This week, Roy decided that, with Autumn approaching, the perfect picnic weather (according to him) will also soon be here. In the height of summer it is just too hot to have a good picnic, and there are too many insects! Autumn though is that bit cooler and the insects are a little less fierce. With this in mind, Roy thought it would be a perfect time to introduce you to Walka Waterworks, a perfect place for a picnic. Walka Waterworks is on Oakhampton Road in East Maitland, NSW.
Walka Waterworks is the historic remains of the biggest industrial complex in the Hunter Valley region. It was built in the 1880s to supply clean water to the Newcastle area. There had been a long dry period in the 1870s and so a source of water had to be found which could be relied on to supply clean water. In 1877, after the local government representative, G. A Lloyd raised the issue with the government, Sir Henry Parkes sent William Clark to advise on possible water sources. William Clark had come to Australia to give advice on Sydney's water supply and also problems with drainage. He was a well known and respected British hydraulic engineer, so he was perfect for the job. William Clark proposed the Walka site for the Lower Hunter areas water supply, and suggested the cost of constructing the waterworks would be 170000 pounds. The site would be able to supply 37000 people with water.
The people of the lower Hunter were very happy with the plan and, having approved it, sent a submission to Government about the project. Although the then Government approved the plan, the building process for the Waterwork's was delayed as the next two Government groups preferred to build a second water supply for Sydney before Walka Waterworks. Work on the Walka Waterworks finally began in 1882 and the waterworks were in use by 1887. They remained the main source of water for the Lower Hunter region from 1887 until 1929. The waterworks were finally closed down in 1945.
The building of Walka Waterworks did not only provide water for the Lower Hunter region. It also played an important role in increasing the health of the region as, once the waterworks were being used the water which people drank was clean. With the Walka Waterworks providing clean water for drinking and washing in, it was possible for a sewerage system to be established which meant that illness decreased. If you would like to learn more about Walka Waterworks, click here.
Unfortunately the museum and kiosk are not open at the moment, but there are miniature train rides on weekends and lots of wildlife to see. You can also have a look at the interpretive signs around the site, or at the machinery which is displayed around the main building. There is play equipment, walking tracks and plenty of room to kick a ball or even fly a kite!
As for what's in the water, a picture says a thousand words!
Turtles, and lots of them (Roy has it on good authority, from a few locals, that they like corn)