Railway Water Tank and stand pipe

Author

Shire of Wongan-Ballidu

Place Number

25290

Location

Railway Reserve Wongan Hills

Location Details

Local Government

Wongan-Ballidu

Region

Wheatbelt

Construction Date

Constructed from 1913, Constructed from 1914

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Municipal Inventory Adopted 17 Sep 1998 Category 1
Municipal Inventory Adopted 17 Sep 1998 Category 1

Statement of Significance

The railway water tank is an identifiable representation of the railway system and a way of life no longer practiced. It has associations with the original trains on the line (steam), and represents the significance of the railway line. It is one of the few remaining examples of its type within a comprehensive railway precinct on the Goomalling Mullewa line.

Physical Description

25,000 gallons. The tank stands 12 metres above the ground, supported by a tower of karri and jarrah timbers. The metal water storage tank is square.

History

Goomalling was the railhead in 1902. From 1905, when land in the Wongan Hills region began to be settled, there was agitation for a railway line. The railway between Goomalling to Wongan Hills officially opened in 1911. In 1912, construction of the line northwards to Mullewa began from both ends. Wongan Hills became the centre for the construction workers for the new railway. A loop line was constructed for turning the railway engines, and the coal stand was located in close proximity to the water tank stand. The Railway dam was excavated in 1913 and 1914, at the same time as the 25,000 gallon railway tank and stand in the railyard. The water supplied the steam trains and also the domestic requirements of the railway houses. This was supplemented by a 23,000 gallon underground tank from Pithara which was located in the yard in 1927. Diesel trains came into service on the Goomalling Mullewa line on the 3 July 1955. The entire Railway and siding facilities were redesigned to ensure a more efficient operation and to re-route grain trucks away from town. The water tank remained in its original location, but was no longer required for use.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: intact Authenticity: high degree

Condition

Good

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
"Official Opening New Railway Station Buildings Wongan Hills ". WAGR 1965
ACKLAND RRB; "Wongan Ballidu Pioneering Days ". Shire of Wongan-Balidu 1965

Place Type

Other Built Type

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use Transport\Communications Rail: Other
Present Use VACANT\UNUSED Vacant\Unused

Historic Themes

General Specific
TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS Rail & light rail transport

Creation Date

26 Aug 2013

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

30 Jun 2020

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.