Kalgan River Jetty

Parent Place or Precinct

00089 Lower Kalgan River Bridge & Jetty Group

Statement of Significance

Lower Kalgan River Bridge & Jetty Group, comprising the Lower Kalgan River Jetty ruins (1912), and, the two-lane timber Lower Kalgan River Bridge (1958), has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
The place is rare as a group of timber structures associated with river transport and access including the navigation trusses of an earlier (1905) bridge, a 1958 replacement bridge and the ruin of a 1912 timber jetty built for the transport of farm produce.
Outside the metropolitan area the Lower Kalgan River Bridge (1958) is the longest timber road bridge in the State and an uncommon and fine example of a road bridge with a navigation span for small craft.
The place is a significant man-made landmark in a rural estuarine setting; the Lower Kalgan River Bridge (1958) and Lower Kalgan River Jetty (1912) and the associated trusses are representative of timber transport structures built between 1905 and the 1950s, and demonstrates the continued use of timber in bridge building in Western Australia, where its cost was relatively low and its qualities well understood.
the construction of the Lower Kalgan River Bridge (1958) and the Lower Kalgan River Jetty (1912) were undertaken specifically to facilitate the agricultural development of the Lower Kalgan district in the Albany hinterland.
the place has strong social value for the Lower Kalgan and wider community for its historical and recreational associations.
the refurbishment of the Lower Kalgan River Bridge (1958) in the 1980s demonstrates innovative maintenance of timber bridges developed by the Main Roads Department.
The place has been associated with the Albany town water supply pipeline since 1914.

Physical Description

Jetty
Some of the notable features of this place include:
• Jetty located to the south of the Lower Kalgan Bridge near the mouth of the river
• Finger jetty with ‘T’ shaped head
• Timber pylons and decking, iron fastenings
• Very poor condition not accessible by the public

History

The Government Jetty was built by the Public Works Department in 1912 for the landing of the construction materials for the Lower Kalgan Bridge. According to local people there used to be a small rail track on the jetty for a trolley for transferring materials from the barges to land. The jetty was also used for landing materials needed for the construction of the Two Peoples Bay to Albany water supply line which was opened in 1914. It was also used for recreational and tourism purposes. In the 1980s the jetty was decommissioned and was transferred to the management of the City of Albany. In 2019 the jetty is in poor condition with much fabric dislodged into the river.

Condition

Very Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.