SMITH DAM, 48 NERREMAN GATEWAY ELTHAM, NILLUMBIK SHIRE

What is significant?
The c1940s dam, the adjacent bridge and the site to Karingal Drive and otherwise to a radius of 20 metres.

How is it significant?
The dam is technically and historically significant to the Shire of Nillumbik.

Why is it significant?
The dam is historically and technically significant because it features an unusual and innovative curved concrete wall designed by engineer D. B. Smith on his own property (Criteria B & H). Historically because the form of the dam reflects the transition from a mass concrete structure to a more highly stressed dam wall and because the abutments and associated water deflectors exemplify the quality of the dam which has no peer in the former Shire of Eltham (and probably the immediate region) (Criteria B & D).

BICK STUDY, 1992
This unusual 1940s curved concrete dam wall has significance as an innovative mid 20th century engineering structure designed by engineer D.B. Smith for his own use on his rural/property in Eltham. Its design reflects contemporary engineering practice of the time for a small dam, illustrating the transition from mass concrete structure to a more highly stressed dam wall. The abutments and associated water deflectors also exemplify the quality of this dam, which has no peer in the Shire (and probably the immediate region as well.

BASIS OF SIGNIFICANCE:

HISTORY

DEGREE OF SIGNIFICANCE: LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE

EXTENT OF SIGNIFICANCE:

DAM, ADJACENT BRIDGE AND SITE TO KARINGAL DRIVE AND OTHERWISE TO A RADIUS OF 20 METRES

Group

Utilities - Water

Category

Water Supply Reservoir/ Dam