FORMER WARRNAMBOOL LIFEBOAT JETTY
BREAKWATER ROAD WARRNAMBOOL, WARRNAMBOOL CITY
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Statement of Significance
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FORMER WARRNAMBOOL LIFEBOAT JETTY - History
The Warrnambool Lifeboat Jetty was originally constructured to serve as a "working jetty" in 1874. At this time the existing shipping facilities at Warrnambool Harbour included only a single timber tramway jetty extending 220 metres from the south-western shore of Lady Bay. From the mid-late 1860s it was becoming apparent that improvements were needed. The Lifeboat Jetty was constructed as a working platform for some investigative works into a breakwater, allowing materials to be transported to the proposed breakwater site without interfering with the normal harbour shipping. As a working jetty provided for the use of small vessels, the Lifeboat Jetty was a relatively short structure situated in shallow water.
By 1886, the Lifeboat Jetty was no longer required to enable works on the Breakwater. However, in 1890, after some years of pressure, funding was made available to extend the Jetty. This was due to expansion of trade in the Portland, which meant that the existing facilities for berthing vessels were inadequate. The Lifeboat Jetty was consequently widened, strengthened and lengthened to extend a total of 210 metres into water deep enough to admit vessels coming alongside.
As shipping decreased over the following decades, the Lifeboat Jetty eventually fell into disuse. It remained in situ, gradually deteriorating over the course of the 20th century. By the 1980s almost all visible traces had either been washed away or obscured by sand.
FORMER WARRNAMBOOL LIFEBOAT JETTY - Interpretation of Site
There are no visible remains of the life boat jetty or the cleared ground and possible sheds to the north east adjacent to the skate park and Breakwater Road. The site is now covered with metres of sand that has accumulated over the area in the last 100 years since the building of the Breakwater. This process was possibly augmented with some direct reclamation.
FORMER WARRNAMBOOL LIFEBOAT JETTY - Archaeological Significance
The archaeological significance of the Lifeboat Jetty lies in the material used and the manner of its construction. This could possibly provide information on the importance placed by the relevant authorities in providing durable or otherwise, maritime infrastructure in the 3rd quarter of the 19th century. Examination of the remains may reveal details that are unique or specific to the use of the structure for launching a lifeboat.
As the jetty was allowed to deteriorate, then structural elements such as headstocks and even decking could possibly have survived intact before it was buried. Cultural deposits associated with the use of the jetty are most likely present. Post holes and footings of sheds and other ancillary structures associated with the Lifeboat Jetty could also be present.
FORMER WARRNAMBOOL LIFEBOAT JETTY - Historical Significance
The Lifeboat Jetty was a purpose built structure dedicated to the launching of a lifeboat and reflects the attention paid by the relevant authorities in maintaining Warrnambool as an efficient and safe port prior to the substantial harbour works in the 1880s.
Heritage Inventory Description
FORMER WARRNAMBOOL LIFEBOAT JETTY - Heritage Inventory Description
The site of the former lifeboat jetty is covered by relatively level, slightly undulating sandy ground that is mostly grassed area punctuated by clusters of low bush.
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WARRNAMBOOL BREAKWATER, VIADUCT AND HARBOURVictorian Heritage Register H2124
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MERRI RIVER MORTAR SHED SITEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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LADY BAY TRAMWAY AND TRAMWAY JETTY SITEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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