Dumbleyung Railway Station Precinct

Values

The place has aesthetic value as it forms part of the townscape.

The place has rarity value as the Station master’s house, and goods shed as well as the railway station itself are all intact.

The place has representativeness as it represents an intact precinct of railway station buildings.

Physical Description

‘Located on the south side of the Dumbleyung townsite. One roomed rectangular brick building. Hipped corrugated iron roof, extending out into the verandah on all sides. Verandah roof supported by timber brackets. Chimney with moulded capping.’

History

‘In response to the 1905 report from the Royal Commission on Immigration and Land Settlement, the government decreed that any settler in wheat farming areas should be serviced by a rail lin eno more than 15 miles from the farm gate. As a result in the West Australian Government Railways was directed to commence the building of light agricultural railways despite its concern about the standard of the line which could be achieved with the budget allowed. Surveying for the railway from Wagin to Dumbleyung began in 1905. The routeof the line caused much controversy between the locals.’

‘The wagin – Dumbleyung railway was opened in 18 February 1907 as the second of these light agricultural lines. Construction comprised rail on rough timber sleepers on the natural surface with earth packing and light gravel ballast. The first train service on a weekly basis occurred in March of that year with a fare of 6 shillings one way. Extensions beyond Dumbleyung in later years exacerbated the problem of the false economy of these lines. ‘

‘The dumbleyung railway station was completed in 1913. This is a typical station building of the type found on many branches of railway lines in the Southwest of WA. It was used by WAGR until 1984. For some years it was leased by the Agricultural Protection Board but in (2001) is was empty. In 2002, it became the headquarters for a museum project.’

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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