How many of you have seen a water tower before? This isn’t just any water tower. This is the Bankstown Reservoir a true marvel of engineering. Standing proudly it’s a local landmark. It’s also one of the oldest elevated reinforced concrete reservoirs still in use in Australia. Imagine its construction beginning way back in October 1918. Workers toiled to create this giant concrete structure. They mixed the concrete on-site. Sandstone came from a quarry at Potts Hill. A portable steam engine powered the whole operation.
This wasn’t simply a functional structure. The Bankstown Reservoir boasts hand-plastered decorative features. These are unique. You won’t find them on most other reservoirs. It’s a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the era. The reservoir was built to alleviate pressure on other water sources like Ashfield Reservoir. The impressive structure is supported by 36 reinforced concrete pillars and decorative arches. It’s almost like a rotunda. The decorative arches have a distinct moulding and circular pattern. This perfectly exemplifies the Victorian and neoclassical architectural styles.
But the Bankstown Reservoir’s history goes even further back than its construction. This very spot was once a place of grim significance. In 1826 bushrangers Patrick Sullivan and James Moran met their end here. They were hanged after causing trouble in the Bathurst district. The reservoir’s location may be linked to Bankstown’s earliest European settlement. It reflects the area’s transport routes and the enforcement of law and order back then.
In the 1960s an aluminium roof was added. This protected the water quality. The reservoir has endured. It even underwent strengthening in 2009 to comply with earthquake codes. Today this iconic water tower continues to serve the community. It provides drinking water to a large area of southwestern Sydney. The reservoir holds an impressive 4.4 megalitres of water. Its water depth reaches 8.7 metres.
The Bankstown Reservoir isn’t just a historical marvel. It holds significance in Australia’s water infrastructure history. It stands as a symbol of engineering prowess. Sydney Water’s Heritage Program leader Phil Bennett calls it the oldest of its kind. It is of the highest level of heritage protection. It’s a landmark easily seen from afar. It also possesses undeniable aesthetic value. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. It’s more than just a water tower. It’s a piece of Sydney’s history. A proud testament to the past and present.