Lake Parramatta Dam

Item details


Name of item:	Lake Parramatta Dam
Other name/s:	Hunts Creek Dam, Parramatta Dam; Lake Parramatta Reserve
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Landscape - Cultural
Category:	Water Supply Reservoir/ Dam
Location:	Lat: -33.7913378410 Long: 151.0058950540
Primary address:	28A Bourke Street, North Parramatta, NSW 2151
Local govt. area:	City of Parramatta
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
PART LOT	7028	DP	1124167
PART LOT	7304	DP	1148769
PART LOT	5	DP	249668
PART LOT	4	DP	998941

Boundary:

10 metres in each direction from the base of the dam wall.

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Type
28A Bourke Street	North Parramatta	City of Parramatta	Primary Address
James Ruse Drive	North Parramatta	City of Parramatta	Alternate Address
North Rocks Road	North Parramatta	City of Parramatta	Alternate Address
Illawong Drive	North Parramatta	City of Parramatta	Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
City of Parramatta Council	Local Government

Statement of significance:


	Lake Parramatta Dam was the first large dam built in Australia. It was 'completed in 1856, practically simultaneously with and probably independently of the modern arch dams in Europe' (Dam Technology in Australia 1850-1999, ANCOLD). As such the dam has an important place in the history of both dam technology in Australia and in the design of arch dams in the world. In detail: - It is the first large dam built in Australia. - It is the only ashlar masonry arch dam in Australia (B Cole). - It is believed to be: -the eleventh earliest single arch dam constructed in the world since antiquity; -the only masonry dam in the world to combine the use of Roman and Portland cements in the one structure. - It has a very slender cross section when compared with structures of similar age. - It was the storage for one of the earliest surburban water projects in Australia and remained in service for sixty years. - Its design and construction involved three of the most significant public works operatives of the time: Captain Percy Simpson, who was initially appointed engineer for the works and is believed to be the designer; Edward Orpen Moriarty, the supervising engineer for construction; and W Randle, the contractor. - 'A dominant feature of the dam is its modest volume of 3,000m3 of masonry, resulting from the fact that the base is only 4.6m thick. Had it been a gravity type, it would have been about twice as thick at the base with a consequent doubling of the material required' (Dam Technology in Australia 1850-1999, ANCOLD). - The design of the dam is thought to have been a precursor to the use of the 'cylinder' formula used by CW Darley in his design of thirteen thin arch dams constructed between 1896 and 1908 which aroused international attention. - The raising of the dam's height in 1898 by CW Darley was part of the earliest arch dam construction programs in the world, and attracted appropriate international attention. - The raising of the dam 3.3 m by the addition of a concrete ring was achieved without diminishing the integrity of the original structure. - The quality of the dam's design, construction and raising is demonstrated by it remaining in excellent condition and being able to withstand Probable Maximum Flood conditions. - The dam remains the focus of an important social and recreational facility for Parramatta and surrounding district.
	Date significance updated: 19 Oct 11
	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:	Captain Percy Simpson and Ernest Orpen Moriarty (1856); Cecil West Darley (1898)
Builder/Maker:	William Randle (1856)
Construction years:	1853-1898
Physical description:	The dam is located on Hunts Creek, within Lake Parramatta Reserve, 1.5 km north of the centre of the City of Parramatta. Lake Parramatta Dam is a cylindrical masonry arch dam with a vertical water face that has a radius of 240 ft (73m). The original (1856) wall was 41 ft (12.5m) high, 15 ft (4.5m) thick at the base and 8 ft (2.4m) thick at the crest, with a 0.3m high parapet. It was constructed of solid sandstone quarried from the creek. Each block was carefully dressed to accurate dimensions and laid in courses 0.6m high. The dam wall extended about 4m into the abutments on each bank. The stone blocks were bonded together with cement mortar to ensure water-tightness. Two different cements were imported from England. Roman cement was used where the joints were in contact with the water and Portland cement elsewhere. The original spillway was a channel excavated at the northern abutment of the dam. This spillway was closed when the dam was raised, and provision was made for floods to pass over the raised dam crest that incorporated a syphon spillway for low flows (Heinrichs, 1998).
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Considering its age, the condition of Lake Parramatta Dam is very good . (See also 'Integrity'). The original sandstone masonry blocks are in excellent condition with no significant signs of weathering or spalling. Likewise the condition of the mortar is also very good with only minor leakage emanating in various locations (Heinrichs, 1998).
	Date condition updated:14 Nov 11
Modifications and dates:	In 1898 the wall was raised by 11 feet (3.3 m) in the form of a concrete arch founded on the stonework. The original spillway was a channel excavated at the northern abutment of the dam. Tthis spillway was closed when the dam was raised, and provision was made for floods to pass over the raised dam crest, that incorporated a syphon spillway for low flows (Heinrichs, 1998).


Current use:	Water storage. Located in a reserve used or public recreation since the 1930s.
Former use:	1856-1909: town water supply. 1920s and 1930s: popular bathing and picnicking.

History

Historical notes:

From 1788 to 1909, Parramatta depended on the Parramatta River for its water supply. The history of public supply began in 1815 when a well was sunk for public use. In 1818 Governor Macquarie ordered a dam to be built across the Parramatta River. It was called the Town Dam and held about 30 million gallons of water (136 kL) which was delivered to houses and factories by privately operated water carts. This dam still stands near Lennox Bridge and retains the pond through Parramatta Park. A second dam was built near the present Cumberland Hospital in 1831.

Pollution and recurrent shortages led to agitation for a larger and purer supply. By 1847 the population had increased to 4500, and the government was asked to provide the district with a "full supply of pure and wholesome water". Unfortunately, due to other more pressing demands, the government was unable to comply. Agitation continued and two factions developed: one advocating a dam on Toongabbie Creek, the other favouring Hunts Creek. In 1849 a large public meeting of citizens petitioned the Governor for a grant of pounds sterling 3000 ($6000) to provide a wholesome water supply. A few weeks later the Legislative Council granted pounds sterling 1000 ($2000) to the citizens of Parramatta who were expected to find the other pounds sterling 2000 ($4000). The Government grant was later increased to pounds sterling 3000 ($6000).

A Committee of Water Commissioners (the Water Committee) comprising selected Parramatta citizens was appointed by the Governor to carry out the work. The debate over the site continued until the Surveyor General Sir Thomas Mitchell recommended the selection of Hunts Creek. Plans and specifications were prepared and in May 1851 the Water Committee approved the construction of a "circular" (arch) dam.

The tender of Mr John Stewart for this work was accepted but, after starting work, he withdrew from the contract, citing undue interference by the Water Committee. A second contractor failed and a third also withdrew from the task. The Water Committee reverted to the Toongabbie Scheme, and then resigned.

A new Water Committee changed back to Hunts Creek and had plans prepared by Captain Percy Simpson who was also appointed Engineer of Works. Later supervision of the work was handed over to Mr EO Moriarty, a civil engineer in private practice. In November 1853, the tender of Mr W Randle was accepted. Before dam construction could begin, it was necessary to cut and shape stones from the quarry and to excavate steps in the abutments to receive each course of masonry. By June 1855, sufficient work had been done for the first stone to be ceremoniously laid in the dam wall. This was done by Mr James Pye. He was a member of both Water Committees and his support for the Hunts Creek Scheme had never wavered.

The contractor employed about 150 men and worked them on day and night shifts. By August 1855 the available funds had been expended and work was suspended. When more money was allocated the next year, work resumed and the dam was completed in September 1856, at a cost of about pounds sterling 17 000 ($34,000).

The cylindrical arch dam had a vertical water face with a radius of 240 ft (73m). The wall was 41 ft (12.5m) high, 15 ft (4.5m) thick at the base and 8 ft (2.4m) thick at the crest, with an 0.3m high parapet. It was constructed of solid sandstone quarried from the creek. Each block was carefully dressed to accurate dimensions and laid in courses 0.6m high. The dam wall extended about 4m into the abutments on each bank.

At Moriarty's suggestion the stones were bonded together with with cement mortar to ensure watertightness. Two different cements were imported from England. Roman cement was used where the joints were in contact with the water, and Portland cement elsewhere.

Lake Parramatta Dam was the first large dam built in Australia, only the 11th arch dam built in the world, and the only ashlar masonry arch dam built in Australia. ('Ashlar' means stones hewn to rectangular shapes).

For the next 25 years the dam was only used to replenish the Town Dam and as a bathing pool for boys. Plans to reticulate water to the town awaited the granting of appropriate powers to the local authority and the funding of a pump house, filter beds and pipes. This process was not completed until 1881.

By the mid-1890s the population of Parramatta had grown to 13 000, and a succession of drought years emptied the reservoir on several occasions. Increased storage became a necessity, and in 1898 Mr CW Darley recommended the raising of the wall by 6 ft (2 m). The height was actually increased by 11 feet (3.3 m) in the form of a concrete arch founded on the stonework. The original spillway was a channel excavated at the northern abutment of the dam. This spillway was closed when the dam was raised, and provision was made for floods to pass over the raised dam crest, that incorporated a syphon spillway for low flows.

In 1909 the supply was discontinued when Parramatta was connected to the Sydney water system. During the 1920s and 1930s, the reserve served as a popular picnic and bathing spot, that even required its own life saving club. The Hunts Creek water reserve was later vested in Parramatta Council as a public recreation area and is known as the Lake Parramatta Reserve. (Heinrichs, 1998).

During the 1960s there were a number of drowning in the lake - because the water was very warm and muddy at the surface and very cold underneath - causing cramps - in a time when the average person did not swim so well (Barbara Hickson, pers.comm., 27/3/2012).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local 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.	Other open space-
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.	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.	Cultural: Conserving and protecting natural features-
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.	Park reserve-
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.	Changing the environment-
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 of dam and weir building and maintenance-
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	Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis	Water supply-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis	Providing drinking water-
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-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Percy Simpson, surveyor, engineer, administrator-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Edward Orpen Moriarty, surveyor, Engineer in Chief for Harbours and Rivers-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Cecil West Darley, Engineer-in-chief, Public Works Department-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with William Randle (Randall), builder-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Lake Parramatta Dam does not appear to meet this criteria of State significance.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	Lake Parramatta Dam is associated with four persons of state significance in the mid to late nineteenth century colony of NSW: Captain Percy Simpson, Edward Orpen Moriarity, Cecil West Darley and William Randle (Randall). Captain Percy Simpson (1789-1877): surveyor, engineer and administrator. Simpson was initially appointed engineer for the dam works and is believed to be the designer. As a free migrant to NSW in 1822, Simpson gained experience managing convicts as the commandant of the convict agricultural settlement at Wellington (1823). In 1828 he was appointed as an assistant surveyor of roads and bridges and from 1828-32 he supervised the construction of the Devine's Hill section of the technically challenging Great North Road at Wisemans Ferry where he developed his skills in the use of ashlar retaining walls. This section of the Great North Road is testament to Simpson's engineering skills and his supervision of convict labour (some working in irons) to a very high standard of construction. Simpson's ability to manage convict labour and his administrative and engineering skills were recognised by successive governors. Surveyor General Sir Thomas Mitchell knew of 'no other officer in the Colony to whom I could with better expectation as to the results, intrust any work connected with the formation of roads, bridges and streets.' (Johnson, ADB, 2005). The challenging road from Lapstone Hill to Mitchell's Pass in the Blue Mountains, bridges at Wollombi, Lansdowne and Duck Creek and the Queens Wharf at Sydney Cove are all attributed to Simpson. Following colonial administrative positions in the 1830s, Simpson returned to Ireland in the 1840s to work on railways. He returned to Sydney in 1850 as a civil engineer and was involved in the radical new design and construction of Lake Parramatta Dam. He remained in Parramatta in the 1850s and 1860s serving as a district registrar (Johnson, ADB, 2005, Supp Vol, pp 362-3). Edward Orpen Moriarty (1824-1896), consulting engineer and surveyor About 1849 Moriarty commenced private practice in Sydney as a civil engineer, carrying out various schemes including the development of coal mines at Wollongong; design of the first Pyrmont bridge across Darling Harbour, timber bridges over the Murrumbidgee at Wagga Wagga and the Nepean at Richmond, and supervision of Lake Parramatta Dam. In the latter capacity he may have modified the dam design and recommended the use of specific mortars in the joints between the stones. In October 1858 he was appointed Engineer-in-Chief for Harbours and River Navigation in the Public Works Department which he directed until he retired in December 1888. During that time he carried out many important harbour and hydraulic works including the initial development of the Port of Newcastle. Other works included construction and excavation of breakwaters, basins and docks at Wollongong and Kiama; improvements at the mouth of the Clarence and Richmond Rivers; a harbour of refuge at Trial Bay; extensive wharfage in Sydney harbour, and enlargement of the Sutherland dry dock on Cockatoo Island. Moriarty was also significantly involved in devising the Upper Nepean water supply scheme for Sydney. Cecil West Darley (1842-1928) Cecil Darley became Principal Assistant Engineer Harbours & Rivers of the Public Works Department in 1881, under Moriarty. Under him 'many of the water supply works in the Colony were constructed'. Darley succeeded Moriarty as Engineer-in-Chief Harbours & Rivers in 1889 and became Chief Engineer PWD in 1896. In 1898 Moriarty recommended a raising of Lake Parramatta Dam. He is renowned for the thirteen thin arch dams built to his direction around the beginning of the 20th century and described by Wade. (Who Was Who, 1916-1928) William Randle (Randall) William Randle was responsible for construction of the first steam railway in Australia (in Melbourne) and for building Fort Denison (sandstone masonry) in Sydney Harbour. He built the first railway in NSW from Sydney to Parramatta where he achieved outstanding progress using "modern methods" of shifting spoil in wagons on rails. His superior and innovative construction skills were again demonstrated in constructing Lake Parramatta Dam.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Lake Parramatta Dam has state significance for its technical innovation and achievement because: - It was one of the first arch dams ever built (the first in Australia, the 11th in the world). - It was a very economical dam, requiring the minimum quantities of material, all available locally except the cements. - While there is no conclusive evidence that the design had a theoretical basis, the fact that Percy Simpson, the first known person involved in the dam's design was also involved in the construction of high masonry walls on the Great North Road, leads to the belief that a certain degree of innovation and adaptation was involved in translating the design across to dams. - The mortar used for jointing the masonry blocks is an especially innovative feature of the dam. Chestnut (1982) reports that "manufactured Roman Cement (rather than burnt lime or gypsum) is the main cementing component in the mortar. This material forms a strong and dense product and probably explains the lack of leaching in the (permeable) in-service environment....." The use of Roman Cement is confirmed by Moriarty: "All the masonry ... in the wall is set in Roman Cement, the stones having been carefully dressed to templates......". A contemporary report in the Empire newspaper states "That portion of the work which is subject to the continual action of water has been set in Roman cement, and the remaining portion in Portland cement". From H.J. Cowan's paper on the history of concrete, it appears 'Roman Cement' dates from the production of this material in England by James Parker in 1796 from clays containing veins of calcareous matter, while Portland Cement was first produced by Joseph Aspdin in 1811 from separately occurring deposits of limestone and clay. It is believed that this is the first dam to incorporate Portland and manufactured Roman Cement in its construction. - Another innovative aspect was Randle's method of handling and placing the masonry blocks in the dam. A description is given in the report of 8 June 1855 on the laying of the foundation stone, and is quoted below. "The commencement already made, consists in the formation of a timber frame over the entire site of the dam, running at the height of thirty three feet; along this a travelling-jenny travels, and the operations of raising the blocks and lowering them in their destination are performed with the utmost precision. A weight of twenty tons may be moved by this machinery, but the power applied in the present work will probably range between two and six tons. The labour is now directed to the excavation of the sides of the ravine to form footings and abutments for the dam wall, and also to preparing and laying the courses. The circumstances of the water being at its lowest ebb is very propitious to the operations...." Associated with this was a rail line to transport the masonry blocks from the quarry to the gantry at the dam. - The raising of the dam in 1898 using a concrete arch on its crest, was part of a program of thin arch dam construction in NSW by the Public Works Department which attracted international attention because of its reliance on the cylinder formula. - The high quality of the design and construction is demonstrated by its ability to meet modern safety standards after 140 years of service.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The Institution of Engineers has declared Lake Parramatta Dam a National Engineering Landmark. The completion of Lake Parramatta Dam in 1856 was an important event for those living in the Parramatta district. The previous water source, the Town Dam on the Parramatta River, was polluted, unreliable and unhygienic, whereas the new source supplied pure and wholesome water, and its storage enabled the supply to continue through the drought years. The breakthrough came when the citizens finally persuaded the government to fund the cost. Twenty-five years later a pump house and reticulation system brought the water from the dam to the streets of Parramatta. The dam is now a central feature of Lake Parramatta Reserve park which is visited regularly by tourists and picnickers. The birdlife (mainly waterfowl) and native fauna around the dam and fish in the lake are pleasant distractions from the otherwise drab suburbia of western Sydney. A nature trail follows the perimeter of part of the storage. The Reserve forms an attractive recreation area in the Parramatta district. The amenities include a small beach, barbecues, picnic areas, car parking facilities, a kiosk, and childrens' playgrounds. The most popular activity is bushwalking, and there is also an orienteering track within the Reserve. Following on representations made by the Wild Life Preservation Society of Australia, the Parramatta Council in 1958 adopted the bushland area and the maintenance and development of the recreation area as one of its objectives. The Council also applied to the Fauna Protection Panel to have the area proclaimed a Complete Sanctuary and it became the first wildlife refuge in the Sydney area.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Lake Parramatta Dam has research potential as: - it is not known conclusively who designed the dam. - it is not known whether the design basis for determining the thickness of the arches had any technical basis, such as the cylinder formula which was used so successfully much later. - it is not known whether Lake Parramatta Dam was a significant factor in the adoption of arch dams by the PWD for town water supplies in NSW, when that Department built 13 cylindrical arch dams between 1896 and 1908. Ash & Heinrichs, 1996 say that: "The issue of who designed the dam is clouded by the report in the Empire on the laying of the foundation stone on 7 June 1855. It said that as a result of the Committee's deliberations "a design for the works produced by 'Mr T Moriarty, junr', has been approved of, and a contract for their immediate execution, by Mr W. Randle, entered into." Also, when Governor General Sir W.T. Denison visited the works on 24 August 1855, the Empire reported him as referring to "... Mr Simpson, the former architect, and ... Mr Moriarty, the present architect." Evidence that Moriarty superseded Simpson early on is confirmed by Moriarty's name appearing as 'Engineer' on the commemorative plaque originally mounted on the parapet. "The authors presume that 'Mr T Moriarty, junr' and E.O. Moriarty are the same person." The paragraphs below, extracted from Ash & Heinrichs, present a possible sequence of events. The fact that this sequence is unconfirmed makes the design of the dam an intriguing topic for research, especially given that it has not been established whether the cylinder formula was used in the design. - The Committee approved adoption of a "circular" dam on 22 May 1851 at the suggestion of Simpson and it was to his conception. - The "preliminary works" constructed by Stewart and others included foundation excavation on the 73m radius and the placement of some foundation rockwork. Simpson was probably involved. - Simpson prepared plans and specifications at the Committee's direction during 1853, sizing the dam with a by-wash (spillway) for maximum development of the site, but to a design method not disclosed. - Moriarty influenced the Committee to vary the cross section of the dam, prior to the calling of tenders in November 1853, and succeeded in having Simpson replaced by himself as Engineer of Works. - After letting the contract to Randle, Moriarty (or Randle) suggested a variation to incorporate cement mortar joints and this was adopted. - The cements were ordered from England between the end of 1853 and June 1855 when the foundation stone was laid. During that time Randle erected his gantry.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Lake Parramatta Dam is a rarity. It is the only masonry arch dam in Australia. It was the first large dam, one year ahead of Melbourne's Yan Yean Dam. (Strictly speaking, large dams are over 15m high above lowest foundation level, which Lake Parramatta Dam became in 1898, after a 3.3m raising). It was the first arch dam and 40 years passed before the next arch dam was built (Lithgow Dam, 1896). While Lake Parramatta Dam is the only masonry arch dam in Australia, it is a cylindrical arch dam of which many more were built, but in concrete and several decades later (13 in NSW and one in SA). Consequently, Lake Parramatta Dam cannot be compared with any similar dams in Australia. As such it set a valuable design precedent. (B Cole: personal communication).
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The dam is a fine example of its type. Its thin section and appropriate curvature provided Parramatta with an economical dam. The original stone work is clearly visible from the downstream side and remains in good condition. The dam demonstrates the application of the stonemason's craft to a water-retaining structure of some magnitude. The choice of Roman cement mortar bonding between the stones has proved to be an inspired choice, having withstood 140 years of use with a minimum of leakage or deterioration. The essential character of the dam was retained when the raising was carried out in 1898. Although concrete was the chosen material, it was sympathetically applied. The arch form was maintained, the stones courses were simulated and the original stonework remained in full view, reminiscent of Fort Denison in Sydney Harbour. Considering its age, the condition of Lake Parramatta Dam is very good. The integrity of the original sandstone masonry blocks is excellent, with no significant signs of weathering or spalling. Likewise the condition of the mortar is also very good with only minor leakage emanating in various locations.
Integrity/Intactness:	The integrity of the dam is high; it retains water and is safe.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	SCHEDULE C Proposed future works: Installation of a CCTV camera, provided there is no impact on the heritage fabric of Lake Parramatta Dam	Mar 23 2012
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard 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

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

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01879	23 Mar 12	29	781
Local Environmental Plan	Parramatta LEP 1996 (Heritage & Conservation)
Register of the National Estate - Interim	Indicative Place, Nom. 01/01/1999	101612		AHC

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Alan Powell	1974	Moriarty, Edward Orpen (1825-1896)
Written	B Cole	2009	Personal communication: email to M Clarke, 15 March 2009
Written	B Cole (Ed)	2000	Dam Technology in Australia 1850-1999
Written	Beverley Johnson	2005	Simpson, Percy (1789-1877)
Written	Empire Newspaper	1857	Parramatta - The Dam
Written	Empire Newspaper	1855	Parramatta Water Works
Written	Empire Newspaper	1855	Visit of His Excellency, the Governor General
Written	H J Cowan	1994	A history of structural concrete and its adoption in Australia as a major building material.
Written	Matti Keentok	2008	Lake Parramatta	View detail
Written	P Heinrichs	1998	Lake Parramatta Dam: Nomination for Listing on the Register of the National Estate
Written	Parramatta City Council	1999	Plan of Management: Lake Parramatta Reserve, Vol 1, A Basis for Management
Written	R Ash and P Heinrichs	1996	Parramatta Single Arch Dam ; from 1856 and still going strong
Written	RR Ash	1986	Lake Parramatta Dam: Its place in the Evolution of Arch Dam Technology
Written	WS Chestnut	1982	Parramatta Dam: Report of the Geological Survey of NSW

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(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:	5056348
File number:	10/19614-1

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