News

Historic water tower’s makeover

By Yarrawonga Chronicle

Dec 19, 2023

A maintenance site has been established for the repair and refurbishment of the disused historic water tower at the old Yarrawonga Primary School site.

North East Water has recently engaged a contractor to repair and refurbish the historic water tower at the old Yarrawonga Primary School on the corner of Hovell St and Irvine Pde.

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North East Water General Manager Planning and Infrastructure Guy Wilson-Browne said a maintenance site was established earlier this month with work to begin in mid-January and completion expected by April next year.

“Work will include repointing and replacing damaged brickwork, repainting the steel tank and installing an internal roof to prevent future damage within the tower,” Mr Wilson-Browne said.

“We have worked closely with Moira Shire Council during the project planning and approvals, and our contractor is well experienced in heritage restorations.

“The tower is not used within the town’s drinking water supply infrastructure; however, holds significant historical value for Yarrawonga, and our goal is to ensure its longevity for decades ahead.”

The water tower dates back to the 1880s and was part of the original water supply system for Yarrawonga. A concrete standpipe was formerly co-located on the site; however, this standpipe was demolished in the early 1990s. The water tower has not been operational for over 30 years, and it is disconnected from the network and serves no ongoing water supply purposes.

The water tower is designated under the Moira planning scheme with heritage significance.