Evandale to Launceston Water Supply
Background
Sir George Arthur, Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen’s land, on the 10th of March 1836 approved the commencement of works under the engineering direction of Captain Alexander Cheyne, inspector of roads. Although the works were never completed, the designers displayed creativity and innovation such that the water needs of Launceston would have been met throughout the 20th century. This shaft, number 2 of 9 is an historic record of the skills of early colonial engineers and the convict labour force.
The scheme
In March 1836 Lieutenant Governor Arthur of Van Diemens Land turned the first sod. Engineer Alexander Cheyne and convict engineer James Blackburn directed the work. Work ceased early in 1838 after public outrage over a proposed water rate, and road construction was given precedence. If completed the scheme could have supplied the current water needs of Launceston.
The water was to come from the South Esk River through a 1.5 km long tunnel under Evandale, emerging on the northern side. From that point an open channel 22 km long would carry the water to Windmill Hill in Launceston, providing irrigation for farms and power for flour mills along the way. Ten shafts up to 24 m deep were sunk along the tunnel line, but tunneling was limited to about 30 m at the outlet end. Shafts and other surviving works demonstrate the skills of early colonial engineers and their convict labour forces with some lengths of excavated canal can be seen today.
Alexander Cheyne (1758-1858)
Cheyne joined the Royal Engineers in 1806, served in the Peninsula Wars and retired in 1817 with the rank of Captain. He became a director of the Glasgow to Edinburgh Union Canal. He arrived in Hobart Town in 1835. He held a number of government appointments including roads and bridges and Public Works, and also acted privately. Cheyne fell out of favour with the colonial secretary in 1841, disagreements arising from contracts to build the Bridgewater Bridge, and was dismissed. He won on appeal and was reinstated but never recovered. He was elected an alderman of the City of Hobart shortly before he died.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
The EHRP plaque at the collar of Shaft No. 2 is located in the front garden of 24 High Street, Evandale. Inspection is permitted.
| Marker Type | Historic Engineering Marker (HEM) |
| Award Date | September 2002 |
| Nomination Document | Available here |
