Stony Creek Reservoir System

The Upper Stony Creek Reservoir system is situated on allotment 68 within the nominal township of Durdidwarrah. The reservoir system comprises the Stony Creek Reservoir No. 1, Stony Creek Reservoir No. 2 and Stony Creek Reservoir No. 3, the former caretaker's residence, timber workers hut and maintenance sheds. The reservoir system was constructed over three stages beginning in 1870 until 1919 to provide a permanent water source to the emerging colonial settlement of Geelong. Stony Creek Reservoir No.1 was designed by Henry O. Christopherson the Victorian Engineer in Chief of Water Supply and featured an earthen embankment across Stony Creek to form the water storage dam, a large pre-fabricated cast-iron outlet tower manufactured by Langlands Foundry Co., maintenance facilities and a caretakers residence. A Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine) plantation, established in the early 20th century to protect the catchment area and for future harvest is situated around the south and west perimeter of the Stony Creek Reservoir No. 1. In 1914 and 1918 the Geelong Water and Sewerage Trust constructed two additional reservoirs, No.2 and No. 3, to meet Geelong's growing demand for fresh water. The earthfilled, clay core dams were designed by engineer James Sharland and significantly increased the Stony Creek systems water storage capacities. In 1998 a new pipe line was constructed to divert water from the Stony Creek Reservoir system to a new treatment plant located at She Oaks. As a result, the Stony Creek to Anakie water works were decommissioned. The Stony Creek Reservoir No.1 outlet tower was dismantled and relocated to the Jack Dillion Reserve in 2000. The reserve features interpretive signage illustrating the historical development of the Stony Creek Reservoir System.

How is it significant?

The Upper Stony Creek Reservoir System is of aesthetic, architectural (engineering), and historical significance to the Golden Plains Shire.

Why is it significant?

The Upper Stony Creek Reservoir System and its associated infrastructure (including the

Stony Creek Reservoir No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3, former caretakers residence, timber workers hut and water outlet towers are of architectural (engineering) significance as the first large scale water supply scheme built to serve the rural city of Geelong. It is also of architectural (engineering) significance for representing the work of prominent engineers Henry O. Christopherson and James Sharland.

The Upper Stony Creek Reservoir System is of aesthetic significance for its picturesque setting adjacent to the Brisbane Ranges National Park and for the native and Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine) plantations located within the reserve.

The Upper Stony Creek Reservoir System is of historical significance for representing the aspirations and engineering skills of the Geelong Geelong Water Commission and later the Geelong Water and Sewerage Trust in securing a permanent water supply of the rural city of Geelong.

Group

Utilities - Water

Category

Water Supply Reservoir/ Dam