Murchison Dam

Author

Shire of Northampton

Place Number

08901

Location

Murchison River Northampton

Location Details

Murchison River, downstream from road bridge.

Local Government

Northampton

Region

Midwest

Construction Date

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 19 Apr 1996 Category 3

Statement of Significance

The dam site has local social significance for its contribution to the quality of life in the district, and scientific significance as an engineering site. The site requires a high classification under the Municipal Inventory and needs interpretive signage to explain the significance of the place.

Physical Description

The dam or weir has been formed by constructing a concrete wall (approximately 1.5 metres high) across the river downstream from the North West Coastal Highway bridges. The top of the wall has several step downs to facilitate a small overflow, otherwise the construction of the relatively low wall allows it to become fully submerged when the river is in full flood.

History

The dam was constructed to provide a reliable source of water for the nearby Galena townsite and associated mines.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium Orig'l Fabric: intact

Condition

Good

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
Porter,B., "Pure Galena, A story of settlement in the Australian outback." p.60 Publicit 2001

Place Type

Other Built Type

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use GOVERNMENTAL Reservoir or Dam
Present Use GOVERNMENTAL Reservoir or Dam

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Wall CONCRETE Reinforced Concrete

Historic Themes

General Specific
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Settlements
OCCUPATIONS Mining {incl. mineral processing}

Creation Date

11 Jul 1997

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

01 Jan 2017

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.