 56m square and had a capacity of 3 million gallons. The aqueduct fed into the basin near the northwest corner in its north side and the outlet pipe was situated on the east side near the north east corner. Subsequent work within the pipe track included the laying, during 1887, of a further 30 inch (750mm) main between Morang and Preston. This main, which was manufactured from wrought iron (except for the first half mile (0.8 km) south from Morang which was laid using 30 inch (750 mm) cast iron pipes) is in all probability the now-abandoned No.5 main situated between the earlier No.1 and No.3 cast iron mains (see Description). It is quite likely that the cast iron pipes used at the northern end of the abandoned No. 5 main are also recycled, having been manufactured in the 1850s and lifted in the mid 1870s when the original connection between Yan Yean and Morang was replaced by the aqueduct. During the twentieth century, the aqueduct between Yan Yean and Morang was itself replaced with a pipe

Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains

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Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water main. According to plant operator Mr Dino Eramo who commenced employment with the MMBW in 1960, a fabricated steel main was laid within the abandoned aqueduct. Except where manholes necessitated demolition of stonework using explosives, the original aqueduct was backfilled and left in-situ. M57 main replacement project (2003-2006) The No. 1 and No. 3 mains remained in use for almost 150 years and were important secondary transfer mains covering the zone between Morang and Preston, supplying a number of residential and industrial customers. However, corrosion of the pipelines and additional pressure on the mains where road crossings have been constructed required Melbourne Water to upgrade the infrastructure. The construction of road crossings had placed significant pressure on the water mains, resulting in pipe bursts. Accordingly, replacement works were undertaken in two stages: - During Stage 1 of the works in 2003, Melbourne Water replaced the sections of the No. 3 at seven road crossings and inserted steel sections of pipe within the No. 1 Main at the same locations (see Description). - Stage 2 works commenced in June 2005 and were completed by June 2006. Stage 2 works involved the decommissioning of the No.1 and No.3 mains and the installation of a new water main along the pipe track alignment. The installation of the new main resulted in the removal of approximately 60% of the nineteenth century pipes in the No.5 Main and 35% in the No.3 Main (see Description). No parts of the No.1 main were affected by these works. SOURCES Published Dingle, A.E. and C. Rasmussen, 1991, Vital connections, Melbourne and its Board of Works 1891-1991, McPhee Gribble, Ringwood. Edwards, D.H., 1978, Yan Yean, a history, Yan Yean School Council, Yan Yean. Gould, M., 1991, Whittlesea Heritage Study 1991, parts 1 and 2, prepared for The City of Whittlesea by Meredith Gould Architects, Conservation Consultants, Eaglemont. Heritage Victoria, 25 September 2003, letter re: Consent to Damage C265, Yan Yean Pipe Track, South Morang - Reservoir, file HER/1999/00053 11, Consent Number C0265. Hicks, P., 1988, Plenty Valley Historical Survey, a report commissioned by the Ministry of Planning and Environment, Melbourne. Kellogg, Brown & Root Pty. Ltd., 2003, M57 (Morang-Preston Nos. 1 and 3 mains replacement, planning permit application to the City of Whittlesea, prepared for Melbourne Water 18 June 2003. Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, 1902, Notes on the Melbourne Water Supply by the Chairman (engineering details supplied by Mr Wm. Dowden, the Engineer for Water Supply) 20th December 1902. (facsimile in Gould, 1991, part 2). Payne, J.W., 1975, The Plenty: a centenary history of the Whittlesea Shire, Lowdens, Kilmore. Pearson, C., 1972, Restoration of cannon and other relics from HMB Endeavour, Report 508, Department of Supply Australian Defence Scientific Service, Defence Standards Laboratories, Maribyrnong Victoria. Plenderleith, H.J. and A.E.A.Werner, 1971, The conservation of antiquities and works of art, treatment, repair and restoration, 2nd. edn., Oxford University Press, London. Seeger, R.C., 1947-8, 'The history of Melbourne's water supply Part II' Victorian Historical Magazine, 22:23-47. Seeger, R.C., 1941-2, 'The history of Melbourne's water supply Part I' Victorian Historical Magazine, 19:107-38. Wuchatsch, R. and G. Hawke, 1988, Historic views of the City of Whittlesea, Whittlesea Historical Society, Thomastown. Wuchatsch, R. and J. Waghorn, 1985, Historic buildings of the Whittlesea Shire, Whittlesea Historical Society, Thomastown. Unpublished Context Pty. Ltd., nd., 'Yan Yean Pipe Track - water main replacement works, South Morang to Reservoir, Application for Consent'. Prepared for Melbourne Water and Heritage Victoria. Context Pty Ltd, December 2006, 'Yan Yean Pipe Replacement Works 2005-2006. Report to Heritage Victoria. M57 Morang-Preston Watermain Renewal Stage 2'. Draft report prepared for Melbourne Water and Heritage Victoria) Hewitt, Geoff, October 2003, 'Yan Yan Pipetrack: No. 1 & No.3 mains, road crossing between Morang and Preston. Report of archaeological watching brief'. Prepared for Heritage Victoria and Context Pty Ltd.

Description

Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains

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Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Assessment Against Criteria

A. The historical importance, association with, or relationship to Victoria's history of the place or object. All three mains have importance as part of the construction and development of Yan Yean system as they were the distribution system for water. The changes in the mains relate to the increasing demand placed on the system as a whole as a result of the increasing growth of urban Melbourne. B. The importance of a place or object in demonstrating rarity or uniqueness. The comparative analysis presented earlier in the report demonstrates that the pipes themselves (i.e. the physical fabric) in No. 1 main, which date from 1857, and those recycled pipes used in No. 3 main, which also date from 1857, must be considered as rare examples of pipes from that time. The pipes used in No. 5 main, where they were not recycled pipes are likely to be more representative of the pipes used in water supply mains across Melbourne. In terms of the water mains as part of a system of water supply (i.e. the design and construction) there is nothing to suggest that the design is a rare or unique example. C. The importance of a place or object in exhibiting the principal characteristics or the representative nature of a place or object as part of a class or type of places or objects. Each main is an example of the water pipe technology in use at the time. So it demonstrates the characteristics, such as they are, of a principal distribution main. D. The place or object's potential to educate, illustrate or provide further scientific investigation in relation to Victoria's cultural heritage. The fabric of the 1857 pipes, if they were cast in Victoria, would be of interest in terms of the quality of casting. This would be an index to the industrial development of Victoria particularly in the immediate post-gold rush period when manufacturing industry was being established to service the changed Victorian economy. The area in the general location of the Darebin Creek work camp is considered to have moderate archaeological potential but high archaeological significance if archaeological remains of the work camp were to be located during the course of the construction work. E. The importance of the place or object in exhibiting good design or aesthetic characteristics and/or in exhibiting a richness, diversity or unusual integration of features. None of the water mains meet this criteria F. The importance of the place or object in demonstrating, or being associated with, scientific or technical innovations or achievements. The water mains are important as part of the Yan Yean system which was an important technical achievement being the first large scale urban water supply system designed and constructed in Australia. G. The importance of the place or object in demonstrating social or cultural associations. The physical fabric of the mains does not meet this criterion although it is possible that the pipe track easement may meet this criterion. H. Any other matter which the Heritage Council may consider relevant to the determination of cultural heritage significance. The mains express their significance mainly in their ability to demonstrate the elements of their heritage significance such as being part of the Yan Yean scheme and its technical achievements. The physical fabric of the pipes themselves is not necessary to demonstrate this of course. However the pipes are important in demonstrating the technology involved.

Conservation Policy

Yan Yean system The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). No.1, No.3 and No.5 mains The following specific conservation policies apply to thesecomponents of the Yan Yean system: 1. Wherever possible, historic pipes should remain in use. Repairs to historic pipes should be carried out in a way that minimises the need for replacement of large sections. One option is to insert a new pipe inside the historic pipe. 2. When historic pipes approach the end of their expected service life or require major repairs or upgrading then the

Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains

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Page 5 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water preference is for the pipe to be de-commissioned and replaced by a new pipe rather than undertaking significant repairs that would involve replacement of large sections. 3. If historic pipes are de-commissioned they should, wherever possible or practical, remain in-situ (i.e. left in place) and filled with Pioneer Liquifill or an equivalent product to prevent collapse. 4. Removal of historic pipes should be minimised to extent necessary to: - Enable repairs to be carried out. - Allow the installation of replacement pipes. - Make the pipes safe. 5. Any works that may affect historic pipes should be monitored by an appropriately qualified heritage professional in accordance with the conservation policy in section 3.4.5 of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan. 6. The need for interpretation of any historic pipes, either in-situ or removed, should be determined having regard to any interpretation plan or strategy adopted by Melbourne Water.

Integrity

No. 1 main - moderate (90% intact), No. 3 main - low (60% intact), No. 5 main - low (35% intact)

Physical Conditions

The condition of the pipes vary. Investigation undertaken as part of the M57 main replacement project has found that, while intact, the mains have experienced differing levels of corrosion and deterioration.

Physical Description 1

Pipe reserve, archaeological site

Physical Description 2

SUMMARY The Yan Yean pipe reserve between the Pipehead Reservoir just north of McDonalds Road, Morang and Preston Reservoir covers a distance of just over 10km of which 9km is within a pipe track reserve and 1km is within the Cheddar Road median strip. The width of the reserve varies between 40-60m. As noted in the History, Melbourne Water between 2003 and 2006 undertook significant works within this section ofthe pipe reserve, which involved repairs and removals of sections of the main. These works were monitored by archaeologists Geoff Hewitt and Brad Duncan who prepared monitoring reports for Heritage Victoria. The description of the pipes in this section is drawn from those reports. In summary, the nineteenth century water mains located in the Yan Yean pipe reserve between McDonalds Road, South Morang and Preston Reservoir are: - The No. 1 main is the original main put into commission for the opening of the Yan Yean Water Supply in 1857. The No. 1 main is a cast iron pipe with a 27 inch (675mm) nominal bore (NB). As described below, small sections of the main at seven road crossings were subject to grouting and insertion works in 2003 and it was decommissioned in 2006. - The No. 3 main was originally laid between Yan Yean and Morang and put into commission for the opening of the system in 1857. It comprises cast iron pipes with a 30 inch (750mm) nominal bore. This pipe was lifted in the 1870s when the bluestone aqueduct was built between Yan Yean and Morang and re-laid alongside the No. 1 main between Morang and Preston using the original 1857 pipes (Hewitt 2003). As described below, sections of the main at seven road crossings were replaced in 2003, and just over a third of the surviving main was removed in 2005-06 when it was decommissioned. - The No. 5 main was laid in 1887. The first half mile (0.8 km) south from Morang are cast iron 30 inch (750mm) pipes which in all probability recycled from the main removed during the construction of the aqueduct (ie: it is the same as the No. 3 main). For the remaining distance south to Preston, the No. 5 main is a wrought iron 30 inch (750mm) nominal bore pipe. As described below a large section of the pipe was replaced in 2005-06. Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains

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Page 6 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

DETAILED DESCRIPTION No. 1 main The No. 1 main extends for the whole length of the pipe reserve between the Pipehead Reservoir and Preston Reservoir for a distance of 10.4 km. The 2003 works on the No. 1 main involved digging of an access pit on either side of the roadway and an appropriate length of the existing cast iron main was then removed in way of each pit. A section of new steel pipe was then inserted into the main under the roadway. To ensure that there is no movement, grout was used to fill the space between the outer pipe (the original No. 1 main) and the new inner pipe. The total length of original cast iron main destroyed in the process was of the order of 20 metres per road crossing (considerably less than in the open cut method) but this varied according to the depth of the top of the existing main below the present ground level. In 2005-06, the whole of the No. 1 main was decommissioned left in-situ and filled with 'Pioneer Liquifill' to prevent collapse. Except for the difference in diameter, the design, dimensions, material and joint technique used for the pipes in No. 1 main were identical to those of No. 3 (see below). The presence of the embossed brand "MWW" was noted on fragmentary pipes recovered from Settlement Road. None of the pipe joints observed at Wood Street or Settlement Road had been fitted with collars and, apart from trenches where other services had been installed, appeared to be undisturbed. In the joining pit on the north side of Settlement Road, the pipes appeared to have been bedded on a layer of clay placed in the bottom of a vertical-sided trench some 3' (0.9 m) wide (See Hewitt 2003, Figure 20). The natural ground exhibits a fairly clear transition in colour from very dark grey to olive brown at a depth of 1.5 to 2 m below the present surface. The bedding clay, which is a very dark greyish brown colour is probably material cut from the original trench and replaced to level out the bottom of the trench prior to placement of the pipes. The trench has apparently been backfilled with a mix of the clay displaced when the trench was dug into which broken stone has been entrained. The replaced material is loosely compacted and crumbles at the point of the trowel. It does not appear to have been wet puddled. According to Mr Dino Eramo (a former MMBW employee who joined the firm in the early 1960s), the use of puddled clay backfill for water mains continued into the early 1960s (Hewitt, 2003). No.3 main The No. 3 main originally extended from the Pipehead Reservoir to Preston Reservoir over a length of 9.6km. During the 2003 works, the No. 3 main was exposed at Centenary Drive and McKimmies Road and this enabled the construction of the pipe to be observed as described below. During 2005-06 3.4km of the pipe was removed to allow for the construction of a new main. The remaining section of pipe was decommissioned and filled with 'Pioneer Liquifill' to prevent collapse. The pipes are jointed together in a manner similar to familiar vitreous clay drain with each individual pipe element having a plain male coupling at one end, and a female coupling at the other (in this instance, the female coupling ends were laid upstream). The pipes are cast from clean grey iron with a reasonably fine grain and were probably sand-cast with the female end down, leading to an accumulation of dross and gross pority in the male end. Pipes removed from McKimmies Road were marked with two different brands. The most common is "MMW" and the other is "C&C". The marks have been applied by impression into the original sand mould prior to the pouring of the molten iron and may distinguish specific manufacturers or suppliers of the pipes. Otherwise, the pipes are apparently identical in terms of dimensions. The overall length of the pipes appears to vary slightly within the range 9'5" (2.87m) and 9'6" (2.9m) and the depth of insertion at each joint may be expected to vary. The distance between successive joints in the main as-laid (female end to female end) is approximately 9' 0-1/2" (2.76m) When the pipes were laid, an annular clearance remained between the mating ends, which was first caulked using strands of twisted hemp forced between the opposing surfaces using a chisel and mallet. The process of joining the pipes was described to Hewitt (2003:9-10) by Mr Dino Eramo: "First a dry rope of around 1 and a half inch (38mm) diameter is secured around the open face of the joint, then the rope is luted with clay pressed tightly against it. The clay is built up to a substantial thickness and, before it is completely dray, the rope is carefully drawn out from the top without displacing the clay. A "funnel" is then constructed from clay around the opening through which the rope was withdrawn and the mould allowed to dry. Superheated molten lead is then poured into the mould and allowed to solidify in position before the clay is removed.The lead must be "very hot" otherwise it will freeze prematurely and not fill the joint completely. The process is very dangerous as moisture in the joint will cause the molten lead to "spit back" and this may cause serious facial

Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains

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Page 7 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water burns to the operator. Once the lead is solid and the clay removed, the operator sets to work with a special chisel and mallet, cold-working the lead into the joint against the caulking and finishing the seam off flush with the female end of the pipe. The lead does not adhere to the pipe and it appears that a shallow groove cast into the internal surface of the socket is intended to assists in retention of the lead seal by purely mechanical means." Exposure of the cast-iron No. 3 main revealed evidence of the hemp caulking, degraded but still visible. It also revealed that each of the joints in the way of the road crossing had been reinforced with steel collars on either side and bolted across the joint. The collars are an engineering solution of the last 30 years to prevent the lead and caulking being extruded from the joint by external pressure which would result in leakage. Apparently at the time of relaying in 1875-6, the cast iron pipes of the No. 3 main had been coated inside and out with a black mastic having a bituminous appearance. Apparently a large coarse-bristled brush had been used to apply the coating. This coating appears to have remained intact on many of the pipes inspected. Inspection of the pipe also revealed a tendency for corrosion on the water side of the pipe, demonstrating random graphitisation of the bore and loss of effective wall thickness possibly exceeding 50%. A cement lining was applied in the late twentieth century by a machine that travelled inside the pipeline. The cement layer has a mean thickness of 10-12 mm and is continuous across the joints and the fine-grained slurry has penetrated into the space between the pipes, entrapping a variable deposit of sludge and debris apparently carried by the water. No. 5 main In 2005 Melbourne Water carried out works to replace a 6.2km section of the No. 5 main from Preston Reservoir to Tunaley Parade. This allowed the opportunity for inspection of the construction elements of the removed sections of the main, which was carried out by Geoff Hewitt on behalf of Context Pty Ltd in accordance with a Consent to Damage issued by Heritage Victoria. The following description of the No. 5 main was provided as part of the archaeological monitoring report prepared for Heritage Victoria at the conclusion of the works late in 2005. This No. 5 main was assembled from individual sections of wrought iron pipe, each approximately 29 foot 10 ½ inch (9.1 m) long. Each section of pipe was made up of six strakes of ¼ inch (6 mm) thick wrought iron plate. The six strakes had all been individually rolled and longitudinally lap-jointed with a double row of ½ inch (12.5 mm) rivets. Alternate strakes along the length of a section of main were reduced in diameter and fitted inside the adjacent section to form circumferential lap-socket joints. The circumferential joints had then been fastened with a single row of ½ inch rivets. A collar was lap-jointed and riveted onto the end of the section of pipe which had the larger diameter strake, again with a single row of ½ inch rivets. This collar formed a female socket whereby individual sections of main were connected. The collars had been manufactured from 3/8 inch (8 mm) thick wrought iron, apparently forge-welded as there is no riveted longitudinal joint. Each collar has been swaged to produce a bulge in the diameter beyond the riveted circumferential joint, evidently with the object of retaining the lead used to seal the connection between sections of the main (see Hewitt, 2005:Figure 2). The opposite (male) end of each section of the main was not only of the smaller diameter, but also was arranged so that the rivets of the longitudinal lap joint were countersunk for a distance of 11 inch from the end, to facilitate jointing. Elsewhere, all rivets had round (hemispherical) heads. Dimensional control of each section of pipe during manufacture appears to have been concentrated on maintaining the dimension 4 foot 10 ½ inch between the consecutive rows of rivets in the circumferential joints, measured between the centrelines of the drillings. Otherwise the width of the individual strakes was not precisely controlled and the overlap in the circumferential joints varied. In keeping with normal practice in construction of riveted pressure vessels, the lap joints have been caulked by hammering the external faying edge with a flat-faced punch. The faying surfaces of the longitudinal lap joints have been tapered to reduce the height of overlap in way of the circumferential joints. In addition, the joint collars are joggled in way of the longitudinal strake overlaps to assist in creation of a pressure-tight joint. The jointing procedure between individual sections of the wrought iron No. 5 main was analogous to that used in the Nos. 1 and 3 mains. Multiple strands of a natural fibre, probably hemp, had been packed into the gap between the socket collar and the male end of the adjoining section. This packing had then been sealed with lead. An oral account of the process of casting lead joint seals in-situ, as employed during the mid-twentieth-century by the MMBW, has already been describe (see above). It is most probable that the method for installing the lead was no different when the No. 5 main was erected. The external surface of each section of the main had been coated with a black bituminous mastic material reinforced

Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains

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Page 8 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water by one or two layers of a loosely woven (8 threads per inch) textile having the appearance of burlap (see Hewitt, 2003:Plate 1). This coating may be representative of the asphaltum coating technology brought back from the USA by Deakin (Hewitt cites MMBW, 1902:7). No evidence could be seen for the application of an asphaltum coating on the internal surfaces of the main. However, these surfaces are in an extremely corroded condition and are largely obscured by adherent sludge and corrosion products. A cast iron scour connector was located in the No. 5 main at UTM Aus66 55H 0324856/5824522. This unequal TEE with a flanged branch bore diameter of approximately 8 inch (200 mm), had an overall length of 32 inch (805 mm) and a bore approximately 750 mm. Both ends of the connector were arranged as female sockets identical to that recorded for the cast iron Nos. 1 and 3 mains (Hewitt, 2003). It is not yet clear how the downstream connection was made to the wrought iron. A shortened length of a section of the wrought main, without the collar, was probably used as a double-male hopefully this can be confirmed by inspection of other scour connections. The joints between the main and the scour connector were made using hemp packing and a cast-in lead seal as recorded for the Nos. 1 and 3 mains (Hewitt, 2003). During the removal of the pipes Hewitt also made further observations about specific construction details and repairs that had been carried out at various times. These are detailed in his report.

Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Nos. 1, 3 & 5 mains

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Melbourne Water

Name Pipe Bridge - Darebin Creek Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address McKimmie's Road BUNDOORA VIC 3083 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Pipe VHR Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Flume HI Number File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Morang-Preston Hermes Number 22870

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Pipe Bridge - Darebin Creek

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Statement of Significance

What is significant? The pipe bridges over Darebin Creek, comprising the bridge constructed c.1857 to carry the No.1 main and the bridge constructed c.1875 to carry the No.3 and (now removed) No.5 main, situated within the Yan Yean pipe reserve south of McKimmies Road, Thomastown. How is it significant? The Darebin Creek pipe bridges are of primary historical and aesthetic significance as a component of the original Yan Yean system constructed between 1853-7 and the additions made up to made prior to 1891. Why is it significant? Historically, the Darebin Creek No. 1 main pipe bridge provides evidence of the development of the original system, while the No. 3 and No. 5 bridge provide evidence of the additions made to increase and improve supply. (HV criterion A) Aesthetically, the bridges provide further evidence of the quality of craftmanship employed in the design and construction of all structures associated with the the Yan Yean system during the nineteenth century. (HV criterion E & F)

Place History

A bluestone and iron bridge across the Darebin Creek was constructed in 1853-57 as part of the original Yan Yean system to carry the No.1 main across the creek. A second bridge was constructed c.1875 to support the No.3 main crossing - this bridge was extended when the No.5 main was laid in 1888. In 2006, the No.5 main was removed and replaced with a new water main.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a moderate degree of integrity. The No. 5 main has been replaced, which has resulted in minor changes to the bridge structure.

Physical Conditions

The Darebin Creek pipe bridges are in good condition and as operational parts of the system appear to be well maintained. Alterations made in 2006 as part of the M57 project (see Description) were carried out in accordance with conditions imposed by Heritage Victoria and had minimal impacts upon the fabric. There are no apparent threats, although the place is subject to attack by graffiti artists.

Physical Description 1

Bridge, Pipe reserve

Physical Description 2

The Yan Yean pipe reserve crosses Darebin Creek at a point about 300m south of McKimmies Road in Thomastown. The bridge on the north-west sidewas built in 1853-7 as part of the original system to carry the No. 1 main over Darebin Creek. It is constructed of rough-faced bluestone piers with ashlar capping. The main is carried on the piers, supported by an iron girder that spans the piers (refer to illustration).

Pipe Bridge - Darebin Creek

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T he adjacent bridge on the south-east side is of similar construction and was constructed c.1875-87. It supports the No. 3 main (added in 1875) and once supported the No. 5 main (added in 1887 and removed c.2005) as indicated by the curved bluestone 'cradles' in each pier wall (refer to illustration). The space vacated by the No. 5 main has now been filled by a new pipe constructed in 2006 as part of the pipe replacement works in this section of the pipe reserve (not shown).

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Pipe Bridge - Darebin Creek

Hermes Number 22870 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:03 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Valve House Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Wright Court MILL PARK VIC 3082 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Pump VHR Number N/A House/Pumping Station HI Number File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Morang-Preston Hermes Number 22869

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Valve House

Hermes Number 22869 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:51 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The Valve House, designed by Matthew Jackson and constructed c.1857, situated within the Yan Yean pipe reserve at the eastern end of Wright Court, Mill Park. How is it significant? The valve house at Mill Park is of primary historical and aesthetic significance as a component of the original Yan Yean system constructed between 1853-7. Why is it significant? Historically, the valve house provides evidence of the development of the original system. Aesthetically, the valve house is a finely detailed example of a small building using dressed and rough bluestone.

Place History

This valve house is one of two designed by Matthew Jackson (the other is at Preston) to relieve build up of pressure on the pipes that were constructed between 1853 and 1857 as part of the original Yan Yean system. The original pipeline and mains used in the Yan Yean system were of cast iron, and were designed to withstand a static head of 400 feet of water. But because of the distance of Yan Yean reservoir from Melbourne and height - 600 feet above sea level - pressure could build up to 600 static feet during times of minimum demand (Context, 2007:30). Originally it had been intended to build a 'breaking' reservoir at Preston, around 300 feet above sea level, whichwould break the build-up of pressure in the main and could also act as a distribution reservoir. Jackson, however, could see no reason to spend time or money doing this initially and opted instead to construct the pressure regulators, which were based on an example he had seen in England. However, they were not a great success. Dingle & Doyle (2003:33) note that: When the first one was installed and tested the closing of the valve caused a great jump in pressure in the pipeline and 'the concussion, or recoil, was so great as to burst a pipe immediately above the air-vessel'. Four further trials led tothe same result. A safety valve was then added and this prevented further bursts, but Jackson's confidence in his gadget had been undermined ... and the delays associated with designing, fabricating, installing and testing them had greatly slowed the completion of the whole project. It is not known how long the valve houses remained in use - it is possible that they were decommissioned as early as 1864 when the originally intended 'breaking' reservoir at Preston was constructed, along with the pipehead reservoir at South Morang. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, unpublished report for Melbourne Water, 2007 Dingle, Tony & Doyle, Helen, Yan Yean, A history of Melbourne's early water supply, North Melbourne, 2003.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a moderate degree of external integrity and a low degree of internal integrity.

Physical Conditions

The Mill Park Valve House is in good condition, and is secured by a wire mesh fence. There are no apparent threats apart from vandalism, although it is not clear who is responsible for on-going maintenance as it is a non-operational part of the system. Valve House

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Physical Description 1

Valve house

Physical Description 2

This valve house, situated at the eastern end of Wright Court in Mill Park, was built as part of the original Yan Yean system in 1853-57. It is a small tower-like structure, which is built of finely executed bluestone, with an arched opening with a keystone and voussoirs, and a cornice at the top. The roof is missing as is the door and the curved metal roof at the rear. Part of the low walls may have been removed. The pressure regulator and safety valve machinery has been removed. It is similar to the valve house at Preston Reservoir, which is more intact and retains the original machinery.

Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy.

References No Information Recorded

Valve House

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Page 3 YAN YEAN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM CMP

PRESTON RESERVOIR

Preston Reservoir

Caretaker’s residence

MMBW office

Monterey Cypress row (East side)

Monterey Cypress row (West side)

Preston Reservoir No.1

Preston Reservoir No.2

Preston Reservoir No.3

Valve House

175 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Preston Reservoir Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address 885 - 897 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 832 - 834 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Precinct VHR Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Supply Reservoir/ HI Number N/A Dam File Number Utilities - Water / Water Pump House/Pumping Station Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Preston Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22872

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Preston Reservoir

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Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The Yan Yean water supply system constructed in 1853-7 comprised the reservoir at Yan Yean, which was connected to Melbourne by the No.1 cast iron main. A distribution or service reservoir had been included in the original design, but was not built, probably due to economic restraints. Instead two pressure regulating valves were added,one of which was installed north of Child's Road at present day Mill Park, the other at the site of the proposed service or distribution reservoir at Preston (now at the southern end of Preston Reservoir No.1).This was the first time such regulators were used on a large pipeline, but they proved to be useless in preventing pipes from bursting. The remedy for this and the problem of stagnation in the pipes was to build a service or distribution reservoir on the pipeline between Yan Yean and Melbourne. This reservoir was built at Preston in 1864 using the same construction technology - puddle core earth embankment - as the Yan Yean Reservoir and remained the only distribution reservoir until 1881, when a small reservoir was built at Essendon. A caretaker's residence was constructed at the same time as the reservoir and the MMBW constructed a small office on the site in 1900. Tree planting commenced in the late nineteenth century. Two additional reservoirs were built at Preston on the east side of High Street, one in 1909 and the other in 1913. How is it significant? The Preston Reservoir complex is of historical and scientific (archaeological) significance to the State of Victoria as part of the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it significant? Historically, the Preston Reservoir complex provides important evidence of significant stages in the nineteenth century development of the Melbourne's water supply including the changes that were made to increase and improve supply as Melbourne's population increased in the wake of the gold rush. Up until 1891 when the Watts River weir (now part of the Maroondah system) was commissioned, the Yan Yean system provided the whole of Melbourne's reticulated water supply and the Preston reservoir was the only distribution reservoir in the network until 1881. The addition of the two service reservoirs in 1909 and 1913 demonstrates the significant growth in Melbourne by the early twentieth century. The complex also has strong associations with the MMBW who established one of their first suburban offices here in 1900. (HV criterion A) The Preston Reservoir complex is also of scientific (archaeological) significance as it contains the remains of various mains and other features and is likely to contain further archaeological evidence that will provide further information about the construction and maintenance of the Yan Yean system and the lives of the people who created it. (HV criterion C) Note: Please refer to the statements of significance for individual features within the complex including the valve house, the Caretaker's residence, the MMBW rates office, the Monterey Cypress Hedge and the reservoirs.

Place History

A distribution or service reservoir had been included in Blackburn's and Jackson's original plans for the Yan Yean system, but was not built, probably due to economic restraints. Instead Jackson designed two pressure regulating valves, one of which was installed north of Child's Road at present day Mill Park, the other at the site of the proposed service or distribution reservoir at Preston (now at the southern end of Preston Reservoir No.1).This was the first time such regulators were used on a large pipeline, but they proved to be useless in preventing pipes from bursting. The remedy for this and the problem of stagnation in the pipes was to build a service reservoir on the pipeline between Yan Yean and Melbourne. This reservoir was built at Preston in 1864 using the same construction technology - puddle core earth embankment - as the Yan Yean Reservoir. A caretaker's cottage was built in 1865, and a small office for the MMBW was built nearby in 1900. Preston Reservoir was built as a key part of the Yan Yean distribution system, a system that continued to expand to meet Melbourne's growing demand for water delivery. Preston was Melbourne's only service reservoir until 1881,

Preston Reservoir

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water when a small circular reservoir was built at Essendon. Previously, in 1876, a small pipehead reservoir had been built at Morang, where the aqueduct from Yan Yean terminated. Before the end of the nineteenth century a second service reservoir was built at Essendon, plus three others - in Caulfield, Surrey Hills and Kew. The two Essendon reservoirs, like those at Preston and Morang, were built using puddle core earth banks lined with bluestone pitchers. Of these four earth service reservoirs, only the Preston Reservoir is now extant. The reservoirs at Caulfield, Surrey Hills and Kew were constructed from massed concrete. When the Maroondah system was opened in 1891 the aqueduct terminated at the Junction Basin in Cheddar Road, Preston. The water was piped to Preston Reservoir via a 53 inch wrought iron main, entering through the north bank half way between the by-wash and the east bank. This was the only outlet for Maroondah water until 1900, when the High Street main (laid in 1894) was extended north from the southern end of the reservoir and connected with the 53 inch main at the north of the reservoir. This enabled Maroondah water to bypass Preston Reservoir. As early as 1884, William Davidson, Engineer in Charge of Water Supply, pointed out the necessity for additional storage at Preston to supply the rapidly growing metropolis. However, instead of increasing storage at Preston, delivery was increased with the laying of the second Morang to Preston main, completed in 1887. Memories of the water famine caused by the breach of the Morang Aqueduct in 1878 were still fresh in Davidson's mind, when in 1886 he reiterated the need for increased local storage at Preston. He urged the government to construct another reservoir with a 60 million gallon capacity at Preston, and recommended the purchase of a parcel of land 23 acres 1 rood 24 perches for this purpose. Although the land, on the eastern side of High Street, was subsequently purchased, building of the reservoir was delayed by the economic crisis of the 1890s. Melbourne's six service reservoirs maintained local pressure for the metropolis, but by 1905 their combined storage capacity was only sufficient for one summer day's supply. The accepted standard at the time was three days' storage, which was the original capacity of the Preston Reservoir. In December 1906 the MMBW's Engineer-in-Chief, William Thwaites, repeated Davidson's advice that a 60 million gallon reservoir at Preston was urgently needed to keep up with daily storage requirements. By October 1907 plans had been drafted for two separate concrete reservoirs with a combined capacity of 50 million gallons, andsubsequently Preston Reservoir No. 2 was constructed in 1909 and Preston Reservoir No. 3 was constructed in 1913.The construction of these reservoirs completed the Preston reservoir complex. For further information about the development of each reservoir and key buildings please refer to the appropriate place record. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2: History

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

Varies - please refer to individual place records

Physical Conditions

Varies - please refer to individual place records

Physical Description 1

Reservoir, buildings, cultural landscape, valve house, archaeological site

Physical Description 2

Preston Reservoir

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The Preston Reservoir complex comprises two large properties on either side of High Street in Reservoir.

Recommended Management

Varies - please refer to individual place records

References No Information Recorded

Preston Reservoir

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Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Caretaker's residence - Preston Reservoir Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address 885 - 897 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Preston Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22874

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Caretaker's residence - Preston Reservoir

Hermes Number 22874 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:19 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Caretaker's Residence at Preston Reservoir, comprising the brick house constructed in 1865 and the c.1900 weatherboard additions, is of contributory historical significance as an original component of the complex.

Place History

A caretaker's cottage was built at Preston in 1865. George Wilson was caretaker before he took over his father's position as caretaker at Yan Yean in 1907. One of the caretaker's duties was to ensure that the reservoir did not fill above 17 feet 3 inches each night. An electric float inside the northern slope of the reservoir rang an alarm when that level was reached, usually between 3.00 and 6.00 am. The caretaker would have to get out of bed and direct the overflow over the spillway into the Darebin Creek. The Preston office of the MMBW was built next to the house in 1900. Improvements and additions were made to the living quarters around the same time. Ian Smith, a former MMBW employee, recalls that there was a caretaker who had a large family and was given materials to build on an extra bedroom, which he did himself, with assistance from other employees. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan, Volume 2: History, 2007, for Melbourne Water (Chapter 4) Ian Smith, pers. comm. via email to Context on 16 February 2007

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of external integrity and a moderate degree of internal integrity.

Physical Conditions

Varies - while structurally sound, the building is under threat due to a lack of maintenance. A detailed inspection is required in order to make a considered assessment about its condition.

Physical Description 1

Building, Cultural landscape

Physical Description 2

The caretaker's residence at Preston Reservoir is a symmetrical Victorian villa, which has been built in stages. The front section, dating from 1865, is constructed in red brick has a hip roof brick with a skillion-roof return verandah supported on timber posts with angled brackets. The windows are double-hung sash with large stone sills and there are corbelled brick chimneys.Theweatherboard section to the rear is presumably the additions made in 1900, and there is a further addition clad in asbestos sheeting, which appears to date from the inter-war period. The residence is situated immediately to the south of the Melbourne Water offices near the north-west corner of Reservoir No. 1. Some elements of once extensive gardensappear to survive to the south and rear. Externally intact, the interiors and rear of the building appear to have been modified. It appears to be structurally sound; however, it is currently unoccupied and under threat due to lack of maintenance. A flat roof carport (dating from the post war era) has been attached on the south side. Mature trees at the rear may be the remnants of a garden (further investigation is required). Caretaker's residence - Preston Reservoir

Hermes Number 22874 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:19 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Mature trees at the rear may be the remnants of a garden (further investigation is required).

Recommended Management

Non-operational (Adapt or re-use) This management strategy applies to the buildings forming part of the Yan Yean system that may be suitable for adaptation for a new use or uses. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings and associated gardens in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation works for buildings that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all buildings in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Find an appropriate use for the buildings that are currently vacant, and reviewing the use of the other buildings to determine whether it is the most optimal use of the building having regard to its on-going conservation and interpretation - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that there may be some degree of change to these places in order to accommodate new uses, but this should be limited consistent with finding a compatible use in accordance with the specific conservation policies. Of particular relevance are the guidelines contained in Policy 3.2 - Change of use - adaptive re-use. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Caretaker's residence - Preston Reservoir

Hermes Number 22874 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:19 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name MMBW Office Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address 885 - 897 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Preston Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22878

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

MMBW Office

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Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The former MMBW office, constructed in 1900, is of secondary significance to the Yan Yean system. Itillustrates the development of Preston Reservoir as an important distribution reservoir in the early twentieth century.

Place History

This building was constructed in 1900 for the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works as the Preston District office for the water supply transfer system, and remained in useuntil about 1960. Ian Smith (a former MMBW employee) recalls that 'At one time it was so crowded there was a desk on the front porch'. Sources MMBW Chairman's Report, 1899-1901, p.121 Ian Smith, pers. comm., 16 February, 2007

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of external and internal integrity.

Physical Description 1

Building

Physical Description 2

The former MMBW Preston office is a tiny single-room brick building with a gable terracotta-tiled roof and a small timber front porch with timber posts, which is situated just tothe south ofthe caretaker's residence. There is a red brick chimney at the south end and decorative timber brackets under the eaves at the corners. The windows are timber double hung sash with concrete lintels. It has a high degree of external and internal integrity and while structurally sound is under threat due to lack of maintenance. Damage to the roof tiles and blocked gutters are resulting in water penetration and possum infestation is also causing damage to the interior of the building.

Recommended Management

Non-operational (Adapt or re-use) This management strategy applies to the buildings forming part of the Yan Yean system that may be suitable for adaptation for a new use or uses. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings and associated cultural landcape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 - Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation works for buildings that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all buildings in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan; - Find an appropriate use for the buildings that are currently vacant, and reviewing the use of the other buildings to determine whether it is the most optimal use of the building having regard to its on-going conservation and interpretation - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that there may be some degree of change to these places in order to accommodate new uses, but this should be limited consistent with finding a compatible use in

MMBW Office

Hermes Number 22878 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:49 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water accordance with the specific conservation policies. Of particular relevance are the guidelines contained in Policy 3.2 - Change of use - adaptive re-use. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

MMBW Office

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Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Monterey Cypress row (east side) Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address 832 - 834 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Parks, Gardens and Trees / Tree groups - VHR Number N/A street HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Preston Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22880

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Monterey Cypress row (east side)

Hermes Number 22880 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:49 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Monterey Cypress rows at Preston Reservoir complex are of secondary significance to the Yan Yean system asa component of the complex that illustrates its development in the twentieth century. They are of local significance for their significance contribution to the cultural landscape character and as a fine example of a mature Monterey Cypress windrow.

Place History

In the nineteenth century and early part of the twentieth century no covering was considered necessary for service reservoirs. A close thicket of trees and shrubs was planted around all the basin enclosures, which was believed to "arrest dust and other impurities that might otherwise be blown into the water". Monterey Pines (Pinus radiata) were planted extensively around the Yan Yean Reservoir and along the aqueducts from the 1880s onwards. The exact date of this mature Monterey Cypress windrow is not known, but it is estimated that the trees are 70+ years old, which points to a planting date during the inter-war period. A 1945 aerial photograph more clearly shows the neat rows of young trees well established along the High Street frontage in the position as the present mature trees. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, pp 43-4 Gibbs, George A., Water Supply and Sewerage Systems of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works: Compiled from official documents, Melbourne, 1925 www.lib.unimelb.edu.au/collections/maps/historical/1945melb/l_sheets/839c3c.jpg (viewed 20 February 2007)

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Intactness

This row appears to be very intact, with all trees surviving and in a similar state of health.

Physical Description 1

Cultural landscape

Physical Description 2

This mature row of Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) extends along the whole of the High Street frontage, between Reservoir No.2 and the street frontage. With the similar row on the opposite side of High Street adjacent to Reservoir No.1 it is an impressive landscape feature that is visible for some distance in many directions.

Recommended Management

Operational (Cultural landscape features) This applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use as part of the Yan Yean system and any associated cultural landscape features such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy, as appropriate,is to: - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 Fabric and setting. This will require undertaking urgent conservation works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan. - Allow changes to occur in accordance with where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards or

Monterey Cypress row (east side)

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Monterey Cypress row (east side)

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Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Monterey Cypress row (west side) Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address 885 - 897 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Parks, Gardens and Trees / Tree groups - VHR Number N/A street HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Preston Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22879

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Monterey Cypress row (west side)

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Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Monterey Cypress rows at Preston Reservoir complex are of secondary significance to the Yan Yean system asa component of the complex that illustrates its development in the twentieth century. They are of local significance for their significance contribution to the cultural landscape character and as a fine example of a mature Monterey Cypress windrow.

Place History

In the nineteenth century and early part of the twentieth century no covering was considered necessary for service reservoirs. A close thicket of trees and shrubs was planted around all the basin enclosures, which was believed to "arrest dust and other impurities that might otherwise be blown into the water". Monterey Pines (Pinus radiata) were planted extensively around the Yan Yean Reservoir and along the aqueducts from the 1880s onwards. The exact date of this mature Monterey Cypress windrow is not known, but it is estimated that the trees are 70+ years old, which points to a planting date during the inter-war period. A c.1920s photo reproduced in Gibbs shows already semi-mature trees along the north, east and west boundaries of the reservoir, however, it is unclear whether they are the same species that exist today. A 1945 aerial photograph more clearly shows the neat rows of young trees well established along the east and west boundaries in the position as the present mature trees. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, pp 43-4 Gibbs, George A., Water Supply and Sewerage Systems of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works: Compiled from official documents, Melbourne, 1925 www.lib.unimelb.edu.au/collections/maps/historical/1945melb/l_sheets/839c3c.jpg (viewed 20 February 2007)

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Intactness

This row appears to be very intact, with all trees surviving and in a similar state of health.

Physical Description 1

Cultural landscape

Physical Description 2

This mature row of Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) extends along the High Street frontage, between Reservoir No.1 and the street frontage and along the south side of the reservoir. With the similar row on the opposite side of High Street adjacent to Reservoir No.2 it is an impressive landscape feature that is visible for some distance in many directions.

Recommended Management

Operational (Cultural landscape features) This applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use as part of the Yan Yean system and any associated cultural landscape features such as trees, gardens and drystone walls. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy, as appropriate,is to: - Conserve the associated cultural landscape features in accordance with Policy 2.0 Fabric and setting. This will

Monterey Cypress row (west side)

Hermes Number 22879 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:50 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water require undertaking urgent conservation works for features that are in poor condition in the short term and assessing the condition of all features in the medium term as a basis for developing a maintenance plan. - Allow changes to occur in accordance with where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards or would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Monterey Cypress row (west side)

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Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Preston Reservoir No. 1 Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address 885 - 897 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Reservoir/ VHR Number N/A Dam HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Preston Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22875

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Preston Reservoir No. 1

Hermes Number 22875 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:45 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Preston Reservoir No. 1, constructed in 1864, is of primary significance to the Yan Yean system and illustrates the changes that were made to improve supply.

Place History

Construction (1863-4) Although a service reservoir was an integral part of Blackburn's and Jackson's original plans, it was not built as part of the initial Yan Yean water supply project, but added later to address the problems of pressure and stagnation in the pipes. Preston, at a suitable elevation and distance from Melbourne on the pipe track between Yan Yean and Melbourne, was chosen as the site for the city's first service reservoir. The work commenced in July 1863, with an expected completion date of 30 November. However, owing to delays through wet weather, it was not completed until the latter part of 1864. The reservoir was constructed by excavation and embankment, using the same construction techniques as for the dam at Yan Yean. The best clay excavated from the site was used for the puddle core of the four earth embankments that made up the sides. The reservoir was lined with bluestone pitchers bedded in gravel and set in cement mortar. Turf cut from the site was then placed over the outer surface of the embankments. The contractor was Alexander Cooper, of Fitzroy, who employed an average of 50 men per day - with sometimes up to 90 men and 30 horses. Thomas Catanach was the foreman of works. Additional workers were employed quarrying and dressing the bluestone pitchers, presumably using nearby basalt deposits. In October 1863 a man was killed in an accident at the works when part of a cutting collapsed onto him. With a depth of 21 feet (6.4 metres) the reservoir's capacity was 16 million gallons (72.8 megalitres) - sufficient to supply Melbourne for three days at that time. The 22-foot (6.7 metre) wide by-wash directed excess water via a pitched channel into the Darebin Creek. At the time of its completion the reservoir had two inlets, which could also be used as outlets. One was the 22 inch main from Yan Yean at the northern end of the reservoir, which was also used as a scour. The other outlet, a 33 inch pipe near the south-west angle, was used as a means of relieving pressure on the main by discharging surplus water into the reservoir. An early photograph shows what appears to be a small outlet tower near the southern bank on the western side, and is probably the outlet shown on MMBW Plan of Preston Reservoir dated 1907. The 24 inch cast iron main, laid from Preston to Collingwood in 1869 exits the reservoir from near the south west corner. Use of the reservoir and later developments (1865-) Preston Reservoir was built as a key part of the Yan Yean distribution system, a system that continued to expand to meet Melbourne's growing demand for water delivery. Preston was Melbourne's only service reservoir until 1881, when a small circular reservoir was built at Essendon. Previously, in 1876, a small pipehead reservoir had been built at Morang, where the aqueduct from Yan Yean terminated. Before the end of the nineteenth century a second service reservoir was built at Essendon, plus three others - in Caulfield, Surrey Hills and Kew. The two Essendon reservoirs, like those at Preston and Morang, were built using puddle core earth banks lined with bluestone pitchers. Of these four earth service reservoirs, only the Preston Reservoir is now extant. The reservoirs at Caulfield, Surrey Hills and Kew were constructed from massed concrete. A caretaker's cottage was built at Preston in 1865. George Wilson was caretaker before he took over his father's position as caretaker at Yan Yean in 1907. One of the caretaker's duties was to ensure that the reservoir did not fill above 17 feet 3 inches each night. An electric float inside the northern slope of the reservoir rang an alarm when that level was reached, usually between 3.00 and 6.00 am. The caretaker would have to get out of bed and direct the overflow over the spillway into the Darebin Creek. The Preston office of the MMBW was built next to the house in 1900. Improvements and additions were made to the living quarters around the same time. When the Maroondah system was opened in 1891 the aqueduct terminated at the Junction Basin in Cheddar Road, Preston. The water was piped to Preston Reservoir via a 53 inch wrought iron main, entering through the north bank half way between the by-wash and the east bank. This was the only outlet for Maroondah water until 1900, when the High Street main (laid in 1894) was extended north from the southern end of the reservoir and connected with the 53 inch main at the north of the reservoir. This enabled Maroondah water to bypass Preston Reservoir. There were problems with water quality from the Maroondah system, which contained large amounts of vegetable

Preston Reservoir No. 1

Hermes Number 22875 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:45 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water matter. The water was originally passed through bar gratings which screened out "only the very roughest material in suspension". Early in the twentieth century new screens "of the finest mesh used for water supply purposes" were installed at Preston, presumably at the 54 inch outlet shown on the 1907 plan. This was still not satisfactory, because fine vegetable detritus held in suspension was able to pass through the screens and into consumption. One remedy proposed for this was another reservoir divided into three compartments to be used as settling ponds, however, this did not eventuate (see below). Instead, a new screening chamber was designed in 1911. It was a hexagonal concrete structure with a balustrade of one inch gas piping on the top and gangway. This presumably connected to the 54 inch outlet -this structure can still be seen at the southern end of the reservoir. Many more service reservoirs were built throughout the suburbs over time, however the three reservoirs at Preston retained an important role in the network as the terminus of the Yan Yean and Maroondah supplies. They served the low-lying suburbs, while the Mitcham Reservoir, as the terminus for the O'Shannassy and Upper Yarra supplies, served the higher eastern suburbs. However, water could be brought across from Mitcham to Preston when needed in the western suburbs. In 1928 the laying of new 54 inch steel mains to supply the western suburbs necessitated considerable works at Preston, including special castings and valves and a steel 75 inch outlet main within the reservoir boundaries. In 1950 it was decided to install a pumping scheme at various points in the suburban area to ease deficiencies of supplies during peak consumption times. A pump was installed at Preston in November 1951. The pumping of water from the service reservoir into the mains was seen as a ten year stop-gap measure until improved mains were laid. When the new Sugarloaf Reservoir came into operation a pipeline was brought to Preston where the inlet and control works were completed in 1980-81. The inlet is in the northern bank of Reservoir No 1. In the nineteenth century and early part of the twentieth century no covering was considered necessary for service reservoirs. A close thicket of trees and shrubs was planted around all the basin enclosures, which was believed to "arrest dust and other impurities that might otherwise be blown into the water". Monterey Pines (P. radiata) were planted extensively around the Yan Yean Reservoir and along the aqueducts in the 1880s. Presumably the rows of mature Monterey Cypress along three sides of Preston Reservoir No.1 were planted around the same time or soon after. Eventually suburban development in Preston, and increased motor traffic along High Street made it necessary to cover reservoirs Nos. 2 and 3. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, pp. 37-44

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Description 1

Reservoir

Physical Description 2

As noted in the History, Preston Reservoir No.1 was built by excavation and embankment using the same construction techniques as for the dam at Yan Yean. Clay excavated from the site was used to create the puddle earth core of the four embankments that make up the sides. The interior is lined with bluestone pitchers bedded in gravel and set in cement mortar. It has a depth of 21 feet (6.4 m) and a capacity of 16 million gallons (72.8 megalitres). Other features include: - The three inlet mains at the north end (see illustration). The two mains at the eastern end date from the nineteenth

Preston Reservoir No. 1

Hermes Number 22875 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:45 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water and twentieth century. The main at the west end is the 1981 pipe from Sugarloaf reservoir. - The bluestone by-wash (overflow) channel on the north side of the reservoir. This once let to a bluestone pitched channel that in turn fed into an outlet pipe leading to Darebin Creek. The channel has now been truncated (and may have been reconstructed) a short distance from the north end of the bywash (see illustration). The reservoir is surrounded by pine and cypress windbreaks on three sides. The original outlet tower is gone, replaced bythe c.1950sconcrete structure at the south end (see illustration.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Preston Reservoir No. 1

Hermes Number 22875 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:45 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Preston Reservoir No. 2 Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address 832 - 834 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Reservoir/ VHR Number N/A Dam HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Preston Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22876

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Preston Reservoir No. 2

Hermes Number 22876 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:46 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Preston Reservoir No. 2, constructed in 1909, is of secondary significance to the Yan Yean system and illustrates the additions made to Melbourne's water supply system in the early twentieth century. It is of potential State significance as perhaps the only example of reinforced concrete reservoir construction in Victoria.

Place History

Construction of reservoir nos. 2 & 3 As early as 1884, William Davidson, Engineer in Charge of Water Supply, pointed out the necessity for additional storage at Preston to supply the rapidly growing metropolis. However, instead of increasing storage at Preston, delivery was increased with the laying of the second Morang to Preston main, completed in 1887. Memories of the water famine caused by the breach of the Morang Aqueduct in 1878 were still fresh in Davidson's mind, when in 1886 he reiterated the need for increased local storage at Preston. He urged the government to construct another reservoir with a 60 million gallon capacity at Preston, and recommended the purchase of a parcel of land 23 acres 1 rood 24 perches for this purpose. Although the land, on the eastern side of High Street, was subsequently purchased, building of the reservoir was delayed by the economic crisis of the 1890s. Melbourne's six service reservoirs maintained local pressure for the metropolis, but by 1905 their combined storage capacity was only sufficient for one summer day's supply. The accepted standard at the time was three days' storage, which was the original capacity of the Preston Reservoir. In December 1906 the MMBW's Engineer-in-Chief, William Thwaites, repeated Davidson's advice that a 60 million gallon reservoir at Preston was urgently needed to keep up with daily storage requirements. He also recommended the construction of four more service reservoirs in other suburbs, which would, in combination with the new Preston reservoir, hold three days' supply for Melbourne's summer requirements. Thwaites suggested that a new reservoir at Preston was also required for settling purposes for the water from the Maroondah system, because new screensinstalled in Reservoir No. 1were not filtering suspended vegetable matter. Thwaites therefore recommended a large reservoir divided into three compartments of 20 million gallons each, which would address both settling and storage problems. Plans were drawn up for the new service reservoir at Preston. The design featured three compartments separated by puddle core banks with puddle core embankments surrounding the whole. However this design was never built. Thwaites, who had been responsible for the design of Essendon Reservoir No. 1 and Caulfield Reservoir in the 1880s, died in 1907. It is not know what deliberations followed, but perhaps his successor, Calder Oliver, preferred the more modern technology of concrete construction. By October 1907 plans had been drafted for two separate concrete reservoirs with a combined capacity of 50 million gallons. When, in early 1908, the MMBW advertised for tenders for Preston Reservoir No.2, it asked for alternative quotes for concrete (i.e., plain or massed) and reinforced concrete. The advantage of using concrete over puddle-core earth reservoirs was that concrete embankments were thinner and thus required less land, an important consideration when suburban land had to be acquired for the purpose. Also the concrete floor was more effective in keeping water clean, and facilitated the cleaning out of silt. So far three of the suburban service reservoirs - Caulfield, Kew and Surrey Hills - had been constructed of massed concrete. Preston Reservoir No.2 was to be the first venture into reinforced concrete for reservoir construction in Melbourne's water supply system. Since the turn of the century reinforced concrete had been used for a number of bridges, water tanks and other structures throughout Victoria. Most of these had been built by Victoria's foremost exponent of reinforced concrete, the engineer John Monash, who later made his name as a military leader in World War I. Monash held the patent for the Monier system of reinforced concrete (one of many systems) and was virtually operating with a monopoly for the technology in Victoria, although there were by now a few competitors using different reinforcing systems. There had been considerable suspicion and prejudice against reinforced concrete amongst the engineering profession, and Monash had campaigned hard to have this new technology accepted, particularly by municipal councils, water boards and other providers of public infrastructure. The Board received ten tenders for Preston Reservoir No.2, including two for reinforced concrete. The lowest at £26,489 was that of Monash's company, the Reinforced Concrete & Monier Pipe Construction Co., which was considerably lower than all the tenders for massed concrete. An advantage of reinforced concrete was that it required

Preston Reservoir No. 2

Hermes Number 22876 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:46 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water less concrete than massed concrete, thus saving on the cost of expensive cement. The Board's Engineer in Chief, Calder Oliver, argued in favour of reinforced concrete, noting "numerous examples of this work" in Victoria and other places, and the fact that reinforced concrete structures had withstood the shock of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Preston Reservoir No.2 with a capacity of 24.5 million gallons (111.5 megalitres), was completed in 1909. It measured 476 feet (166.6 metres) by 516 feet (157.4 m) and 17 feet (5.2) deep. Unlike earth and massed concrete reservoirs, the inner walls were perpendicular, with the outer walls sloping. They were constructed in vertical panels, rather than built up horizontally in courses like puddle core or massed concrete. This meant that the building up of the earth embankment behind the reinforced concrete wall could not proceed evenly as the wall was raised, resulting in more cracking of the concrete than usually occurred with massed concrete. Edgar Ritchie, the Board's Engineer of Water Supply, later gave this as his reason for preferring massed concrete for service reservoirs. There was probably another reason for this preference. When Monash's company won the contract the Board faced public criticism from Monash's competitors that the proper competitive tendering process had not been followed. Oliver had to defend the decision to accept specifications provided by the tenderer, for what was then highly specialised work. According to Serle, Ritchie was hostile to reinforced concrete, and was dissatisfied over some minor faults in the completed reservoir. The Board took the Company to arbitration, however, Monash (who was a lawyer as well as an engineer) defended his case successfully. This experience probably deterred the Board's engineers from dealing again with the leading reinforced concrete company, influencing their decision to revert to massed concrete for service reservoirs. Preston Reservoir No.3, constructed of massed concrete, was completed in 1913. It measured 516 (157.5 m) feet by 502 feet (153.1 m), with a depth of 17 feet (5.2 m), and capacity of 26.3 million gallons (119.6 megalitres). The cost was £29,190. While the excavation was carried out in the usual way by horse-drawn ploughs and "monkey-tail" scoops, the earth was removed by large scoops drawn by cable between two portable steam engines. The earth was used to build up the embankment behind the concrete wall as the wall was raised. The reinforced concrete floor was four inches thick, compared with nine inches previously used on other massed concrete reservoirs. This was found to be less subject to cracking, and more economical in the use of cement. Use of the reservoir and later developments (1865-) Many more service reservoirs were built throughout the suburbs over time, however the three reservoirs at Preston retained an important role in the network as the terminus of the Yan Yean and Maroondah supplies. They served the low-lying suburbs, while the Mitcham Reservoir, as the terminus for the O'Shannassy and Upper Yarra supplies, served the higher eastern suburbs. However, water could be brought across from Mitcham to Preston when needed in the western suburbs. In 1928 the laying of new 54 inch steel mains to supply the western suburbs necessitated considerable works at Preston, including special castings and valves and a steel 75 inch outlet main within the reservoir boundaries. In 1950 it was decided to install a pumping scheme at various points in the suburban area to ease deficiencies of supplies during peak consumption times. A pump was installed at Preston in November 1951. The pumping of water from the service reservoir into the mains was seen as a ten year stop-gap measure until improved mains were laid. When the new Sugarloaf Reservoir came into operation a pipeline was brought to Preston where the inlet and control works were completed in 1980-81. The inlet is in the northern bank of Reservoir No 1. In the nineteenth century and early part of the twentieth century no covering was considered necessary for service reservoirs. A close thicket of trees and shrubs was planted around all the basin enclosures, which was believed to "arrest dust and other impurities that might otherwise be blown into the water". Monterey Pines (P. radiata) were planted extensively around the Yan Yean Reservoir and along the aqueducts in the 1880s. Presumably the rows of mature Monterey Cypress along three sides of Preston Reservoir No.1 were planted around the same time or soon after. Eventually suburban development in Preston, and increased motor traffic along High Street made it necessary to cover reservoirs Nos. 2 and 3. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, pp. 37-44

Description Conservation Policy

Preston Reservoir No. 2

Hermes Number 22876 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:46 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Description 1

Reservoir

Physical Description 2

Preston Reservoir No.2 is constructed of reinforced concrete. Unlike earth and massed concrete reservoirs, the inner walls are perpendicular, with the outer walls sloping. Reservoir No.2 measures 476 feet (166.6 m) by 516 feet (157.4m) and 17 feet (5.2m) deep and has a capacity of 24.5 million gallons (111.5 Ml). The cover is a later addition.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Preston Reservoir No. 2

Hermes Number 22876 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:46 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Preston Reservoir No. 3 Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address 832 - 834 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Reservoir/ VHR Number N/A Dam HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Preston Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22877

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Preston Reservoir No. 3

Hermes Number 22877 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:46 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Preston Reservoir No. 3, constructed in 1913, is of secondary significance to the Yan Yean system and illustrates the additions made to Melbourne's water supply system in the early twentieth century.

Place History

Construction of reservoir nos. 2 & 3 As early as 1884, William Davidson, Engineer in Charge of Water Supply, pointed out the necessity for additional storage at Preston to supply the rapidly growing metropolis. However, instead of increasing storage at Preston, delivery was increased with the laying of the second Morang to Preston main, completed in 1887. Memories of the water famine caused by the breach of the Morang Aqueduct in 1878 were still fresh in Davidson's mind, when in 1886 he reiterated the need for increased local storage at Preston. He urged the government to construct another reservoir with a 60 million gallon capacity at Preston, and recommended the purchase of a parcel of land 23 acres 1 rood 24 perches for this purpose. Although the land, on the eastern side of High Street, was subsequently purchased, building of the reservoir was delayed by the economic crisis of the 1890s. Melbourne's six service reservoirs maintained local pressure for the metropolis, but by 1905 their combined storage capacity was only sufficient for one summer day's supply. The accepted standard at the time was three days' storage, which was the original capacity of the Preston Reservoir. In December 1906 the MMBW's Engineer-in-Chief, William Thwaites, repeated Davidson's advice that a 60 million gallon reservoir at Preston was urgently needed to keep up with daily storage requirements. He also recommended the construction of four more service reservoirs in other suburbs, which would, in combination with the new Preston reservoir, hold three days' supply for Melbourne's summer requirements. Thwaites suggested that a new reservoir at Preston was also required for settling purposes for the water from the Maroondah system, because new screensinstalled in Reservoir No. 1were not filtering suspended vegetable matter. Thwaites therefore recommended a large reservoir divided into three compartments of 20 million gallons each, which would address both settling and storage problems. Plans were drawn up for the new service reservoir at Preston. The design featured three compartments separated by puddle core banks with puddle core embankments surrounding the whole. However this design was never built. Thwaites, who had been responsible for the design of Essendon Reservoir No. 1 and Caulfield Reservoir in the 1880s, died in 1907. It is not know what deliberations followed, but perhaps his successor, Calder Oliver, preferred the more modern technology of concrete construction. By October 1907 plans had been drafted for two separate concrete reservoirs with a combined capacity of 50 million gallons. When, in early 1908, the MMBW advertised for tenders for Preston Reservoir No. 2, it asked for alternative quotes for concrete (i.e., plain or massed) and reinforced concrete. The advantage of using concrete over puddle-core earth reservoirs was that concrete embankments were thinner and thus required less land, an important consideration when suburban land had to be acquired for the purpose. Also the concrete floor was more effective in keeping water clean, and facilitated the cleaning out of silt. So far three of the suburban service reservoirs - Caulfield, Kew and Surrey Hills - had been constructed of massed concrete. Preston Reservoir No.2 was to be the first venture into reinforced concrete for reservoir construction in Melbourne's water supply system. Since the turn of the century reinforced concrete had been used for a number of bridges, water tanks and other structures throughout Victoria. Most of these had been built by Victoria's foremost exponent of reinforced concrete, the engineer John Monash, who later made his name as a military leader in World War I. Monash held the patent for the Monier system of reinforced concrete (one of many systems) and was virtually operating with a monopoly for the technology in Victoria, although there were by now a few competitors using different reinforcing systems. There had been considerable suspicion and prejudice against reinforced concrete amongst the engineering profession, and Monash had campaigned hard to have this new technology accepted, particularly by municipal councils, water boards and other providers of public infrastructure. The Board received ten tenders for Preston Reservoir No.2, including two for reinforced concrete. The lowest at £26,489 was that of Monash's company, the Reinforced Concrete & Monier Pipe Construction Co., which was considerably lower than all the tenders for massed concrete. An advantage of reinforced concrete was that it required less concrete than massed concrete, thus saving on the cost of expensive cement. The Board's Engineer in Chief,

Preston Reservoir No. 3

Hermes Number 22877 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:46 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Calder Oliver, argued in favour of reinforced concrete, noting "numerous examples of this work" in Victoria and other places, and the fact that reinforced concrete structures had withstood the shock of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Preston Reservoir No.2 with a capacity of 24.5 million gallons (111.5 megalitres), was completed in 1909. It measured 476 feet (166.6 metres) by 516 feet (157.4 m) and 17 feet (5.2) deep. Unlike earth and massed concrete reservoirs, the inner walls were perpendicular, with the outer walls sloping. They were constructed in vertical panels, rather than built up horizontally in courses like puddle core or massed concrete. This meant that the building up of the earth embankment behind the reinforced concrete wall could not proceed evenly as the wall was raised, resulting in more cracking of the concrete than usually occurred with massed concrete. Edgar Ritchie, the Board's Engineer of Water Supply, later gave this as his reason for preferring massed concrete for service reservoirs. There was probably another reason for this preference. When Monash's company won the contract the Board faced public criticism from Monash's competitors that the proper competitive tendering process had not been followed. Oliver had to defend the decision to accept specifications provided by the tenderer, for what was then highly specialised work. According to Serle, Ritchie was hostile to reinforced concrete, and was dissatisfied over some minor faults in the completed reservoir. The Board took the Company to arbitration, however, Monash (who was a lawyer as well as an engineer) defended his case successfully. This experience probably deterred the Board's engineers from dealing again with the leading reinforced concrete company, influencing their decision to revert to massed concrete for service reservoirs. Preston Reservoir No.3, constructed of massed concrete, was completed in 1913. It measured 516 (157.5 m) feet by 502 feet (153.1 m), with a depth of 17 feet (5.2 m), and capacity of 26.3 million gallons (119.6 megalitres). The cost was £29,190. While the excavation was carried out in the usual way by horse-drawn ploughs and "monkey-tail" scoops, the earth was removed by large scoops drawn by cable between two portable steam engines. The earth was used to build up the embankment behind the concrete wall as the wall was raised. The reinforced concrete floor was four inches thick, compared with nine inches previously used on other massed concrete reservoirs. This was found to be less subject to cracking, and more economical in the use of cement. Use of the reservoir and later developments (1865-) Many more service reservoirs were built throughout the suburbs over time, however the three reservoirs at Preston retained an important role in the network as the terminus of the Yan Yean and Maroondah supplies. They served the low-lying suburbs, while the Mitcham Reservoir, as the terminus for the O'Shannassy and Upper Yarra supplies, served the higher eastern suburbs. However, water could be brought across from Mitcham to Preston when needed in the western suburbs. In 1928 the laying of new 54 inch steel mains to supply the western suburbs necessitated considerable works at Preston, including special castings and valves and a steel 75 inch outlet main within the reservoir boundaries. In 1950 it was decided to install a pumping scheme at various points in the suburban area to ease deficiencies of supplies during peak consumption times. A pump was installed at Preston in November 1951. The pumping of water from the service reservoir into the mains was seen as a ten year stop-gap measure until improved mains were laid. When the new Sugarloaf Reservoir came into operation a pipeline was brought to Preston where the inlet and control works were completed in 1980-81. The inlet is in the northern bank of Reservoir No 1. In the nineteenth century and early part of the twentieth century no covering was considered necessary for service reservoirs. A close thicket of trees and shrubs was planted around all the basin enclosures, which was believed to "arrest dust and other impurities that might otherwise be blown into the water". Monterey Pines (P. radiata) were planted extensively around the Yan Yean Reservoir and along the aqueducts in the 1880s. Presumably the rows of mature Monterey Cypress along three sides of Preston Reservoir No.1 were planted around the same time or soon after. Eventually suburban development in Preston, and increased motor traffic along High Street made it necessary to cover reservoirs Nos. 2 and 3. Source Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, pp. 37-44

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan

Preston Reservoir No. 3

Hermes Number 22877 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:46 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of integrity.

Physical Description 1

Reservoir

Physical Description 2

Preston Reservoir No.3 is constructed of massed concrete with a reinforced concrete floor. It measures 516 feet(157.5 m) by 502 feet (153.1 m), with a depth of 17 feet (5.2 m), and capacity of 26.3 million gallons (119.6 megalitres). The reinforced concrete floor isfour inches thick, compared with nine inches used on other massed concrete reservoirs.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Preston Reservoir No. 3

Hermes Number 22877 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:46 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Valve House Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address 885 - 897 High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Preston Reservoir Complex Hermes Number 22873

Valve House

Hermes Number 22873 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:52 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The valve house, designed by Matthew Jackson and constructed c.1857, situated at the southern end of the Preston Reservoir complex, 883-95 High Street, Reservoir. How is it significant? The valve house at Preston Reservoir is of primary historical, technical and aesthetic significance as a component of the original Yan Yean system constructed between 1853-7. Why is it significant? Historically, the valve house provides evidence of the development of the Yan Yean system as it was originally constructed. Technically, the valve house is of outstanding significance as it retains what appears to be the original pressure regulating and safety valves designed by Jackson. This is now thought to be the only surviving example of this early technology and therefore provides a unique opportunity to understand more about the then new technology and how it was applied during the construction of the system. Aesthetically, the valve house is a finely detailed example of a small building using dressed and rough bluestone.

Place History

This valve house is one of two designed by Matthew Jackson (the other is at Mill Park) to relieve build up of pressure on the pipes that were constructed between 1853 and 1857 as part of the original Yan Yean system. The original pipeline and mains used in the Yan Yean system were of cast iron, and were designed to withstand a static head of 400 feet of water. But because of the distance of Yan Yean reservoir from Melbourne and height - 600 feet above sea level - pressure could build up to 600 static feet during times of minimum demand (Context, 2007:30). Originally it had been intended to build a 'breaking' reservoir at Preston, around 300 feet above sea level, which would break the build-up of pressure in the main and could also act as a distribution reservoir. Jackson, however, could see no reason to spend time or money doing this initially and opted instead to construct the pressure regulators, which were based on an example he had seen in England. However, they were not a great success. Dingle & Doyle (2003:33) note that: When the first one was installed and tested the closing of the valve caused a great jump in pressure in the pipeline and 'the concussion, or recoil, was so great as to burst a pipe immediately above the air-vessel'. Four further trials led tothe same result. A safety valve was then added and this prevented further bursts, but Jackson's confidence in his gadget had been undermined ... and the delays associated with designing, fabricating, installing and testing them had greatly slowed the completion of the whole project. It is not known how long the valve houses remained in use - it is possible that they were decommissioned as early as 1864 when the originally intended 'breaking' reservoir at Preston was constructed, along with the pipehead reservoir at South Morang. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean conservation management plan volume 2: History, unpublished report for Melbourne Water, 2007 Dingle, Tony & Doyle, Helen, Yan Yean, A history of Melbourne's early water supply, North Melbourne, 2003.

Description

Valve House

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component ofthe Yan Yean system has a high degree of external and internal integrity.

Physical Description 1

Valve house

Physical Description 2

Built as part of the original system in 1853-7 of finely executed rough-faced bluestone, this small tower-like building held one of Jackson's pressure-regulating valves. The building has an arched doorway with double timber doors, a low hipped iron roof above an ashlar cornice, and an arched corrugated galvanized iron cover over the outlet at the back. The valve machinery appears to be still intact. It is in good condition and has a high degree of integrity.

Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy.

References No Information Recorded

Valve House

Hermes Number 22873 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:52 am

Page 3 YAN YEAN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM CMP

PIPE RESERVE --- PRESTON-NORTHCOTE

Pipe Reserve --- Preston to Northcote

Canary Island Palms

Instrumentation cubicle --- Bell Street

Instrumentation cubicles --- Oakover Road

Instrumentation cubicle --- Sumner Avenue

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 mains

Pipe bridge ruins --- Merri Creek

Valve House --- Miller Street

207 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Robinson Road RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Murray Road PRESTON VIC 3072 St Georges Road PRESTON VIC 3072 St Georges Road NORTHCOTE VIC 3070 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Supply Precinct VHR Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Pipe HI Number N/A Utilities - Water / Water Pump File Number House/Pumping Station Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote Hermes Number 22881

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote

Hermes Number 22881 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:18 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The pipe reserve extending from Yan Yean reservoir to Melbourne was established in 1853-7 as part of the original Yan Yean water supply system and contained the No.1 cast iron main. Also constructed as part of the original system in this section of the reserve to the south of what would later become the site of the Preston Reservoir (constructed in 1864) was a bluestone pipe bridge over the Merri Creek. After the Preston Reservoir was opened in 1864, a total of four additional mains were laid in 1869, 1877, and 1886 (two) tocater for increasing demand as Melbourne's population grew in the wake of the gold rush. Beautification works carried out in the 1930s led to Canary Island Palms being planted along sections of the reserve, as well as the construction of decorative concrete valve houses in St Georges Road. How is it significant? The Yan Yean pipe reserve is of historical, technical and scientific (archaeological) significance to the State of Victoria as part of the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it significant? Historically, the pipe reserve forms part of the original Yan Yean water supply system and provides important evidence of significant stages in the nineteenth century development of the Melbourne's water supply including the changes that were made to increase and improve supply as Melbourne's population increased in the wake of the gold rush. Up until 1891 when the Watts River weir (now part of the Maroondah system) was commissioned, the Yan Yean system provided the whole of Melbourne's reticulated water supply. (HV criterion A) The pipe reserve is also of scientific (archaeological) significance as it contains the remains of the No.1, No.2, No.3, No.4 and No.5 cast iron mains and is likely to contain further archaeological evidence that will provide further information about the construction and maintenance of the Yan Yean system and the lives of the people who created it. (HV criterion C) Note: Please refer to the statements of significance for individual features within the reserve including the No.1, No. 2 No.3, No.4and No.5 mains, the valve houses in St Georges Road and the Merri Creek pipe bridge.

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY As part of the original Yan Yean system constructed from 1853-7, water was transferred from the reservoir to Melbourne via a pipe known as the No. 1 main laid within a pipe reserve that followed a very direct route from Yan Yean via South Morang, Preston, Northcote and Fitzroy. In this section of the reserve from Preston to Merri Creek, a distance of a 6 miles (9.6 km), cast iron pipes with a nominal bore (NB) of 24 inches (610 mm) were used. In 1864 a holding reservoir was built at Preston and from 1869 onwards four additional mains were laid between Preston and Melbourne to cater for the growing demands of the population: - No.2 - cast iron pipe (600mm NB) constructed in 1869. Sections of this main were replaced in the 1920s and 50s - No.3 - cast iron pipe (600mm NB) constructed in 1877. - No.4 - cast iron pipe (600mm NB) constructed 1886. - No.5 - cast iron pipe (400mm NB) constructed 1886. All of these mains have been decommissioned and only small sections of each survive in situ (see Physical description) During the early 1930s the MMBW and the Cities of Preston and Northcote councils co-operated to beautify the Yan Yean pipe track south of the Preston Reservoir and along St Georges Road. Some of the funds were provided as sustenance work for unemployed workers during the Depression. The beautification program included planting Canary Island palms and sowing lawns along several kilometres of the track in the centre of St George's Road running

Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water through Preston and Northcote. Flower and shrub beds were created as borders at each foot crossing or road. The beautification scheme included the erection of seven reinforced concrete valve houses over the valves along St Georges Road. Five of them survive: four Instrumentation Cubicles and one open-sided Egyptian Revival Valve House. The surviving Instrumentation Cubicles, near Bell Street, Oakover Road and Sumner Avenue, were built in 1929. They are small domed reinforced concrete structures with fluted walls. The Egyptian Revival Valve House, just south of Miller Street, was constructed in 1928 of reinforced concrete. DETAILED HISTORY Background A working plan to supply Melbourne with clean water was developed in the 1840s. James Blackburn, one of the principals of the Melbourne Water Company which sold water pumped by steam from the Yarra into a tank in the town, was appointed to the position of City Surveyor at the end of the 1840s. In this capacity, Blackburn was tasked with undertaking a comprehensive investigation into the possible means of providing a reliable public supply of clean drinking water. A talented civil engineer, Blackburn reviewed the various existing schemes and proposals, identifying their inadequacies in a report to the Corporation in 1841. Most significantly, Blackburn's report first outlined a plan to supply Melbourne's water needs by gravitation from the Mt Disappointment catchment. A further report by Blackburn to the Corporation shortly after separation of the new Colony of Victoria, defined the scheme, proposing the construction of a reservoir at Yan Yean and total diversion of the flow of the Plenty River as Melbourne's water supply. With Blackburn's new scheme in mind, the Corporation of Melbourne applied to the Legislative Council for a grant of the necessary funding. The Legislative Council and Executive, however, lacking confidence in the ability of the Corporation to carry out works of this magnitude, responded by setting up a Select Committee to further investigate the competing proposals. Blackburn's gravitational scheme received much opposition in evidence before the Select Committee but was not rejected outright. Instead, Assistant Surveyor Clement Hodgkinson and an engineering contractor, Thomas Oldham, were directed by the Committee to make further enquiries which resulted in significant modifications to Blackburn's plan. Blackburn's plan, as amended was accepted by the Select Committee. The first sod of earth on Yan Yean construction works was turned by Lt Governor C.J. La Trobe on 20 P December 1853. The Yan Yean System (1853-57) The principal works consisted of construction of a 30 foot (9m) earth wall at Yan Yean to create an artificial lake covering an area of 1,360 acres (557.5 ha) with a total capacity of 6,400 million gallons (29.12 GI). The reservoir was supplied from the Plenty River by an aqueduct 2 miles (3.2 km) in length including a tunnel quarter of a mile (0.4 km) long. To convey the water thus collected to Melbourne, a pipe main was constructed. In its original form, the main consisted of cast iron pipes. From the reservoir to Morang, a distance of 7 miles (11.2 km), pipes with a nominal bore (NB) of 30 inch (750mm) were used. From Morang to Preston, the 6 miles (9.6 km) of 27 inch NB (675mm) pipes originally laid were in use for over 150 years as the Number 1 main. From Preston to Melbourne, a distance of a further 6 miles (9.6 km), 24 inch NB (610 mm) pipes were used. It is not known if any sections of this pipe survive; certainly none are in commission. To transport the pipes, each weighing up to approximately 1.4 tonnes, a 19 mile (30.4 km) tramway was built along the pipe route, which commenced just to the east of the Carlton Gardens and followed the alignment of Nicholson Street and St Georges Road to Preston then continued north east to Yan Yean. Except for iron rails laid in the vicinity of Melbourne, the tramway was constructed entirely of timber. Formal turning-on of the Yan Yean supply was celebrated in Melbourne by the Governor, Sir Henry Barkly, KCB on the 27 December 1857 however the Yan Yean supple was not an immediate success. The quality of the Yan Yean water was much criticised. Turbid with suspended decaying organic matter and 'animalcules', the water, offensive to the taste and smell, was described as being a danger to health. In 1860, a Select Committee found the water to be polluted by effluent from farmland and settlements within the Plenty catchment. Remedies recommended included diversion of the offending watercourses and construction of a service reservoir with filter beds at Preston. Development of the System (1853-1891) The original scheme was to supply water at the rate of 30 gallons (136.5) per head to a population of 200,000 people,

Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote

Hermes Number 22881 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:18 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water but loss of mains pressure surfaced as a problem as early as 1862. The problems of regulating supply and the stagnation in the pipes were addressed in the short term by the construction of a small holding reservoir at Preston in 1864. It was filled at night when demand was low. This helped regulate the pressure in the pipes, and provided a daily supply close to Melbourne. By 1867, service pipes had been extended beyond the 18 million gallons (81.9 MI) per day capacity of the original Yan Yean mains, leading to acute shortages and severe rationing in 1872. By 1868 another main was required to satisfy the demands of Melbourne's growing population. A second 24 inch main, laid from Preston to Collingwood, came into service in 1869 and delivered water from the Preston Reservoir, while the first main delivered the water directly from Yan Yean. Melbourne's booming population and suburban expansion during the 1870s and 80s put increasing demands on its water supply, and kept the Water Supply Department busy laying new mains. Additional mains were laid to increase delivery and to service distant suburbs. In 1877 the third main, 24 inches in diameter, was taken from the 30 inch main before it entered the Preston Reservoir and laid from Preston to the Merri Creek. From here it reduced to an 18 inch main across the Yarra River at Fairfield on stone piers to supply Kew and Hawthorn. This arrangement enabled water to flow directly from Morang, taking advantage of the higher altitude when more pressure was needed. This was duplicated from the Merri Creek to Kew in 1880. The fourth main - 24 inch cast iron - was laid from Preston, duplicating the first main along St George's Road and Nicholson Street. In 1885-6 the fifth main - a 30 inch pipe - was laid along the original pipe track from Preston to the Merri Creek. In 1887 the main from Morang to Preston was duplicated, making the carrying capacity equal to that of the aqueduct from Yan Yean. Additional mains were taken from the Merri Creek main to the eastern suburbs and Melbourne in the same year. These additions in effect completed the Yan Yean system. As Melbourne's first reticulated water supply system, originally constructed to provide 200,000 people with 30 gallons each per day, it had been expanded to provide 482,600 people with a daily per capita consumption of around 52 gallons (237 litres) by 1890. SOURCES Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History Context Pty Ltd, n.d., 'Yan Yean Pipe Track - water main replacement works, South Morang to Reservoir, Application for Consent'. Unpublished report prepared for Melbourne Water and Heritage Victoria. Context Pty Ltd, December 2006, 'Yan Yean Pipe Replacement Works 2005-2006. Report to Heritage Victoria. M57 Morang-Preston Watermain Renewal Stage 2'. Unpublished draft report prepared for Melbourne Water and Heritage Victoria Hewitt, Geoff, October 2003, 'Yan Yan Pipetrack: No.1 & No.3 mains, road crossing between Morang and Preston. Report of archaeological watching brief'. Prepared for Heritage Victoria and Context Pty Ltd.

Description Conservation Policy

Varies - please refer to individual place records

Integrity

Varies - please refer to individual place records

Physical Conditions

Varies - please refer to individual place records

Physical Description 1

Pipe reserve, valve house, cultural landscape, archaeological site

Physical Description 2

The Yan Yean pipe reserve betweenPreston Reservoir and the Merri Creek covers a distance of just over 10km of whichapproxiamtely halfis within a pipe track reserve and half is within the St Georges Road median strip. The width Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote

Hermes Number 22881 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:18 am

Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water of the reserve varies between 20-40m. In summary, the historic features located within this section of theYan Yean pipe reserve are: Pipe mains - sections of the No.2,No.3, No. 4 and No.5 cast iron mains remain in situ. All mains have been decommissioned. Valve house and instrumentation cubicles- Four concrete circular instrumentation cubicles and one open-sided valve house survive in St Georges Road. Pipe bridge ruins- the ruins of the Merri Creek pipe bridge foundations are situated under the St Georges Road bridge. Canary Island Palms - Mature Canary Island Palms within the northern section of the reserve just below Preston Reservoir are thought to be remnants of landscaping carried out in the 1930s. Please refer to the individual place records for further information about each feature.

Recommended Management

Varies - please refer to individual place records

References No Information Recorded

Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote

Hermes Number 22881 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:18 am

Page 5 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Canary Island Palms Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Property No

Building Type Parks, Gardens and Trees / Tree VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote Hermes Number 22883

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Canary Island Palms

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Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The Canary Island Palms, planted c.1930s/40s within the Yan Yean pipe reserve at Preston are of contributory historical significance as evidence of the beautification works that were carried out by the MMBW and Preston Council.

Place History

The exact date of this row of Canary Island Palms is not known, but it is thought that they may be some of the palms planted in the early 1930s whenthe MMBW and the Cities of Preston and Northcote councils co-operated to beautify the Yan Yean pipe reserve south of the Preston Reservoir and along St Georges Road. Some of the funds were provided as sustenance work for unemployed workers during the Depression. The beautification program included planting Canary Island palms and sowing lawns along several kilometres of the track in the centre of St George's Road running through Preston and Northcote. Flower and shrub beds were created as borders at each foot crossing or road. A 1945 aerial photograph shows what appears to be eight of the present mature palms evenly spaced in the section of the pipe reserve between Garden Street and Crawley Street (The trees south of Crawley Street are not visible, indicating that they were planted after this date). Also clearly visible is the pathway system (a centrally located path with a circular bed at regular intervals) in St Georges Road, with what appears to be a double row of palms on either side. None of the Canary Island Palms in St Georges Road have survived. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, p. 58 www.lib.unimelb.edu.au/collections/maps/historical/1945melb/l_sheets/839c3c.jpg (viewed 20 February 2007)

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Intactness

This row of Canary Island Palms appears to be relatively intact, with perhaps one later replacement.

Physical Description 1

Cultural landscape

Physical Description 2

The pipe reserve south of Preston Reservoir is marked by a row of mature and semi-mature Canary Island Palms (Phoenix canariensis). There are approximately 8 larger specimens, evenly spaced generally between the GE Robinson reserve and Crawley Street, and then a number of smaller specimens, more intermittently planted between Crawley Street and Regent Street. A well-maintained privet hedge runs alongside the west boundary of the pipe reserve in the section adjacent to the 8 large specimens and though it is difficult to establish a date for this feature, it was a popular plant during the interwar period and was likely planted at or around the same time as the palms.

References No Information Recorded

Canary Island Palms

Hermes Number 22883 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:18 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Instrumentation cubicle - Bell Street Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Bell Street PRESTON VIC 3072 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote Hermes Number 22885

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Instrumentation cubicle - Bell Street

Hermes Number 22885 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:45 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The instrumentation cubicles in St Georges Road, constructed 1929,are of secondary significance as components thatillustrate later developments of the water supply system, but are not directly related to the development of the Yan Yean system between 1853-91.

Place History

During the early 1930s the MMBW and the Cities of Preston and Northcote councils co-operated to beautify the Yan Yean pipe track south of the Preston Reservoir and along St Georges Road. Some of the funds were provided as sustenance work for unemployed workers during the Depression. The beautification program included planting Canary Island palms and sowing lawns along several kilometres of the track in the centre of St George's Road running through Preston and Northcote. Flower and shrub beds were created as borders at each foot crossing or road. The beautification scheme included the erection of seven reinforced concrete valve houses over the valves along St Georges Road. This valve house (now referred to as an 'instrumentation cubicle') is one of four of identical design constructed in 1929 that survive today: the others are at Oakover Road (2) and Sumner Avenue. The valve house to the south of Miller Street, was constructed one year earlier in 1928 to a different design. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, p.58 MMBW Annual Reports for years ended 30 June 1929 to 1932 MMBW Plan No 28-27, R. Concrete Building over 32' Valve (L.P.) on Pipe Track, dated 20.02.28 & MMBW Plan No 29-140, Concrete House & Base for Valves on Pipe Track, dated 05.09.29

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of external integrity. It was not inspected internally.

Physical Description 1

Valve house, pipe reserve

The valve house is situated in the median of St Georges Road, south of Bell Street. It is a tiny poured concrete structure on circular plan with fluted walls and a domed roof that is unpainted. It house valves for the pipe mains. It is one of four identifical structures that survive today - two are on the west side north of Oakover Street (painted), and one is in the central reserve at Sumner Street (painted).

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system;

Instrumentation cubicle - Bell Street

Hermes Number 22885 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:45 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

- Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Instrumentation cubicle - Bell Street

Hermes Number 22885 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:45 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Instrumentation cubicles - Oakover Road Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Oakover Road PRESTON VIC 3072 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote Hermes Number 22884

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Instrumentation cubicles - Oakover Road

Hermes Number 22884 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:31 pm

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The instrumentation cubicles in St Georges Road, constructed 1929,are of secondary significance as components thatillustrate later developments of the water supply system, but are not directly related to the development of the Yan Yean system between 1853-91.

Place History

During the early 1930s the MMBW and the Cities of Preston and Northcote councils co-operated to beautify the Yan Yean pipe track south of the Preston Reservoir and along St Georges Road. Some of the funds were provided as sustenance work for unemployed workers during the Depression. The beautification program included planting Canary Island palms and sowing lawns along several kilometres of the track in the centre of St George's Road running through Preston and Northcote. Flower and shrub beds were created as borders at each foot crossing or road. The beautification scheme included the erection of seven reinforced concrete valve houses over the valves along St Georges Road. These twovalve houses (now referred to as 'instrumentation cubicles')are among four of identical design constructed in 1929 that survive today: the others are atBell Streetand Sumner Avenue. The valve house to the south of Miller Street, was constructed one year earlier in 1928 to a different design. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, p.58 MMBW Annual Reports for years ended 30 June 1929 to 1932 MMBW Plan No 28-27, R. Concrete Building over 32' Valve (L.P.) on Pipe Track, dated 20.02.28 & MMBW Plan No 29-140, Concrete House & Base for Valves on Pipe Track, dated 05.09.29

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of external integrity. The paint finish is not original. The interior was not inspected.

Physical Description 1

Valve house, Pipe reserve

Physical Description 2

These two valve houses (instrumentation cubicles) are situated in the east side of St Georges Road, on the north east corner of the intersection with Oakover Road. Identical in design, they are tiny poured concrete structures on circular plan with fluted walls and a domed roof that is now painted. They house valve equipmentfor the pipe mains. They are among four identifical structures originally constructed in 1929 that survive today - one is in the central reserve south of Bell Street (unpainted) and the other is near Sumner Street (painted).

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage

Instrumentation cubicles - Oakover Road

Hermes Number 22884 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:31 pm

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Instrumentation cubicles - Oakover Road

Hermes Number 22884 Heritage Place Report 14-Jun-2007 3:31 pm

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT

Melbourne Water

Name Instrumentation cubicle - Sumner Avenue Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Sumner Avenue NORTHCOTE VIC 3070 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote Hermes Number 22886

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Instrumentation cubicle - Sumner Avenue

Hermes Number 22886 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:46 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

The instrumentation cubicles in St Georges Road, constructed 1929,are of secondary significance as components thatillustrate later developments of the water supply system, but are not directly related to the development of the Yan Yean system between 1853-91.

Place History

During the early 1930s the MMBW and the Cities of Preston and Northcote councils co-operated to beautify the Yan Yean pipe track south of the Preston Reservoir and along St Georges Road. Some of the funds were provided as sustenance work for unemployed workers during the Depression. The beautification program included planting Canary Island palms and sowing lawns along several kilometres of the track in the centre of St George's Road running through Preston and Northcote. Flower and shrub beds were created as borders at each foot crossing or road. The beautification scheme included the erection of seven reinforced concrete valve houses over the valves along St Georges Road. This valve house (now referred to as an 'instrumentation cubicle') is one of four of identical design constructed in 1929 that survive today: the others are at Oakover Road (2) and Bell Street. The valve house to the south of Miller Street, was constructed one year earlier in 1928 to a different design. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, p.58 MMBW Annual Reports for years ended 30 June 1929 to 1932 MMBW Plan No 28-27, R. Concrete Building over 32' Valve (L.P.) on Pipe Track, dated 20.02.28 & MMBW Plan No 29-140, Concrete House & Base for Valves on Pipe Track, dated 05.09.29

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of external integrity. The paint finish is not original. The interior was not inspected.

Physical Description 1

Valve house, Pipe reserve

Physical Description 2

This valve house (instrumentation cubicle)is situated in the median of St Georges Road, near Sumner Road. It is a tiny poured concrete structure on circular plan with fluted walls and a domed roof that is now painted. It house valves for the pipe mains. It is one of four identifical structures originally constructed in 1929that survive today - two are on the west side north of Oakover Street (painted), and one is in the central reservesouth of BellStreet (unpainted).

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places

Instrumentation cubicle - Sumner Avenue

Hermes Number 22886 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:46 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Instrumentation cubicle - Sumner Avenue

Hermes Number 22886 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:46 am

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Melbourne Water

Name Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 mains Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address High Street RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Robinson Road RESERVOIR VIC 3073 Murray Road PRESTON VIC 3072 St Georges Road PRESTON VIC 3072 St Georges Road NORTHCOTE VIC 3070 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Pipe VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote Hermes Number 22882

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 mains

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Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The remnants of the No.1 cast iron main, laid in 1853-7, the No.2 cast iron main (1869), the No.3 cast iron main (1877), No.4 cast iron main (1886) and the No.5 cast iron main (1887) which are situated within the pipe reserve extending from Preston Reservoir to Merri Creek. How is it significant? The remnants of the Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mains are of historical and technical significance to the State of Victoria as part of the Yan Yean water supply system. Why is it significant? Historically, the the Nos. 1, 2, 3,4and 5 mains provide important evidence of significant stages in the nineteenth century development of the Melbourne's water supply system including the construction of the original Yan Yean system and the changes that were made to increase and improve supply. Up until 1891 when the Watts River weir was commissioned (now part of the Maroondah system), the Yan Yean system provided the whole of Melbourne's reticulated water supply. (HV criterion A) Technically, themains are of particular significance as examples of early cast iron pipes that are rare in Victoria and probably nationally. (HV criteria B & F)

Place History

SUMMARY HISTORY As part of the original Yan Yean system constructed from 1853-7, water was transferred from the reservoir to Melbourne via a pipe known as the No. 1 main laid within a pipe reserve that followed a very direct route from Yan Yean via South Morang, Preston, Northcote and Fitzroy. In this section of the reserve from Preston to Merri Creek, a distance of a 6 miles (9.6 km), cast iron pipes with a nominal bore (NB) of 24 inches (610 mm) were used. In 1864 a holding reservoir was built at Preston and from 1869 onwards four additional mains were laid between Preston and Melbourne to cater for the growing demands of the population: - No.2 - cast iron pipe (600mm NB) constructed in 1869. Sections were replaced in the 1920s and 50s - around 3130m survives in situ - No.3 - cast iron pipe (600mm NB) constructed in 1877 - around 3375m survives in situ. - No.4 - cast iron pipe (600mm NB) constructed 1886 - around 4660m survives in situ - No.5 - cast iron pipe (400mm NB) constructed 1886 - around 150m survives in situ. All of these mains have been decommissioned and only small sections of each survive in situ (see Physical description) DETAILED HISTORY Background A working plan to supply Melbourne with clean water was developed in the 1840s. James Blackburn, one of the principals of the Melbourne Water Company which sold water pumped by steam from the Yarra into a tank in the town, was appointed to the position of City Surveyor at the end of the 1840s. In this capacity, Blackburn was tasked with undertaking a comprehensive investigation into the possible means of providing a reliable public supply of clean drinking water. A talented civil engineer, Blackburn reviewed the various existing schemes and proposals, identifying their inadequacies in a report to the Corporation in 1851 (MMBW, 1902:1; Seeger, 1941-2:113). Most significantly, Blackburn's report first outlined a plan to supply Melbourne's water needs by gravitation from the Mt Disappointment catchment. A further report by Blackburn to the Corporation shortly after separation of the new Colony of Victoria, defined the scheme, proposing the construction of a reservoir at Yan Yean and total diversion of the flow of the Plenty River as Melbourne's water supply (Seeger, 1941-2:113).

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 mains

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Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

With Blackburn's new scheme in mind, the Corporation of Melbourne applied to the Legislative Council for a grant of the necessary funding. The Legislative Council and Executive, however, lacking confidence in the ability of the Corporation to carry out works of this magnitude, responded by setting up a Select Committee to further investigate the competing proposals. Blackburn's gravitational scheme received much opposition in evidence before the Select Committee but was not rejected outright. Instead, Assistant Surveyor Clement Hodgkinson and an engineering contractor, Thomas Oldham, were directed by the Committee to make further enquiries which resulted in significant modifications to Blackburn's plan. Blackburn's plan, as amended was accepted by the Select Committee. The first sod of earth on Yan Yean construction works was turned by Lt Governor C.J. La Trobe on 20 P December 1853. (MMBW, 1902:1-2; Seeger, 1941-2:114-6; Payne, 1975:124-8). The Yan Yean System (1853-57) The principal works consisted of construction of a 30 foot (9m) earth wall at Yan Yean to create an artificial lake covering an area of 1,360 acres (557.5 ha) with a total capacity of 6,400 million gallons (29.12 GI). The reservoir was supplied from the Plenty River by an aqueduct 2 miles (3.2 km) in length including a tunnel quarter of a mile (0.4 km) long. To convey the water thus collected to Melbourne, a pipe main was constructed. In its original form, the main consisted of cast iron pipes. From the reservoir to Morang, a distance of 7 miles (11.2 km), pipes with a nominal bore (NB) of 30 inch (750mm) were used. From Morang to Preston, the 6 miles (9.6 km) of 27 inch NB (675mm) pipes originally laid were in use for over 150 years as the Number 1 main. From Preston to Melbourne, a distance of a further 6 miles (9.6 km), 24 inch NB (610 mm) pipes were used. It is not known if any sections of this pipe survive; certainly none are in commission. To transport the pipes, each weighing up to approximately 1.4 tonnes, a 19 mile (30.4 km) tramway was built along the pipe route, which commenced just to the east of the Carlton Gardens and followed the alignment of Nicholson Street and St Georges Road to Preston then continued north east to Yan Yean. Except for iron rails laid in the vicinity of Melbourne, the tramway was constructed entirely of timber. Formal turning-on of the Yan Yean supply was celebrated in Melbourne by the Governor, Sir Henry Barkly, KCB on the 27 December 1857 however the Yan Yean supple was not an immediate success. The quality of the Yan Yean water was much criticised. Turbid with suspended decaying organic matter and 'animalcules', the water, offensive to the taste and smell, was described as being a danger to health. In 1860, a Select Committee found the water to be polluted by effluent from farmland and settlements within the Plenty catchment. Remedies recommended included diversion of the offending watercourses and construction of a service reservoir with filter beds at Preston. Development of the System (1853-1891) The original scheme was to supply water at the rate of 30 gallons (136.5) per head to a population of 200,000 people, but loss of mains pressure surfaced as a problem as early as 1862. The problems of regulating supply and the stagnation in the pipes were addressed in the short term by the construction of a small holding reservoir at Preston in 1864. It was filled at night when demand was low. This helped regulate the pressure in the pipes, and provided a daily supply close to Melbourne. By 1867, service pipes had been extended beyond the 18 million gallons (81.9 MI) per day capacity of the original Yan Yean mains, leading to acute shortages and severe rationing in 1872. By 1868 another main was required to satisfy the demands of Melbourne's growing population. A second 24 inch main, laid from Preston to Collingwood, came into service in 1869 and delivered water from the Preston Reservoir, while the first main delivered the water directly from Yan Yean. Melbourne's booming population and suburban expansion during the 1870s and 80s put increasing demands on its water supply, and kept the Water Supply Department busy laying new mains. Additional mains were laid to increase delivery and to service distant suburbs. In 1877 the third main, 24 inches in diameter, was taken from the 30 inch main before it entered the Preston Reservoir and laid from Preston to the Merri Creek. From here it reduced to an 18 inch main across the Yarra River at Fairfield on stone piers to supply Kew and Hawthorn. This arrangement enabled water to flow directly from Morang, taking advantage of the higher altitude when more pressure was needed. This was duplicated from the Merri Creek to Kew in 1880. The fourth main - 24 inch cast iron - was laid from Preston, duplicating the first main along St George's Road and Nicholson Street. In 1885-6 the fifth main - a 30 inch pipe - was laid along the original pipe track from Preston to the Merri Creek. In 1887 the main from Morang to Preston was duplicated, making the carrying capacity equal to that

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 mains

Hermes Number 22882 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 9:56 am

Page 3 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water of the aqueduct from Yan Yean. Additional mains were taken from the Merri Creek main to the eastern suburbs and Melbourne in the same year. These additions in effect completed the Yan Yean system. As Melbourne's first reticulated water supply system, originally constructed to provide 200,000 people with 30 gallons each per day, it had been expanded to provide 482,600 people with a daily per capita consumption of around 52 gallons (237 litres) by 1890. SOURCES Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History Context Pty. Ltd., nd., 'Yan Yean Pipe Track - water main replacement works, South Morang to Reservoir, Application for Consent'. Prepared for Melbourne Water and Heritage Victoria. Context Pty Ltd, December 2006, 'Yan Yean Pipe Replacement Works 2005-2006. Report to Heritage Victoria. M57 Morang-Preston Watermain Renewal Stage 2'. Draft report prepared for Melbourne Water and Heritage Victoria) Hewitt, Geoff, October 2003, 'Yan Yan Pipetrack: No.1 & No.3 mains, road crossing between Morang and Preston. Report of archaeological watching brief'. Prepared for Heritage Victoria and Context Pty Ltd.

Description Conservation Policy

Yan Yean system The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). No.1, No. 2, No.3, No.4 and No.5 mains The following specific conservation policies apply to these components of the Yan Yean system: 1. Wherever possible, historic pipes should remain in use. Repairs to historic pipes should be carried out in a way that minimises the need for replacement of large sections. One option is to insert a new pipe inside the historic pipe. 2. When historic pipes approach the end of their expected service life or require major repairs or upgrading then the preference is for the pipe to be de-commissioned and replaced by a new pipe rather than undertaking significant repairs that would involve replacement of large sections. 3. If historic pipes are de-commissioned they should, wherever possible or practical, remain in-situ (i.e. left in place) and filled with Pioneer Liquifill or an equivalent product to prevent collapse. 4. Removal of historic pipes should be minimised to extent necessary to: - Enable repairs to be carried out. - Allow the installation of replacement pipes. - Make the pipes safe. 5. Any works that may affect historic pipes should be monitored by an appropriately qualified heritage professional in accordance with the conservation policy in section 3.4.5 of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan. 6. The need for interpretation of any historic pipes, either in-situ or removed, should be determined having regard to any interpretation plan or strategy adopted by Melbourne Water.

Integrity

This component has a moderate to low degree of integrity. As noted in the description, it is thought that no section of the No.1 main survives in situ, and only small sections of the other mains are known to be extant.

Physical Description 1

Pipe reserve, archaeological site

Physical Description 2

This section of the Yan Yean pipe reserve, extending from Preston Reservoir to Melbourne covers a distance of 6 miles (9.6 km). As noted in the History, none of the No. 1 main is known to survive; certainly no part is in commission. Of the other mains:

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 mains

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Page 4 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

- No.2 - cast iron pipe (600mm Nominal Bore) - around 3130m survives in situ. - No.3 - cast iron pipe (600mm NB) - around 3375m survives in situ. - No.4 - cast iron pipe (600mm NB) - around 4660m survives in situ. - No.5 - cast iron pipe (400mm NB) - around 150m survives in situ. The mains in this section have not been inspected in detail, however, it is presumed that the method of construction would be similar to the cast iron mains, No.1 and No.3 between South Morang and Preston - please refer to the place record for those mains for a detailed description.

Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 mains

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Melbourne Water

Name Pipe bridge ruins - Merri Creek Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address St Georges Road NORTHCOTE VIC 3070 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Water Flume VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote Hermes Number 22888

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Pipe bridge ruins - Merri Creek

Hermes Number 22888 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:06 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

Place History

As part of the original Yan Yean system constructed in 1853-7 water was conveyed to Melbourne by a cast iron main. Along the way, bridges were constructed to carry the main at the Plenty River, Darebin Creek and here where it 'passed over the Merri Creek via graceful stone piers'. It is not known how long this pipe bridge survived, possibly it was demolished when the present road bridge was constructed.

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system is in a ruinous state and has a low degree of integrity.

Physical Description 1

Archaeological site

Physical Description 2

This remains of the pipe bridge over Merri Creek comprises four low bluestone piers, two on each side of the creek, below the present St Georges Road bridge. Each low pier comprises a single block of bluestone with a circular indentation surrounded by bolt holes on the top face. There are some bluestone ashlar blocks scattered around the piers, which may be related material from the bridge.

Recommended Management

Non- operational (No use/artefact) This management strategy applies to purpose-built components of the Yan Yean system that have been decommissioned, and that are not suitable for adaptive re-use. The strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to: - Conserve the buildings or structures as 'artefacts' - that is, they have no current use but are retained for what they tell us about the historic development of the Yan Yean system. For above-ground structures, this will require on-going conservation works to maintain them. For below ground (i.e., archaeological) sites, this will require making the asset secure and safe and preventing further damage or intervention except in accordance with the conservation policy; - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. The management strategy recommended for these places anticipates that the degree of change to these places will be minimal. Where works are required, the emphasis will be upon maintenance and preservation in accordance with the Burra Charter definitions. That is, it will require continuous protective care and maintaining the fabric in its existing state and, where possible, retarding deterioration. Where appropriate, restoration or reconstruction may be considered if this will assist in understanding the significance of the place. The need for these works should be determined in conjunction with the Interpretation policy. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

Pipe bridge ruins - Merri Creek

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References No Information Recorded

Pipe bridge ruins - Merri Creek

Hermes Number 22888 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:06 am

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Melbourne Water

Name Valve House - Miller Street Heritage Overlay No Component of Yan Yean Water Supply System Address Miller Street THORNBURY VIC 3071 Property No

Building Type Utilities - Water / Other - Utilities - Water VHR Number N/A HI Number N/A File Number Heritage Status Melbourne Water Draft Precinct Pipe Reserve - Preston-Northcote Hermes Number 22887

Heritage Study Author Year Grading No Information Recorded

Designer/Architect Architectural Style No Information Recorded No Information Recorded

Maker/Builder

No Information Recorded

Valve House - Miller Street

Hermes Number 22887 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:54 am

Page 1 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

Statement of Significance

Place History

During the early 1930s the MMBW and the Cities of Preston and Northcote councils co-operated to beautify the Yan Yean pipe track south of the Preston Reservoir and along St Georges Road. Some of the funds were provided as sustenance work for unemployed workers during the Depression. The beautification program included planting Canary Island palms and sowing lawns along several kilometres of the track in the centre of St George's Road running through Preston and Northcote. Flower and shrub beds were created as borders at each foot crossing or road. The beautification scheme included the erection of seven reinforced concrete valve houses over the valves along St Georges Road.This valve house to the south of Miller Street, was constructed in 1928 in a distinctive 'Egyptian Revival' style. Other valve houses were constructed the following year to a different design with circular fluted walls and a domed roof: four of these survive today: south of Bell Street, at Oakover Road (2) and Sumner Avenue. Sources Context Pty Ltd, Yan Yean water supply system conservation management plan, Volume 2: History, p.58 MMBW Annual Reports for years ended 30 June 1929 to 1932 MMBW Plan No 28-27, R. Concrete Building over 32' Valve (L.P.) on Pipe Track, dated 20.02.28 & MMBW Plan No 29-140, Concrete House & Base for Valves on Pipe Track, dated 05.09.29

Description Conservation Policy

The conservation policy for the Yan Yean system is set out in Chapter 3 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007). There are no specific conservation policies for this component of the Yan Yean system.

Integrity

This component of the Yan Yean system has a high degree of external integrity, with the exception of the paint finish, which is not original.

Physical Description 1

Valve house, Pipe reserve

Physical Description 2

This is an unusual reinforced flat-roofed concrete shelter which is located just south of Miller Street on the central reserve. It was built in 1928. The roof is supported by four piers, which appear to be concrete encased rolled steel joists and there are Egyptian Revival profiles on the roof and piers. It is open-sided with original chain-link fences securing the openings. There is a large, screw-operated valve mechanism inside, serving the pipe mains below ground level. While it was originally finished with a cement wash, it is now painted.

Recommended Management

Operational This management strategy applies to the components of the Yan Yean system that are currently in use. In accordance with the conservation policy, this strategy recognises that heritage significance should be a key consideration when planning capital works, but that it is not the only consideration. It accepts that capital works may impact upon heritage significance and sets out processes so that any impacts can be minimised. On this basis, the strategy for these places in accordance with the conservation policy is to:

Valve House - Miller Street

Hermes Number 22887 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:54 am

Page 2 HERITAGE PLACE REPORT Melbourne Water

- Support the on-going management and maintenance of the components in a manner that will ensure that they remain a viable functioning part of the system; - Allow changes to occur where this is required to meet relevant safety or technical standards and would support the on-going viability of the Yan Yean system or any of its components. - Determine the level of interpretation in accordance with the Interpretation Plan. For further information, please refer to Chapter 4 of Volume 4: Conservation Policy of the Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan (2007).

References No Information Recorded

Valve House - Miller Street

Hermes Number 22887 Heritage Place Report 07-Jun-2007 10:54 am

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