Harvey Weir

Child Places

• 03171 Jardup Homestead
• 03172 Nicklup Homestead
• 11407 Glentana Homestead

Statement of Significance

• The site has historic value for its association with the first phase of irrigation works in the district.

Physical Description

Submerged under Harvey Dam and is occasionally revealed when the water levels are low.

History

The Harvey Weir was built to provide water to the orchardists who required summer watering of their citrus trees. Water was impounded at Harvey Weir (also known as Big Weir) and was released into the Harvey River in sufficient quantities for irrigation during the dry weather. A short distance down the river, the Intercepting Weir (also known as Little Weir or Gibbs Pool) raised the water until it overflowed into the open irrigation channel which gravity fed the water to the orchards. Governor Sir Harry Barron opened the first irrigation undertaking in WA on the 21 June 1916. During 1912 work commenced on the construction of an intercepting weir on the Harvey River (now Gibbs Pool), and after much uncertainty, pending litigation and financial loss to Hayward and Harvey, the building of the Big Weir (Dam) commenced a short distance up river around the onset of the First World War in 1914. Construction proceeded spasmodically and the official opening of the Harvey irrigation works was officiated by the then Governor, Sir Henry Barron, on June 21st 1916. After an original expenditure of 34,000 pounds “a first watering” occurred in November that year, with distribution channels at that time still unlined and seepage a very real problem. The first Irrigation Waterman, Dave Byers, is reputed to have done all his work on horseback. The weir wall was raised in the early 1930s to increase the water storage capacity. Although the Harvey Weir overflows only at certain times of the year, it is understood that it has reached its capacity. The weir contains a storage capacity of 520,000,000 gallons. This capacity was later supplement by the building of the Stirling Dam, completed in 1948. Gibbs Pool became the local swimming pool and the swimming club held its first carnival there in 1934. In 1936 a diving platform was installed and the surrounding area was terraced and gardens were cultivated. There was a large shed for picnic parties and a dressing room. Later, schools conducted swimming lessons and held carnivals at the pool. Gibbs Pool has been incorporated into the Stirling-Harvey Redevelopment Scheme and has barbeque facilities, picnic area, walkways, playground and an amphitheatre. The weir was submerged when Harvey Dam was constructed in 2002.

Integrity/Authenticity

None/ Little

Condition

Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update