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CHAFFEY CHANNEL (PART) AND PUMPING STATION

Location

85-87 SEWELLS ROAD, TARNEIT VIC 3029

Level

Heritage Inventory Site

Statement of Significance

The site forms part of a late nineteenth century irrigation system, constructed by the Werribee Irrigation and Investment Company. This investment company was formed in 1888 by George Chaffey, in order to establish an irrigation scheme in the Werribee region. The planned irrigation system was intended to supply 1,450 acres of land on the Werribee River, and it was proposed that the irrigated land would be suitable for dairying, fruit and vegetable production, and poultry farming. The trust had received water rights from the Victorian Government, allowing them to pump 100 cubic feet of water per minute from the Werribee River. Construction of the irrigation system commenced in 1889 (Weekly Times, May 4, 1889, p. 2 & Aug. 31, 1889, p. 3).

 
Part of a bluestone structure (pumping station) - purpose built in 1889 to house centrifugal water pumps (x2), and boilers to power the pumps - is preserved at the site. In addition, an open cut water channel and a water collection chamber (bluestone and brick) both dating to 1889, are preserved at the site. The preserved structures and channel are historically significant at a local level as they represent the first attempt to create an irrigation system in the Werribee region. The site is also associated with George Chaffey, who along with his brothers, was responsible for the establishment of major irrigation colonies in Victoria and South Australia during the 1880s and early 1890s.
 
The site has been assessed as having ‘moderate’ archaeological potential, and ‘moderate’ heritage significance at a local level.
 

Group

Utilities - Water

Category

Water Pump House/Pumping Station