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LAKE WENDOUREE
WENDOUREE PARADE LAKE WENDOUREE, BALLARAT CITY
LAKE WENDOUREE
WENDOUREE PARADE LAKE WENDOUREE, BALLARAT CITY
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Lake Wendouree
















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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
Lake Wendouree is a substantial urban lake of approximately 238 hectares, which was developed from existing wetlands from the 1850s. The place comprises the lake, its rowing course, surrounding public reserve with numerous mature trees, and significant built features including historic boat sheds, monuments and esplanades.
How is it significant?
Lake Wendouree is of historical and aesthetic significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:
Criterion A Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.
Criterion D Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects
Criterion E Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.
Criterion A Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.
Criterion D Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects
Criterion E Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.
Why is it significant?
Lake Wendouree is historically significant for its associations with the development of water-based sports and recreation in Victoria. Initially known as ‘Yuille’s Swamp’, it has been a popular rowing and boating site since the 1860s. Subsequent improvements to the lake and its surrounding reserve facilitated the development of recreational groups, including rowing and yachting clubs, fly fishing clubs and commercial paddle steamers, as well as the construction of their associated boat sheds. Lake Wendouree has retained an array of boat sheds and other features which enable the popularity of water-based sports and recreation during key periods the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to be fully appreciated. These historic uses, many of them ongoing, are complemented by the picturesque landscape surrounds of the lake which, along with the adjacent Ballarat Botanical Gardens (VHR H2252), has been a popular destination for leisure activities since the mid-nineteenth century. [Criterion A]
Lake Wendouree is also historically significant for its close association with the 1956 Olympic Games, which were predominantly held in metropolitan Melbourne. Lake Wendouree was the only Olympic venue in regional Victoria, selected for its substantial scale which enabled up to ten rowing or canoeing crews to race abreast. Its role in the 1956 Olympics is evident in the location and alignment of the existing rowing course, which was dredged specifically for the rowing and canoeing competitions for that event. Lake Wendouree’s central role in the 1956 Olympic Games can also be appreciated in the associated monument on the south-western shore. [Criterion A]
Lake Wendouree is significant as a notable example of an urban lake in Victoria. It is a substantial example that exhibits fine landscape characteristics, particular in its array of mature trees. Its early boat sheds, tram and picnic shelters, park furniture, monuments and statuary are of a higher degree of historical relevance than those found at other urban lakes. [Criterion D]
Lake Wendouree is aesthetically significant as a landscape that has been carefully designed and developed from the mid-nineteenth century to provide a distinctive and highly appealing sensory experience. This is characterised by uninterrupted vistas across the lake surface and a sense of enclosure from the surrounding city by numerous mature exotic trees. Winding pathways and historic boatsheds contribute to the scenic visual qualities of the place and it is complemented by the adjacent Ballarat Botanical Gardens (VHR H2252). It has inspired numerous artworks since at least the 1870s, particularly photography and painting. Artistic renderings of Lake Wendouree typically depict the picturesque qualities of activities carried out at the lake, such as sailing, rowing, fishing and walking. [Criterion E]
Lake Wendouree is also historically significant for its close association with the 1956 Olympic Games, which were predominantly held in metropolitan Melbourne. Lake Wendouree was the only Olympic venue in regional Victoria, selected for its substantial scale which enabled up to ten rowing or canoeing crews to race abreast. Its role in the 1956 Olympics is evident in the location and alignment of the existing rowing course, which was dredged specifically for the rowing and canoeing competitions for that event. Lake Wendouree’s central role in the 1956 Olympic Games can also be appreciated in the associated monument on the south-western shore. [Criterion A]
Lake Wendouree is significant as a notable example of an urban lake in Victoria. It is a substantial example that exhibits fine landscape characteristics, particular in its array of mature trees. Its early boat sheds, tram and picnic shelters, park furniture, monuments and statuary are of a higher degree of historical relevance than those found at other urban lakes. [Criterion D]
Lake Wendouree is aesthetically significant as a landscape that has been carefully designed and developed from the mid-nineteenth century to provide a distinctive and highly appealing sensory experience. This is characterised by uninterrupted vistas across the lake surface and a sense of enclosure from the surrounding city by numerous mature exotic trees. Winding pathways and historic boatsheds contribute to the scenic visual qualities of the place and it is complemented by the adjacent Ballarat Botanical Gardens (VHR H2252). It has inspired numerous artworks since at least the 1870s, particularly photography and painting. Artistic renderings of Lake Wendouree typically depict the picturesque qualities of activities carried out at the lake, such as sailing, rowing, fishing and walking. [Criterion E]
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LAKE WENDOUREE - History
Pre-colonial years to European settlement (1830s)
• The place that would come to be known as Lake Wendouree was a large, shallow wetland in open grassy country within the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people. The Burrumbeet balug clan occupied the land around Ballarat, including Lake Wendouree. With abundant wildlife and seasonal water, the place is an important resource. The swamp is characterised by its dense reeds and dry spells during the summer months.
• 1838: William Yuille and Henry Anderson establish a sheep run in the area, encompassing present-day Lake Wendouree, and name it ‘Ballarat’. Yuille establishes a hut on the southern edge of the swamp, which comes to be known as Yuille’s Swamp.
Ballarat’s first water supply (1850s)
• 1851: Gold is discovered in Ballarat and W S Urquhart is dispatched to Ballarat to survey the locality. Intensive alluvial mining along the Yarrowee River causes that water source to become heavily polluted and unsuitable for consumption.
• 1858: An underground pipeline is built between Yuille’s Swamp and Ballarat township, forming the town’s earliest official water supply. A portion of land on the swamp’s western shore is reserved as a botanical garden (Ballarat Botanical Gardens, VHR H2252).
• 1859-60: A series of nine-inch cast iron pipes are laid from Kirk’s Reservoir to Yuille’s Swamp, allowing the swamp to maintain its water levels through the summer months.
• 1850s: Various industries, attracted by the supply of fresh water, including Frys Flour Mill and the Lewis Soda factory, establish themselves around the lake’s edge.
• By 1862 the water supply from Lake Wendouree proves insufficient to support Ballarat. Water is instead supplied directly from Kirk’s Reservoir.
Shaping Lake Wendouree (1860s-70s)
• 1860s: various deep lead mines are established around the lake’s perimeter and are worked out by the mid-1870s.
• 1861: Recreational activities on and around the lake increase, and the Ballarat Rowing Club (the second oldest rowing club in Australia) is founded. A channel three chains wide is dredged across the southern portion of the swamp to provide a more appropriate rowing course.
• 1862: A stone quarry is established at View Point, providing construction material for many of the new buildings in Ballarat township.
• Mid-1860s: The earliest boat sheds are erected on the shores of the lake, one belonging to the Ballarat Rowing Club. The lake’s first paddle steamer, the Victoria, opens to the public. Fifteen paddle steamers plied the lake from the 1860s to the 1960s. A pier is built along the western shore to facilitate passage to the botanical gardens.
• c.1869: The lake completely dries and prisoners from the Ballarat Gaol are utilised to carry out improvement works. This includes clearing a pathway around the edges and fencing its perimeter to prevent cattle from wandering into and polluting the water. The prisoners also plant a cypress hedge along the newly established picket fence (both removed in 1928). Yuille’s Swamp comes to be known as Lake Wendouree.
• 1870s: The Ballarat Yacht Club is established.
• 1871: The lake banks raised and shoreline altered.
• 1872: Successful commercial paddle steamer, the Wendouree, is opened by Thomas Gill. The Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society release trout and carp into the lake.
• 1874: The promontory on the eastern edge of the lake (View Point) is further developed to create a promenade.
• 1875: Thomas Gill’s Lake View Hotel is established on Wendouree Parade, overlooking View Point.
• 1877: The circumference of the lake is planted with thousands of trees and shrubs and the southern half of the lake cleared of weeds.
• 1877: Ballaarat Yacht Club established.
• 1879: A scoria water feature, the Rustic Fountain, is constructed over the former filter beds to mark the location of Ballarat’s first water supply.
Recreation, leisure and commemoration (1880s-present)
• 1883: Paddle steamers are first used to weed the lake bed. This practise is continued into the twentieth century.
• 1885: The Golden City paddle steamer, built by Thomas Gill’s firm and able to transport up to 150 people around the lake, launches. The Gill family operated the Golden City until the 1940s.
• 1896: KD Baird Clarendon College Boatshed established, one of Australia’s oldest extant boatsheds.
• Early 1900s: Further extensive tree planting and construction of seats and picnic shelters.
• 1901: The Ned Williams memorial drinking fountain is unveiled.
• 1902: Severe drought and drying of Lake Wendouree. The regatta rowing course is surveyed and marked out between View Point and Gill’s Island.
• 1904: An electric tram line is constructed around the perimeter of Lake Wendouree.
• 1910s: This decade is characterised by various gardening works including the creation of garden beds, the planting of trees and the installation of seating.
• 1911: The Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society releases 20,000 trout into the lake for sport.
• 1913: The swampy foreshores at Durham Point in the north and St Patrick’s Point in the south are developed into promontories. St Patrick’s Point is populated with various exotic plantings.
• 1914: Construction of the Ballarat College rowing shed.
• 1920s: Further planting of exotic trees, including cypresses and pines.
• 1925: Construction of the George Tonner Memorial, designed by Clegg & Morrow architects.
• 1934: A granite memorial dedicated to William Yuille is erected on the lake’s southern shore, opposite Pleasant Street.
• 1948: Lake Wendouree hosts test races for the Olympic Games. A new rowing course is surveyed and marked at the start and finish lines by brick piers, while the former 1902 rowing course is permanently marked with stone cairns. Ballarat City Council and the Ballarat Rowing Association begin promotion of Lake Wendouree as a venue for the 1956 Olympic Games rowing, canoeing and kayaking events.
• 1951: Lake Wendouree is formally chosen as the venue for the 1956 Olympic Games rowing, canoeing and kayaking events. An Olympic standard canoeing course is laid out, and areas of the foreshore are improved and beautified to accommodate spectators.
• 1956: Ballarat hosts the Olympic rowing, canoeing and kayaking competitions at Lake Wendouree.
• 1967-68: Low water levels due to drought.
• 1971: Ballarat Tramways closed and tram infrastructure around the lake (apart from with the Botanic Gardens) was removed.
• In the early 2000s, drought caused Lake Wendouree to dry out for several years. Works are carried out to secure the lake’s water levels.
LAKE WENDOUREE - Assessment Against Criteria
Criterion
Lake Wendouree is of historical and aesthetic significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:
Criterion A
Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.Criterion D
Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects
Criterion E
Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.LAKE WENDOUREE - Permit Exemptions
General Exemptions:General exemptions apply to all places and objects included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR). General exemptions have been designed to allow everyday activities, maintenance and changes to your property, which don’t harm its cultural heritage significance, to proceed without the need to obtain approvals under the Heritage Act 2017.Places of worship: In some circumstances, you can alter a place of worship to accommodate religious practices without a permit, but you must notify the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria before you start the works or activities at least 20 business days before the works or activities are to commence.Subdivision/consolidation: Permit exemptions exist for some subdivisions and consolidations. If the subdivision or consolidation is in accordance with a planning permit granted under Part 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the application for the planning permit was referred to the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria as a determining referral authority, a permit is not required.Specific exemptions may also apply to your registered place or object. If applicable, these are listed below. Specific exemptions are tailored to the conservation and management needs of an individual registered place or object and set out works and activities that are exempt from the requirements of a permit. Specific exemptions prevail if they conflict with general exemptions. Find out more about heritage permit exemptions here.Specific Exemptions:Introduction
The purpose of this information is to assist owners and other interested parties when considering or making decisions regarding works to a registered place. It is recommended that any proposed works be discussed with an officer of Heritage Victoria prior to making a permit application. Discussing proposed works will assist in answering questions the owner may have and aid any decisions regarding works to the place.
It is acknowledged that alterations and other works may be required to keep places and objects in good repair and adapt them for use into the future. However, under the Heritage Act 2017 a person must not knowingly, recklessly or negligently remove, relocate or demolish, damage or despoil, develop or alter or excavate all or any part of any part of a registered place without approval. It should be noted that the definition of ‘develop’ in the Act includes any works on, over or under the place.
If a person wishes to undertake works or activities in relation to a registered place or registered object, they must apply to the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria for a permit. The purpose of a permit is to enable appropriate change to a place and to effectively manage adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance of a place as a consequence of change. If an owner is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that Heritage Victoria be contacted.
Permits are required for anything which alters the place or object, unless a permit exemption is granted. Permit exemptions usually cover routine maintenance and upkeep issues faced by owners as well as minor works or works to the elements of the place or object that are not significant. They may include appropriate works that are specified in a conservation management plan. Permit exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under section 38 of the Heritage Act) or after registration (under section 92 of the Heritage Act). It should be noted that the addition of new buildings to the registered place, as well as alterations to the interior and exterior of existing buildings requires a permit, unless a specific permit exemption is granted.
Disrepair of registered place or registered object
Under section 152 of the Act, the owner of a registered place or registered object must not allow that place or object to fall into disrepair.
Failure to maintain registered place or registered object
Under section 153 of the Act, the owner of a registered place or registered object must not fail to maintain that place or object to the extent that its conservation is threatened.
Conservation management plans
The Lake Wendouree Heritage Conservation Analysis was completed by Mark McWha Landscape Architects and Positive Space in October 1994. It is recommended that a revised conservation management plan should be completed to better understand the cultural heritage significance of various features at the place and account for any subsequent change to the place.
Archaeology
There is no identified archaeology of State level significance at the place. However any works that may affect historical archaeological features, deposits or artefacts at the place is likely to require a permit, permit exemption or consent. Advice should be sought from the Archaeology Team at Heritage Victoria.
Aboriginal cultural heritage
To establish whether this place is registered under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 please contact First Peoples – State Relations in the Department of Premier and Cabinet. The Heritage Act 2017 and the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 are separate pieces of legislation. Please be aware that both Acts are required to be satisfied and satisfying the requirements of one Act may not satisfy the requirements of the other.
If any Aboriginal cultural heritage is discovered or exposed at any time it is necessary to immediately contact First Peoples – State Relations in the Department of Premier and Cabinet to ascertain requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. If works are proposed which have the potential to disturb or have an impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage it is necessary to contact First Peoples – State Relations in the Department of Premier and Cabinet to ascertain any requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.Other approvals
Please be aware that approval from other authorities (such as local government) may be required to undertake works.
Notes
- All works should ideally be informed by a Conservation Management Plan prepared for the place. The Executive Director is not bound by any Conservation Management Plan and permits still must be obtained for works suggested in any Conservation Management Plan.
- Nothing in this determination prevents the Heritage Council from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions.
- Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits where applicable.
General Conditions
- All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place.
- Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place are revealed which relate to the significance of the place, then the exemption covering such works must cease and Heritage Victoria must be notified as soon as possible.
Permit Exemptions
General (all buildings, structures and areas)1. Minor repairs and maintenance which replaces like with like. Repairs and maintenance must maximise protection and retention of existing fabric and include the conservation of existing details and elements. Any repairs and maintenance must not:
- exacerbate the decay of fabric due to chemical incompatibility of new materials.
- obscure fabric; or
- limit access to such fabric for future maintenance.
2. Painting of previously painted external surfaces in the same colour, finish and product type, provided that preparation or painting does not remove all evidence of earlier paint finishes and/or schemes.
3. Inspection, maintenance, repair, replacement, disconnection and removal of existing services such as plumbing and sewerage; electrical cabling and wiring, switchboards and substations; surveillance systems (including cctv cameras); communications infrastructure; pipes; speakers and public address systems; gas meters; and fire services which does not involve changes in location, scale, fixing or additional trenching. Buildings, structures and landscaping are to be made good and returned to the original configuration and appearance on completion of works.
4. Repair to or removal of modern extraneous items such as antennae, aerials, air conditioners and associated pipe work, ducting and wiring.
5. Works or activities, including emergency stabilisation, necessary to secure safety in an emergency where a structure or part of a structure has been irreparably damaged or destabilised and poses a safety risk to its users of the public. The Executive Director of Heritage Victoria must be notified within seven days of the commencement of these works or activities.
6. All regular and post-event cleaning such as rubbish removal and washing down of surfaces.
7. All works to manage and remove graffiti, including but not limited to painting and surface treatments. This excludes memorials, cannons, statues, plaques and metal surfaces.
Internal works to buildings8. All repainting of previously painted internal surfaces. This does not apply to areas where specialist paint techniques such as graining, marbling, stencilling, hand-painting, murals or signwriting are present or to wallpapered surfaces.
9. Works to maintain or upgrade existing bathrooms, kitchens and bar areas including installing new appliances, retiling and the like.
10. Installation, removal or replacement of carpets and or flexible floor coverings, window furnishing, devices for mounting wall hung artworks.
11. Installation, maintenance, removal or replacement of internal boat hangars and associated infrastructure within boatsheds and rowing sheds/clubrooms.
12. Installation, removal or replacement of existing hooks, brackets and the like for hanging wall mounted artworks.
13. Installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of light fixtures, switches, fittings, tracks and the like in existing locations.
14. Installation, removal or replacement of smoke and fire detectors, alarms and the like.
15. Installation, repair, removal or replacement of existing ducted, hydronic, split system or concealed radiant type heat provided that the central plant is concealed, and that the work is done in a manner which does not visibly alter the building fabric.
16. Installation of plant within the roof space, providing that it does not impact on the external appearance of the building or involve structural changes.
17. Installation, removal or replacement of bulk insulation in the roof space.
EventsInstallation or erection of the following lightweight temporary structures and infrastructure in support of public events provided they are in place no longer than two days and no more than 52 times a year. This includes:18. Lightweight temporary shelters, marquees, pop-up gazebos, boat racks, tents and the like. These are to be weighted down with sand bags or water tanks as a first preference and located no closer than three metres from the base of a tree. Limited use of pegging can occur when unable to be avoided, provided this is located to avoid tree roots (i.e. not driven into if encountered).
19. Temporary signage, banners, public address systems, furniture and like in support of events which is free standing and does not require fixing to the ground, trees or buildings.
20. Use of temporary floating pontoons, launches and the like.
Installation or erection of the following temporary structures and infrastructure in support of public events for a maximum period of 3 weeks and no more than six times a year in the same location. This includes:21. Lightweight temporary shelters, marquees, pop-up gazebos, boat racks, tents and the like. These are to be weighted down with sand bags or water tanks as a first preference and located no closer than three metres from the base of a tree. Limited use of pegging can occur when unable to be avoided, provided this is located to avoid tree roots (i.e. not driven into if encountered).
22. Temporary signage, banners, public address systems, furniture and like in support of events which is free standing and does not require fixing to the ground, trees or buildings.
23. Use of temporary floating pontoons, launches and the like.
24. Lighting, public address systems, and the like which do not require fixing into the ground.
25. Security fencing, scaffolding, hoardings or surveillance systems to prevent unauthorised access or to secure public safety, as long as metal stakes are not used to affix these.
26. Built or mobile structures such as vendor and food vans which are located on existing hardstand and paved/asphalted areas and pathways.
27. Delivery and removal of temporary refuse receptacles, including skip bins.
28. Temporary power feeds.
Installation or erection of the following temporary structures and infrastructure for a maximum period of 1 week and no more than six times a year in the same location. This includes:29. Track mat, board or super-track and/or other protective surfaces to prevent damage to turf in areas of high pedestrian/vehicular traffic or where heavy structures will be located.
30. Heavy items such as generators, stages, projection equipment, screens, stage trucks and portable toilets, portable showers and the like which are placed on existing hard stand areas or areas of turf where protective surfaces (board or track mat) are used.
Signage31. Removal and replacement of information, interpretive, directional and event advertising signage within existing signage areas, locations and dimensions.
32. Installing of marine safety signage as required by relevant legislation.
Lake maintenance and management33. Maintenance, repair and like for like replacement of structures such as pontoons, jetties, decking, boardwalks and bridges.
34. Maintenance, relocation and replacement of infrastructure on the lake’s surface associated with aquatic sports including buoys, markers, lane ropes, flags and the like.
35. The processes associated with maintaining the lake including cutting and removal of aquatic plants and maintenance of litter traps, gross pollutant traps and the like.
36. Maintaining the lake water level to promote the ecological health and to prevent flooding.
37. Use of temporary pontoons and launches in maintenance and management activities.
38. All works and activities necessary to maintain the usual operation of the modern jet fountain feature near the south-east shoreline.
LandscapingHard landscaping39. Like for like repair and maintenance of existing hard landscaping including footpaths, edging, roadways, kerbs, driveways, crossovers, fences, tracks, walls, rock features, concrete and bluestone beaching paving, and carparking areas.
40. Installation, maintenance and removal of road marking and traffic safety features such as pedestrian crossings, speed humps and bollards.
41. Removal or replacement of external directional signage provided the size, location and material remains the same and is non-illuminated.
42. Installation of physical barriers or traps to enable vegetation protection and management of vermin such as rats, mice and possums.
Gardening, trees and plants43. The processes of gardening including mowing, pruning, mulching, fertilising, removal of dead or diseased plants (excluding trees), replanting of existing garden beds, disease and weed control and maintenance to care for existing plants.
44. Removal of tree seedlings and suckers.
45. Management and maintenance of trees including formative and remedial pruning, removal of deadwood and pest and disease control. This should be completed by a suitably trained horticulturalist or arborist.
46. Emergency tree works essential to maintain public safety provided the Executive Director is notified within seven days of the removal or works occurring. If a tree has been removed it may be replanted with an example of the same species.
47. Turf maintenance undertaking aerating, fertilizing, overseeding.
Monuments, memorials and plaques48. Onsite repairs and conservation of monuments, sculptures, statues, fountains, memorials and plaques undertaken by a conservator accredited by the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM). If items need to be removed from site for conservation works, a permit or permit exemption is required from Heritage Victoria.
49. Adding of hand/footprints and plaques to the Olympic and Paralympics precinct in line with existing design.
Park furniture, play equipment etc50. Installation of standard City of Ballarat park furniture including seats, bins, bollards, bicycle parking, drinking fountains and the like outside tree protection zones.
51. Demolition, removal and repairs to post-1960s outdoor gym and playground equipment, barbeques, drinking fountains, toilet facilities and park furniture.
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