Duggan Siding, Dam and Water Tank

Statement of Significance

The Duggan Dam and Siding has aesthetic, historic, social and scientific cultural heritage significance. The dam and
overhead water tank has scientific value as a is a reminder of steam train technology, a function that has become obsolet in our society. The dam is situated in a pretty valley surrounded by salmon gums and bushland, which make it an attractive place for recreational visits. The dam and siding have historic value as they represent the early attempts of the West Australian Government to supply rail transport to isolated farming areas.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include:
• Situated in the Tarin Rock Reserve.
• Earthern dam in U construction
• Stone lined catchment and run off area
• More recent bitumen catchment area has been added
• Overhead metal water tank on wooden pylons
• A bitumenised water catchment (fenced)

History

The Duggan Dam is situated in a pretty valley surrounded in bush that is full of wildflowers and birdlife. Mallee hens frequent the area. The dam was built in close proximity to the railway siding as a water supply to the steam trains in the early 20th century. Duggan Siding was officially opened (alongside Tarin Rock Siding) on 25 November 1916 and closed on 10 February 1975. The siding is still marked by a Western Australian Government Railways overhead water tank, which is sturdily constructed from wood pylons. The pumping shed also remains.

A workforce of up to 135 men using scoops and horses as well as picks and wheelbarrows, sank the Duggan Dam in 1916. Named after early settler WN Duggan* whose selection was nearby, the dam was a huge undertaking for the time. On a number of occasions during drought years the Duggan Dam has been pumped dry. When the last steam engine was taken from service in 1971, the railway dams were handed over to local authorities and country water supplies. The dam, which has escaped the ravages of salinity, is still being used in 2001 and is particularly advantageous for farmers in periods of drought. The dam is also used as a recreation area. Church camps have been held there and swing ropes hang from trees that extend out over the water for swimmers fun. In 1994 the Hotham Valley Railway steam train took on water at Duggan on its tourist-sleeper diner service from Perth to Newdegate and return.

*Jack Duggan, after whom the Dam and Siding were named was an early settler along the Old Lake Grace Road. He has been described as a gentleman;
Jack Duggan was a chap who would have been distinguished in any company -
high or low. A well spoken man, he would take no nonsense from any quarter.
His selection adjoined the catchment of the dam, and in early stages of
development having no dam of his own, he camped near the gully that fed the
dam. He built a temporary house and so saving himself the job of carting water.
For months he enjoyed the monopoly of the dam. He contributed to the Southern
Argus under the heading 'Duggan's Doings' giving details of progress in the
area and local news.'

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree

Condition

Good

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.