SLATEY CREEK HYDRAULIC SLUICING COMPANY WATER RACE
WHITE SWAN ROAD AND CLARKS ROAD GLEN PARK AND STANDARD ROAD CABBAGE TREE, BALLARAT CITY, HEPBURN SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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SLATEY CREEK HYDRAULIC SLUICING COMPANY WATER RACE - History
The Mopoke mining area is listed on the Victorian Heritage Inventory as HI 7623-0245. It
contains well preserved evidence of alluvial and sluicing operations by various ethnic
groups and evidence of mining by small and large parties. The area was still being sluiced
in the 1930s.
Slatey Creek Hydraulic Sluicing Company Water Race supplied water to the company in
the early 20th century (Water Right No. 884), However the race continues for many
kilometers toward and beyond Tavistock Hill. The relationship between this race and
minng operations at Tavistock Hill has not been determined.This race may have supplied
other sluicing companies in Kangaroo Gully such as the Creswick Proprietary Hydraulic
Sluicing Co.
Prior to the Slatey Creek Hydraulic Sluicing Company use of the race Wun Lee utilized
this race for slucing at Mopke Gully, It is not clear if Wun Vee was still operating
concurrently with the Slaty Creek Hydraulic Company.
SLATEY CREEK HYDRAULIC SLUICING COMPANY WATER RACE - Interpretation of Site
This race was utilised by the Slaty Creek Hydraulic Sluicing company in the early 20th
century. However it is likley that this company did not construct the race as many miners
appear to have been using the race throughout the 1860-1890's. Prior to the company
Wun Vee and J. Woofe utilized this race for slucing at Mopke Gully. It is not clear if Wun
Vee was still operating concurrently with the Slaty Creek Hydraulic Company.
SLATEY CREEK HYDRAULIC SLUICING COMPANY 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 both mining and water supply
purposes. Archaeological features include the race alignment, negative cut features, spoil
and sediment deposits, dams, diversions, sluice points, 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.
SLATEY CREEK HYDRAULIC SLUICING COMPANY WATER RACE - Historical Significance
The site has a H IGH 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 Ballarat, 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
SLATEY CREEK HYDRAULIC SLUICING COMPANY WATER RACE - Heritage Inventory Description
An 11 .6 km extant section of water race commencing at Drakes Dam north of James Hill.
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AH TAN'S WATER RACEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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SLATEY CREEK HYDRAULIC SLUICING COMPANY WATER RACEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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