Main Outfall Sewer

The route of the Main Outfall Sewer reserve (part) is of local historic and technical significance to the City of Hobsons Bay. It is also of historical and scientific (engineering) significance to the State of Victoria (Refer VHR H1932).

Historically, the Main Outfall Sewer is significant as an integral part of a visionary scheme, which meant a vast improvement in Melbourne's public health and enabled the expansion of the metropolitan area for more than 60 years. It was one of the largest public works projects ever carried out in Australia and one of the most effective sewerage systems in the world. It has strong associations with the formation of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works as one of the first major projects carried out by the authority and illustrates the important role of this organisation in the development of Melbourne at a critical time in its history. (AHC criteria A4 and H1)

Technically, the Main Outfall Sewer is significant as a major link in the most extensive engineering project undertaken in Victoria to that date. The concrete and brick open and covered sewer is a fine example of the technology of the period and exhibits a high level of integrity. (AHC criterion F1)

Note: Included on the Victorian Heritage Register as VHR H1932.

Group

Utilities - Sewerage

Category

Other - Utilities - Sewerage