Jirnkee Water Race

Location

Tongio West,, CASSILIS VIC 3898 - Property No B5339

File Number

B5339

Level

Local

Statement of Significance

Among the many water races built in Victoria during the gold mining boom, the Jirnkee water race is outstanding for its length of 56 miles (90 kilometres). The first 48 mile section was built in 1889/1900 to bring water from the Wentworth River to Long Gully, near Cassilis, for the sluicing of alluvial gravels. However the low inflow caused the race to be extended by eight miles in 1902. The race and associated sluicing plant were built by the Jirnkee Hydraulic Sluicing Gold Mining Company Limited, with capital raised mainly from French investors. Persistent shortages of water and the selection of unsuitable equipment, combined with considerable over expenditure on the race, caused the collapse of the company in 1905 after 5 years of intermittent operation. The race was subsequently used from 1908 to 1909 by another sluicing syndicate from 1918 to 1923 to provide water for the Tongio Gold Dredge. At present the race is largely intact, although partially filled by silt and forest debris. The banks and invert now have a covering of native and exotic grasses, native reeds, heath and other small plants. Apart from obstruction by fallen trees and branches, the patrol path on the downhill bank of the race still provides an easy footway.
Classified: 24/05/1983

Group

Transport - Water

Category

Other - Transport - Water