SMOKEYTOWN WATER RACE
MIDLAND HIGHWAY SPRINGMOUNT AND CASTLEMAINE ROAD CRESWICK AND SAWMILL ROAD NEWLYN, HEPBURN SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
This record has minimal details. Please look to the right-hand-side bar for any further details about this record.
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SMOKEYTOWN WATER RACE - History
The origins and history of this race are uncertain.
Tropman and Associates (1991) suggest that construction of the race commenced in 1870 and took two and a half years to complete, with fluming used to cross creek gullies in several sections. It ended at the site of a quartz mine near the head of Frenchmans Gully where it supplied water to a crushing battery. Later, during the 1930s Depression, the race was cleaned out and supplied enough water pressure for sluicing. This ceased after four years due to the amount of sludge entering Creswick Creek.
Alternatively, there is historical evidence that the race dates from an earlier period. In September 1860 the Chairman brought to the notice of the Creswick Council an abandoned water race that had been cut some time earlier from Birch's Creek around by Spring Gully and the Eastern Hill. The race could, he suggested, be cleaned and repaired for about £100, with a reservoir built on Eastern Hill to supply domestic water to the township, along with water to miners around Clark's Hill. The council obtained Water Right No.153 for this race but the plan to supply water from this source was never carried out (VPRS 3730).
SMOKEYTOWN WATER RACE - Interpretation of Site
The uncertain history of this race requires further investigation to fully understand the development and functions of this race.
SMOKEYTOWN WATER RACE - Archaeological Significance
This site has a high level of archaeological significance.
The race is well preserved for its entirety and is a representative example of an 1860s
water race that was utilised over several decades for mining purposes. Archaeological
features include the race alignment, negative cut features, spoil and sediment deposits,
dams, diversions, and potential gauges, flume remains, pipes, and sluice lining materials.
Although water races are common on Victorian Goldfields very few races in Victoria have
been documented and mapped in detail and the integrity of remaining goldfield water
management complexes is largely under researched.
SMOKEYTOWN WATER RACE - Historical Significance
The site has a HIGH level of historical significance at a local level. Due to the excellent
preservation of a large part of the Creswick goldfield, the intertwined narratives of mining,
water supply, environmental consequences and rapidly evolving legislation can be read in
the landscape. At a state level the site contributes to broader narratives of water supply
and mining (Victorian Historical Theme 4.5 & 4.6) and informs the development of both
mining and water management laws for the State of Victoria.
The race system is one of many on the Creswick alluvial goldfield that together make up
an important and well preserved cultural landscape of water management.
Combined with Creswick's strong forestry education facilities and proximity to Melbourne
and Balfarat, an increased awareness in this well preserved mining complex could provide
Creswick with excellent educational and tourism opportunities illustrating mining
techniques and how mining shaped Victoria's water laws.
Heritage Inventory Description
SMOKEYTOWN WATER RACE - Heritage Inventory Description
A 24 km extant race following contours around Spring Hill, Creswick.
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SMOKEYTOWN WATER RACEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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Dean Avenue of HonourVic. War Heritage Inventory
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