Back to search results »

Back to search page »

Psyche Bend Pump House

Location Psyche Bend Road, IRYMPLE VIC 3498 - Property No B3577 File Number B3577 Level State

[1/4] B3577 Psyche Bend pump house [2/4] B3577 Psyche Bend pump house [3/4] B3577 Psyche Bend pump house [4/4] B3577 Psyche Bend pump house

Statement of Significance

The vision of Alfred Deakin and the leglislation which he intorduced enabled the development of the Mildura settlement and other major irrigation schemes on the Murray and Murrumbidgee River systems.
The work of George Chaffey enabled the establishment of a large population and extensive industry in an arid area. The products of Sunraysia over the years have contributed to the Australian export income, as well as supplying local markets.
The pumping plant in the Psyche Bend Pump house used a triple-expansion steam engine which was still the latest technology of the time. The pumps were the biggest in Australia and almost the biggest in the world. The fact that four pumps were directly coupled to the crankshaft and engine was an innovation of world significance.
The creative thinking of George Chaffey was important, and the application of mathematics, engineering science and the latest technology by Chaffey and other engineers of the period enabled such notable achievement to proceed.

See also B5125 Chaffey Mildura Pumping Scheme, B1390 Rio Vista and Billabong Primary School and B1643 Cannie Ridge Irrigation Pump.

Classified:09/01/1984