Botany Water Reserves

Item details

Name of item: Botany Water Reserves
Other name/s: Botany Swamps, Botany Wetlands, Mills Stream, Bridge Pond, Lakes Golf Course, Eastlakes Golf Course, Bonnie Doon Golf Course
Type of item: Landscape
Group/Collection: Landscape - Cultural
Category: Historic Landscape
Location: Lat: -33.9354575348 Long: 151.2122125490
Primary address: 1024 Botany Road, Mascot, NSW 2020
Parish: Botany
County: Cumberland
Local govt. area: Bayside
Local Aboriginal Land Council: La Perouse
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
LOT1 DP1039418
LOT2 DP1039418
PART LOT2 DP1144655
LOT1 DP233011
LOT1 DP241650
LOT2473 DP752015
LOT2825 DP752015
LOT5 DP780391
LOT6 DP780391
LOT7 DP780391
LOT3 DP780392
LOT2 DP854374
LOT13 DP87663
LOT4 DP87663
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
King StreetEastlakeBayside   
Southen Cross DriveEastlakesBayside   
1024 Botany RoadMascotBaysideBotanyCumberlandPrimary Address
Between Botany and Mascot, including EastlakesBotanyBayside  Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation NameOwner CategoryDate Ownership Updated
Sydney WaterState Government27 Nov 98

Statement of significance:

Botany Water Reserve holds considerable value for Sydney and NSW because it contains the only remaining major components - substantial layout and other important physical evidence from the 1850s through to the 1870s - of the unique water supply system that supported the expansion of the Sydney metropolis for most of the latter half of the 19th century, representing Sydney's third main water supply system since colonisation; and on account of the surviving remnants of the early 19th century industries associated with the prominent emancipist merchant Simeon Lord. The site includes land which, in 1855, was the subject of the first resumptions for the purpose of a water supply system by a government in Australia. Part of the original 1850s sand-cast iron water supply pipe remains within the site representing a remnant of the State's oldest main.

This extant remnant of the water supply system also has high collective value as important evidence likewise remains of the two principal Sydney water supply systems (The Tank Stream and Busby's Bore) that predated the Botany system along with those superseding it (The Upper Canal and regional dam systems).

The open space areas encompassed by the item include two regionally rare and distinct remnant vegetation communities known as Sydney Freshwater Wetlands and Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub that are both potentially of State significance and are the subject of separate listings as an Endangered Ecological Community under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The wetlands also have recognised regional ecological value as native animal habitat and movement corridors, and may include animal species of conservation significance.

The item is of regional environmental importance as a major recharge source for the Sydney basin aquifer.

It likely holds special interest as a landmark cultural and recreational landscape for the regional community.

It also has regional importance on account of the substantial infrastructure it contains of the 1910s Southern and Western Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer System (SWSOOS No 1) - since augmented during 1936-1941 by SWSOOS No 2 - representing one of the first major separate sewers in Sydney as well as incorporating new ventilation technologies. This infrastructure includes use of the former Engine House chimney as a sewer vent, the viaduct to carry the vent pipe, Sewage Pumping Station No 38 of 1916 near the Engine House ruins and part of the SWSOOS Nos 1 and 2 mains. The overall SWSOOS network remains Sydney's largest sewer system.
Date significance updated: 23 Jul 04
Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description

Designer/Maker: City Engineers WB Rider; E.Bell (1856 - 1871) & F. Bell (No relation 1871 -1878)
Builder/Maker: Convicts for Simeon Lord (1815)
Construction years: 1815-1870
Physical description: This item is comprised of an extensive tract of open space/parkland, with 58 ha of wetlands, including Sydney Airport, The Australian Golf Course, Lakes Golf Course, Eastlakes Golf Course, Bonnie Doon Golf Course and Mutch Park. Other areas of wetlands in the vicinity are substantially smaller in extent - the Eve Street wetlands, Arncliffe (south of Kogarah Golf Club) and the chain of ponds in Sir Joseph Banks Park, Botany.

Important surviving elements of non-indigenous heritage include, in the southern end of the wetlands:
- remnants of the water supply Engine House and chimney (late 1850s) (no longer owned by Sydney Water) now a sewer vent (Sydney Water, 2010);
- viaduct to carry the vent pipe (ibid, 2010);
- Sewage Pumping Station no. 38 (1916) near the engine house ruins (ibid, 2010);
- part of the Southern and Western Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer System (SWOOS) No's 1 and 2 mains (ibid, 2010);
- spillway/weir, remnants of the Engine and Mill Ponds;
- the sequence of ponds between the Mill Pond and Gardeners Road;
- 1915 Sewer Pumphouse;
- twin sewer syphons and easements;
- partial evidence of old Cooks River edge (evident through comparing early and recent aerial photography;
- 1869 plantings of Norfolk Island Pines (Araucaria heterophylla), Moreton Bay Fig Trees (Ficus macrophylla) and Port Jackson Fig Trees (Ficus rubiginosa).
Given the period, important government institutional use and the choice of tree species there is strong circumstantial evidence for the involvement of Charles Moore - Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens (1848-1896) in advising on these plantings. Canary Island Date Palms (Phoenix canariensis) also survive near the Engine Pond and may be remnants - or progeny - of 1910s plantings associated with the reuse of the site for the main southern sewer system. There is likewise strong circumstantial evidence for the involvement of Joseph Henry Maiden - Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens (1896-1924) in recommending the choice of these plantings.

A comparison of current aerial photographs and the Sydney Water Commission's 1869 topographic plan of the Lachlan Swamp from No 6 Dam to Botany Bay shows that there is a substantial degree of correlation between the layouts of many of the dams. Despite the bisection of the Engine Pond by Southern Cross Drive, it is still possible to appreciate the basic outline of the earlier pond. A similar observation holds for the former Bridge Pond as the present Mill Pond and the western half of the 'New Pond' retain the earlier basic form. The embankment separating the Mill and New Ponds preserves part of the alignment of the old Sydney-Botany road (shown on the 1869 SWC plan) with its tollhouse site just south of the embankment. (Archaeological evidence of the former tollhouse may still exist.) The present Nos 1 and 2 Ponds closely reflect the earlier form of the 1869 No 1 Pond while most of the present Nos 3a, 3 and 4/5 Ponds almost exactly retain the earlier form of the 1869 Nos 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ponds respectively. The northern part of the old No 6 Pond has been filled. Generally, the present wetland layout retains a close indication of the original 1860s dam forms. Earlier pond formations existed some decades before, and were absorbed into, this system however surviving evidence is difficult to discern from both (non-intrusive) site inspections and an analysis of aerial photography. Archaeological investigations - if ever required - may reveal evidence of these early 19th century structures.

A 'Plan of the Botany & Lachlan Watersheds' signed by Francis Bell in June, 1875 shows that the Lachlan Water Supply (Centennial Park) links with the Botany Pond system as does the area of land containing the present Australian Golf Course.

As well as its importance to the water supply, the Botany Swamps area includes two regionally rare and distinct remnant vegetation communities of state significance - the Sydney Freshwater Wetlands and the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub. These are listed separately as 'Endangered Ecological COmmunities' under the (NSW) Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub is also protected under the (federal) Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1995. The Botany Swamps are of regional environmental importance as a major recharge source for the Botany Sands Aquifer. The wetlands also have regional ecological value as native animal habitat and movement corridors, and may include animal species of conservation significance (Sydney Water, 2010).

Several remnant areas of the famous and now rare Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (still featuring the trademark Grass Trees [Xanthorrhoea resinosa]) as well as various communities of reed and sedgeland species are represented within the open space boundaries. Other important indigenous vegetation vestiges include areas of Paperbark swamp featuring Melaleuca quinquenervia, marshland and wet heath and large areas of the aquatic herb Ludwigia.
Physical condition and/or
Archaeological potential: 		Major elements (the sequence of ponds) of Sydney's third main water supply system are substantially intact. Particular elements of the system - its architectural and planted elements - are only partially intact.

Generally good
Date condition updated:21 May 04
Modifications and dates: Although the pre-European wetland ecosystem was modified during the 1860s and 1870s pond construction, there has been only limited major modification - mainly for the expansion of the airport and construction of new arterial roadways - since then. Major elements (the sequence of ponds) of Sydney's third main water supply system are substantially intact. Particular elements of the system - its architectural and planted elements - are only partially intact. Yet the little that remains of these are particularly poignant and serve as important local landmarks.
Further information: Busby's Bore; Lachlan Swamps; Crown Street Reservoir; Paddington Pumping Station.
Current use: Golf Courses; Water reserve
Former use: Industry; Water supply system

History

Historical notes: The "Eora people" was the name given to the coastal Aborigines around Sydney. Central Sydney is therefore often referred to as "Eora Country". Within the City of Sydney local government area, the traditional owners are the Cadigal and Wangal bands of the Eora. There is no written record of the name of the language spoken and currently there are debates as whether the coastal peoples spoke a separate language "Eora" or whether this was actually a dialect of the Dharug language. Remnant bushland in places like Blackwattle Bay retain elements of traditional plant, bird and animal life, including fish and rock oysters (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

With the invasion of the Sydney region, the Cadigal and Wangal people were decimated but there are descendants still living in Sydney today. All cities include many immigrants in their population. Aboriginal people from across the state have been attracted to suburbs such as Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe and Redfern since the 1930s. Changes in government legislation in the 1960s provided freedom of movement enabling more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

Contact period:
On 29 April 1770 Captain James Cook made his first landfall in Australia at Botany Bay. His ship the Endeavour's botanist, Sir Joseph Banks, and his Swedish assistant, Daniel Solander, spent several days ashore collecting vast numbers of previously unknown plants. Cook was in two minds about a suitable name for the Bay - his journal first refers to it as Stingray's Harbour, then as Botanist Bay, then both were crossed out and the present Botany Bay inserted, no doubt because of Banks and Solander's work. Since its name comes from the Bay on which it stands, Botany can well claim to have the oldest (English) place name in Australia (Pollen, 1988, pp.35-6).

Cook's recommendation and Banks' enthusiasm were largely responsible for the British Government's decision to found a penal settlement at Botany Bay. When Governor Phillip arrived in mid-summer in 1788 however, he found the harbour shallow and exposed, and the shore swampy and lacking sources of fresh water. As a result the First Fleet sailed on to Port Jackson, finding a more suitable site for settlement at Sydney Cove (ibid, 1988, 35-6).

Botany was first planned as an agricultural district, and the principal industry was to be market gardening. Instead it became an industrial area, boasting a fellmonger's yard and a slaughter works. As early as 1809, Mr E Redmond came to settle in the district, but the first important developer was Simeon Lord (1771-1840), who built a fulling mill in 1815 on the site that later became that of the old water works. In 1823 he received a grant of 600 acres, followed by further grants. Part of the estate was subdivided by 1887. Lord, the 'merchant prince of Botany Bay', manufactured fine wool cloth, and was also one of the merchants instrumental in the founding of Sydney Hospital. He gave land for the sites of 2 early churches in Botany, and Lord Street is named after him. Banksia Street, Sir Joseph Banks Park and Booralee Park all commemorate those early days (ibid, 1988, 35-6).

Following European colonisation the first substantial interventions in the area occurred in 1815 when enterprising merchant Simeon Lord had a dam constructed west of the present Botany Road to establish the colony's first woollen mill. A second dam was constructed near the present Engine House ruins for a flour mill (refer to 1869 Water Commission Plan). This mill continued operating until about 1847 while the textile factory was closed by about 1856.

From 13 July, 1855 the City Council began resuming land around, and including, the Botany wetlands for the city's main water supply scheme - the first time land resumptions were made for this purpose. (The land was transferred to the Water Board in 1888). Of this land, about 75 acres of Lord's estate was resumed which included his house (demolished in the 1930s though the site of which is in the vicinity of the present heliport), the mill sites, various cottages and the earthworks associated with Lord's mill dams. The southern end of the wetlands retains archaeological evidence of Lord's industrial complex, which may still provide new information about this significant early colonial character (Sydney Water, 2010).

The initial water supply scheme of the mid-1850s, by City Engineer WB Rider, was abandoned with the appointment of Edward Bell to the position. Bell's new water supply system included a sand-cast iron main, to pipe water from the engine house at Botany Wetlands to the Crown Street (Surry Hills) Reservoir. This was completed in 1859 and is the oldest water main in the state (Sydney Water 2010). The surviving Engine House and chimney date from the implementation, in the late 1850s, of Bell's scheme.

The stone retaining walls for the Engine Pond and outlet sluice probably date from 1870s work on the Engine Pond augmentation. Between 1866 and the mid-1870s six dams were constructed, and reconstructed for various reasons, from the Mill Pond to Gardeners Road using piling of sheet timber facing filled with sand forming a core of a turfed bank. In 1859 a 30" sand-cast iron main was completed between the Engine House and the Crown Street reservoir. The pipes were made in Scotland in 1856 and machined with such remarkably fine tolerance that, of the total length of 4 miles (6.4 km), the outside diameter varied by only 6mm and allowed the pipes to be laid without jointing material. Part of this easement coincides with the present study area in the vicinity of the Engine House (Sydney Water).

Drawing on a 1982 thesis of Margaret Simpson, the Thorp et al study indicates that about 80 trees - "Norfolk Pines, Moreton Bay Figs, Weeping Figs, Sweet Scented Pines and Stone Pines" - were planted along the access road from Botany and elsewhere on the site in 1869. Works for the augmentation of water storage at Botany continued throughout the 1870s including the addition of water stored in the Bunnerong Dam (1876-1877) by way of a pipe to the No 4 Pond. The then Bunnerong Road was moved and ran along the top of this dam wall.

These works were fed by the many springs in the area. In 1886, the last year of full pumping, 1864 million gallons of water were supplied to Sydney from these works. Although the scheme was Sydney's major source of water for 30 years, it did not supply the Botany area and local residents depended on natural sources and tanks (ibid, 1988, 35-6).

As Sydney's third water supply, it supported Sydney's expansion for most of the latter 19th century. As with its predecessors, it relied on aquifers to supply water (Sydney Water, 2010).

By the early 1880s the Upper Nepean Scheme was well underway and in November 1886 the Nepean-supplied water effectively ended the general supply of Sydney's water from the Botany system. Even intermittent emergency use of the system ceased by 1893 so that the Engine House machinery was finally decommissioned with pumping equipment and boilers sold at auction in 1896. In 1894 various local industrial uses - such as wool scourers and tanners - were permitted to return to the wetland vicinity through leases until 1947.

By November 1888, most of Sydney's water was coming from the Nepean system, although Botany Swamps topped up water supplies during water shortages, until 1893 (Sydney Water, 2010).

While these major improvement programs for Sydney's water supply were being put into place it also became clear - chiefly from an increasingly polluted harbour - that substantial works were needed to deal with the sewage of Sydney and its immediate suburbs. After the Board of Water Supply and Sewerage was formed in 1888 the basis of what is presently Sydney's largest sewerage system was commenced. As part of its responsibilities the new Board assumed control of various recent works of the Public Works Department, one of which was the first of the new sewer mains from the City to the Botany Sewage Farm established about 1886. Another main was added in 1898 which linked various western suburbs to the Sewage Farm. However by the turn of the century the usefulness of the Farm was fast diminishing such that the southern and western sewerage systems were amalgamated and extended, from 1909, to a new ocean outfall at Malabar while the much expanded Botany Sewage Farm was closed. This work - known as the Southern and Western Sewer Ocean Outfall System or, usually, SWSOOS No 1 - was completed in 1916 under the direction of Chief Engineer EM de Burgh.

Further growth of Sydney's suburbs and resultant extensions to this sewerage network necessitated an augmentation of the system, by duplication known as SWSOOS No 2, during 1936 to 1941. Both mains were required to cross the Cooks River by inverted syphons. The current SWSOOS network represents Sydney's largest sewerage system and envelops mains that were constructed from the 1880s through the 1890s, 1900s, 1910s to 1940s. Other individually significant components of the SWSOOS network that occur in the vicinity of the present site include the twin major inverted syphons and syphonic overflows (now under Sydney Airport)(part of ID No SW 33?) and the 1896 sewer vent at West Botany Street, Arncliffe (ID No SW 31 - SHI 4571725).

Within the site the existing engine house chimney was retired for water supply use in 1888, left unused for 28 years then, after being shortened, re-used as a vent in 1916 as part of the work for the new SWSOOS. Various buildings, associated with the new sewerage system, were added to the west. During the 1940s the chimney was further truncated to its present height along with the diversion of the mouth of the Cooks River into Botany Bay and substantial filling of the Engine and Mill Ponds as part of a major expansion and upgrade of airport facilities. From the 1970s a greater appreciation of the special historical and environmental values of the place was apparent through the commissioning of a range of studies to record and assess its significance. However further incursions continued with the 1988 construction of Southern Cross Drive through the middle of the Engine Pond, reclamation by the DMR and more recent works associated with the pre-Olympics upgrade of the airport.

The Lakes Golf Club (1928)
In 1928 construction of a clubhouse near Gardeners Road was commenced for the Lakes Golf Club with the course - to the west and north of the chain of ponds - opening in 1930.

About 1960 the Eastlakes Golf Club was established with an 18-hole course on the eastern and southern side of the ponds. The neighbouring course to the northeast, the Australian Golf Club, was established in 1904 and in the same year it was host for the first Australian open golf title which was won by Michael Scott. Both the Lakes and Australian golf courses have been consistently ranked in the top five golf courses in New South Wales for many years.

The Lakes Golf Club practice precinct (east of the club house)
The practice precinct was excavated on a number of occasions from 1928 to 1970. In the early 1970s the south-eastern area of this land was bulldozed and redeveloped as part of the overall golf course design as a direct result of the state government requiring some of the golf course land to constuct Southern Cross Drive. This included extensive excavation of the area of the practice precinct of the golf course. In the mid-1970s some of the practice precinct area formed part of the tennis court construction which required bulldoxing the area to prepare the ground for new tennis courts. This was conducted as part of construction of the golf course clubhouse (Kirkman, 2016, 4)

In the early 2000s the practice precicent was renovated as part of a plan to improve course facilities for practice, and to have the course fit with the natural contours and appearance of the sandy dunes and lakes that dominate its site. This included extensive distubrance of the practice precinct area. In 2005 a new club house was built and this resulted in removal of the tennis courts. The practice precinct and some of the driving range tee was bulldozed to remove the tennis courts and then construct the practice chipping area (ibid, 2016, 4-5).

From 2007-09 the entire Lakes Golf Course underwent a comprehensive renovation which included extensive construction works to the south-western section of the practice precinct area. This involved use of a bulldozer and other construction equipment to construct the 10th tees and the area in front of them. This included the small ridge between the driving range tee and the front of the current 10th hole tees (ibid, 2016, 4).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Cultural: Lakes and wetlands supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Cultural: Rivers and water bodies important to humans-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Modification of terrain-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Natural - pre European settlement vegetation-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Natural - site important native fauna habitat or food source-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Introduce cultural planting-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. Aboriginal Culture-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities Demonstrating emancipist's entrepreneurial activities-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture Farming with convict labour-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture Market gardening-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture Clearing land for farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings (none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes drowned beneath dam waters-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes of industrial production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods Processing meat-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods Manufacturing textiles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Science-Activities associated with systematic observations, experiments and processes for the explanation of observable phenomena Researching native flora-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Science-Activities associated with systematic observations, experiments and processes for the explanation of observable phenomena Researching botany and botanical processes-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Technology-Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences (none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Technology-Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences Technologies for reticulated water supply-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Naming places (toponymy)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Resuming private lands for public purposes-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Planning relationships between key structures and town plans-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing towns in response to topography-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis (none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis Providing drinking water-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working in factories-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. State government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Local government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - public water supply-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Local and municipal self-governance-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Landscaping - 20th century interwar-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Landscaping - 20th century post WW2-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Building in response to natural landscape features.-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities badminton-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Simeon Lord, industrialist and emancipist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Sir Joseph Banks - naturalist/botanist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Daniel Solander, naturalist, botanist,assistant at the British Museum-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria a)
[Historical significance] 		The item contains substantial remnants of structures and layout from Sydney's third main water supply system which supported the growth of Australia's largest city for most of the latter half of the 19th century. The 1850s water supply pipeline represents the oldest main in the State. The site contains important components of Sydney's main southern sewerage system from the 1910s and 1930s to 1940s supporting the expansion and consolidation of inner Sydney from the late 19th century to the present.

It also demonstrates the growth in demand for golf courses throughout the 20th century with the establishment of four separate courses including the Australian (est. 1904) and the Lakes Golf Course (est. 1928) - two of the State's oldest and most highly regarded.

The place also has strong and direct associations with prominent individuals - including Colonial entrepreneur Simeon Lord; the naval officer, surveyor and pastoralist Thomas Woore; City Engineers WB Rider, Edward Bell and Francis Bell; and Board engineers including EM de Burgh. Passing, though telling, early European references to the former landscape character of the area were made by many noted travellers including Captain James Cook in 1770 and Francois Peron in 1802.

As surviving elements of Sydney's third main water supply system it is rare if not unique.

As a modified/remnant wetland system it is representative of a once extensive vegetation community that included sites from Jewells Swamp, near Lake Macquarie to Coomaditchy Lagoon south of Sydney, yet as remnant sites within the Sydney Basin are now only of a small size and are threatened with extinction the wetlands should be considered rare. Similarly the areas of Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub are rare - of their total estimated area at the beginning of European colonisation less than 1% remains.

SWSOOS is rare as the largest of Sydney's sewerage networks.

Although the pre-European wetland ecosystem was modified during the 1860s and 1870s pond construction, there has been only limited major modification - mainly for the expansion of the airport and construction of new arterial roadways - since then. Major elements (the sequence of ponds) of Sydney's third main water supply system are substantially intact. Particular elements of the system - its architectural and planted elements - are only partially intact. Yet the little that remains of these are particularly poignant and serve as important local landmarks.
SHR Criteria c)
[Aesthetic significance] 		The site represents a substantial tract of greenspace with important landscape attributes - extensive areas of water, wetlands, plantings, archaeological features, dunes, remnant indigenous vegetation and fauna - providing notable scenery and, remarkably, within 6 km of the Sydney CBD.
SHR Criteria d)
[Social significance] 		The large tract of open space is probably highly valued as a local or even regional asset while the uses associated with the various golf courses would likely guarantee a special interest in the wetlands landscape by patrons. The ruinous water supply structures and remnant 1869 plantings along with the 1915 sewerage Pump House are well appreciated features and function as important cultural references within the parkland associated with the remnant Engine Pond.
SHR Criteria e)
[Research potential] 		The place is of importance for its archaeological research potential pertaining to the early 19th century use of the wetlands for industry, Sydney's third main water supply system and aspects of Sydney's sewerage provision. Direct evidence of the construction of the original Lord dam walls, his house and outbuildings or other structures, other industrial structures and the former Sydney- Botany Tollhouse may still remain under the later fill.

The wetlands are of well recognised ecological value (flora/fauna [including benthos, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and amphibians] habitat and corridor) and environmental value (major Sydney basin aquifer recharge).
SHR Criteria f)
[Rarity] 		As surviving elements of Sydney's third main water supply system it is rare.
SHR Criteria g)
[Representativeness] 		As a modified wetland system it is representative.
Integrity/Intactness: Major elements (the sequence of ponds) of Sydney’s third main water supply system are substantially intact.
Assessment criteria: Items are assessed against the PDF State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management CategoryDescriptionDate Updated
Recommended ManagementReview a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) 
Recommended ManagementPrepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines 
Recommended ManagementCarry out interpretation, promotion and/or education 

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementBotany Wetlands Conservation Management Plan CMP received for information purposes only, not endorsed, 21 June 2005 Jun 21 2005
57(2)Exemption to allow workStandard Exemptions HERITAGE ACT 1977

ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL

I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977:

revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and

grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A.

This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette.

Dated this 29th day of October 2025
The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC
Minister for Heritage

For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below. 		Nov 7 2025

PDF Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register 0131718 Nov 99   
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register 41510130 Jun 02   
National Trust of Australia register Botany/lachlan Swamps Water Supply Former6813   
Register of the National Estate - InterimBotany Swamps17854   

Study details

TitleYearNumberAuthorInspected byGuidelines used
Sydney Water Heritage Study199600640Graham Brooks & Associates  No

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
WrittenAbel Ecology2006Revegetation Plan, Bonnie Doon Golf Course
WrittenAbel Ecology2005Environmental Assessment, Bonnie Doon Golf Course
Management Plan (HC endorsed)Asset Management, Sydney Water Corporation.2003Botany Wetlands draft conservation management plan
WrittenEco Logical Australia P/L2008Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub Monitoring Report - June 2008
WrittenKirkman, Andrew, General Manager, The Lakes Golf Club2016Application for a heritage exemption - Practice Precinct Renovation, at the Lakes Golf Club
WrittenPollen, Francis (ed.)1988Botany, in 'The Book of Sydney Suburbs'
WrittenPrestons, Jennifer2021Edward Bell, Sydney City Engineer 1856 to 1870 View detail
WrittenRoss Watson Golf Course Architecture P/L2005Heritage Impact Statement, Bonnie Doon Golf Course
WrittenRoss Watson Golf Course Architecture P/L2002Statement of Environmental Effects, Bonnie Doon Golf Course
WrittenSydney Water2010Botany Wetlands (brochure)

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.
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(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source

The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name: Heritage NSW
Database number: 5051418
File number: 10/14814; H06/00076

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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