Robb Jetty (remains)

Statement of Significance

Robb Jetty (remains) is a visual reminder and marker of the former Robb Jetty that was an important component of the meat industry in Western Australia.

Robb Jetty (remains) has aesthetic significance as a landmark in the area along with the Robb Jetty chimney, contributing to the community’s sense of place and history.

Robb Jetty (remains) has historic significance as a representation of the importance of shipping in the provision of stock for slaughter, to feed the growing metropolitan area and Goldfields, in the 19th and early 20th century. Robb Jetty played an integral part in the agricultural industry of the State, particularly as it facilitated the development of slaughterhouses and associated industries in the Cockburn area from the 19th century through to the 20th century.

Physical Description

Robb Jetty (remains) are located off C Y O’Connor beach, approximately 550 metres north of the South Fremantle Power Station site. Submerged piles extend from the foreshore out into the Indian Ocean for a distance of approximately 280m.

Robb Jetty was constructed circa 1877, and an article in the West Australian 1896, identifies that the Jetty initially consisted of a few bays of piles driven into the beach, on which a rough decking was provided to assist in the landing from boats and small craft generally.

It was a notable landmark at Cockburn Sound until it was burnt and dismantled in 1975. A number of timber piles remain visible.

History

The Western Australian Times (27 July 1877) reported that a tender had been accepted by the Government for James Brown to erect a jetty at Owen Anchorage for £385. By January 1878 the jetty had been erected, and this is likely to be Robb Jetty (Inquirer and Commercial News, 16 January 1878).

Robb Jetty was used for unloading cattle from the State’s northwest to the abattoirs situated nearby, which operated from the 1890s to the 1970s. The population of Perth and Fremantle grew rapidly during the gold rush years, bringing a demand for food and building materials. In the Cockburn district new settlements and industries sprung up to meet this demand.

Stock from the pastoral stations in the Kimberly were shipped down the coast to Owen Anchorage.

Initially stock were off-loaded into the water and forced to swim, as opposed to using Robb’s Jetty. A fleet of small boats then directed the cattle to shore, where stockman were waiting to herd them into galvanised yards, which ran parallel to the beach.
In 1896, with the growth of the cattle trade, Robb Jetty was extended to 427ft (130 m). In 1898 a railway from Fremantle to Robb Jetty was opened and the two slaughterhouses continued to expand.
In 1900 the railway from Robb Jetty was extended south to Woodman Point. The explosive magazines were also relocated there, further away from Fremantle. In the 1920s Robb Jetty was extended again, to 265 m, to meet the needs of the expanding abattoir.

The Jetty required ongoing maintenance as a result of its open position and in 1923 there was further expenditure, including replacing the piles along portion of its length. In August 1947 approval was granted for the expenditure of £15,000 on a 150ft extension to the Jetty, and these works were completed in 1948. The purpose of the works was to obviate the need for recurring costs associated with dredging of the area.

In 1975 Robb Jetty was burnt and dismantled, although some timber piles remain.

Integrity/Authenticity

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Condition

Poor

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Historic Themes

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