Rockhampton, the service and beef capital of Central Queensland, has another feather to add to its cap. The City is believed to be home to two of the oldest operational reservoirs of their kind in Queensland.
According to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, the two 4.5ML in ground reservoirs on the Athelstane Range built in 1883 and 1896, are believed to be the oldest reservoirs of their type still in use in Queensland. At the time, the reservoirs serviced Rockhampton’s 3.6ML plus per day water consumption needs and today continue to play a critical role as part of the City’s 11 reservoirs.
The reservoirs were refurbished in 1958, with a new steel reinforced concrete lining.
“After 119 and 106 years of operation respectively, these reservoirs are still in good working order and are likely to continue to provide effective service for at least another 30 years,” said Rockhampton Mayor, Councillor Margaret Strelow. “The usual effective working life for concrete water retaining structures is around 80 years, however due to the solid construction of these two reservoirs, with regular inspection we do not expect to have to replace them until 2038.
“It is quite amazing to think that these reservoirs, an instrumental part of the city’s original water supply, remain operational and continue not only to serve their purpose, but provide us with an insight into the sound engineering practices that have added years to the life of these assets.
“It is ironic in that while Council undertakes a major upgrade to its water and wastewater infrastructure, we can proudly boast two reservoirs with a combined age of over 225 years, still going strong.”
