MOORABOOL RAILWAY ARTEFACT SCATTER

RAILWAY RESERVE ADJACENT TO MOORABOOL VIADUCT, BATESFORD, GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

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  • History

    MOORABOOL RAILWAY ARTEFACT SCATTER - History

    Early land owners in the area included Thomas Learmonth (1783-1869), a member of the Port Phillip Association. The association was a large group of settlers looking to establish a large tract of pastoral land in the area west of Melbourne.

    Interpretation of Site

    MOORABOOL RAILWAY ARTEFACT SCATTER - Interpretation of Site

    The site is likely to represent a temporary location for working bluestone used in construction of the Moorabool Viaduct. The assemblage (including domestic ceramics) indicates there may have been some camping or habitation of the area, or that it may have been a rubbish disposal area for nearby residences. No evidence was noted of structural architectural remains. There are also several small piles of spalled bluestone, possibly the result of discarded material during bluestone preparation and detailing. The site and surrounding area have been disturbed by erosion on an access road through the site and by stockpiling of waste ballast and other soil.

    Archaeological Significance

    MOORABOOL RAILWAY ARTEFACT SCATTER - Archaeological Significance

    The site has moderate archaeological significance.The site contains a small quantity and range of cultural material with no evidence of stratification. The integrity of the site is affected by the deteriorated condition and levl of disturbance. The site may be an eample of a workers camp site - which is rare in this region. However further investigation is needed. The scatter consists of more than 30 fragments of domestic pottery and glass, and various metal artefacts such as railway pins hooks and other discarded metal. Much of the metal deposit is slightly buried and its exact nature is not known (presence was confirmed by a metal detector). Indigenous artefacts also exist on the site.

    Historical Significance

    MOORABOOL RAILWAY ARTEFACT SCATTER - Historical Significance

    The site has significance for its association with the Moorabool Viaduct, one of Victoria's oldest bridges. It represents a significant period of transport and infrastructure development.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    MOORABOOL RAILWAY ARTEFACT SCATTER - Heritage Inventory Description

    Site consists of a scatter of historic artefacts on the edge of the Moorabool Escarpment adjacent to the Geelong to Ballarat Railway line. Scatter consists of fragments of domestic pottery and glass, and metal artefacts relating to the railway. Small piles of spalled bluestone also exist on site. The majority of the site is covered by waste piles of discarded railway ballast. The ground has previously been disturbed during maintenance work and utility installations.
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