SALTPETRE CREEK ALLUVIAL WORKINGS
LOWER TABLELANDS ROAD NARIEL VALLEY, EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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SALTPETRE CREEK ALLUVIAL WORKINGS - History
Contextual History:History of Place:
Heritage Inventory History of Site:
Alluvial mining was in progress on Saltpetre Creek as early as 1866-7, when terraces on the spurs above Hatter's Creek were worked. The creek itself was considered too deep to work. In 1868, Saltpetre and Sassafras creeks were rushed by about 150 diggers. A rush to Sassafras Creek ten years later caused a track to be cut from Omeo by the Mines Department. That, in turn, led to an influx of miners to Saltpetre Creek and other creeks to the north: there were 300 diggers in the area by September 1879. The discovery of reefs in the district soon after saw the the alluvial diggings eclipsed. Just a handful of sluicers were at work on Saltpetre Creek in the mid-1880s, using sluice boxes and small water wheels. Steady small-scale working is suggested by a further reference, in 1905, to a few individuals and small parties working the creek.
SALTPETRE CREEK ALLUVIAL WORKINGS - Interpretation of Site
Heritage Inventory Interpretation:
Heritage Inventory Description
SALTPETRE CREEK ALLUVIAL WORKINGS - Heritage Inventory Description
Saltpetre creekbed workings consists of a network of diversion sluices, paddocks, head and tail races and stacked pebble dumps. Creek bed has been extensively worked.
Heritage Inventory Significance: The site has scientific significance because of its rarity.
Heritage Inventory Key Components: Heritage Inventory Site Features:
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SALTPETRE CREEK ALLUVIAL WORKINGSVictorian Heritage Inventory
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