SSM No 7 Steam Locomotive, Pemberton Timber Mill

Statement of Significance

Historic, Representativeness and Scientific

Physical Description

• Located in a park close to Brockman Street; • Close to other important heritage buildings; • Pemberton to Northcliffe railway/tramway line runs close by, and; • Fine example of a steam engine used c1915-1930.

History

Built in 1895, being new to WAGR 22 August 1895. Sold to State Saw Mills in November 1946 and was renumbered to SSM No. 7. Was at Shannon River in Nove,ber 1953, and at Pemberton in November 1960. Last used as a shunter at Pemberton, c. 1970. A sign on the engine indicates that this steam engine was in service for the State Sawmill No 7. It is representative of the steam engines that would have serviced the Pemberton to Northcliffe Railway line which was constructed between 1929 and 1933. The Pemberton-Northcliffe Railway comprises a standard plan timber and iron railway station, and a 3ft 6ins gauge railway line, 36 km in length between Pemberton and Northcliffe, which include seven railway bridges. The station was built in 1926 and the railway line and bridges were constructed in 1929-33. Many of the bridges contain repair material, including concrete piers to replace trestles and steel beams to replace timber. At the Northcliffe end of the line, there is the remains of a station platform formation and a two ton crane. A railway line had existed between Jarnadup (now Jardee) and Big Brook (Pemberton) since c1912. Pemberton townsite was first settled in 1912 after the establishment of the State Saw Mill No 3. It was only officially named Pemberton in October 1925. The sawmills were to supply the sleepers for the Trans-Australian Railway. The timber industry which grew up provided extensive employment and accommodation was built for the workers and their families in Pemberton in the years that followed. The line between Jarnadup and Big Brook continued in operation, the primary purpose being to transport timber for the mills. Big Brook became a thriving mill town, with a hall, store, staff accommodation, mill workers’ cottages and single men’s huts and two boarding houses. The 1920s was a period of growth in Pemberton (Big Brook). For 50 years the line provided an important transportation link which allowed the development of the region, bringing to it the necessary farm materials, including superphosphate, and carrying away the timber and agricultural produce of the area, as well as providing transport for people. In December 1986 the Pemberton to Northcliffe Railway was closed to traffic. In 1987 it was leased to Mr R Pearson, trading as Pemberton Tramway Co to be developed as a tourist venture, operating as a light railway. That same year the tourist tramway was officially opened, utilizing three light-weight rail cars, custom made by Willis Light Engineering of Rivervale. The condition of the track, and the density of the terrain made the Pemberton-Northcliffe trip a day long excursion. The tramway and daily tram rides are a popular activity for visitors to the area. The tram line crosses Brockman Street, the main street of Pemberton close to where this steam engine is located in a park. For a more detailed history of the Pemberton to Northcliffe Railway refer to the documentation for that place. Refer to 16.6 for more historical notes

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good Authenticity: Good

Condition

Fair

Uses

Creation Date

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