A SIGNIFICANT milestone was recently achieved at Toorourrong Reservoir with the first heritage stone relaid in the historic Clearwater Outlet.


Precious bluestone and granite blocks were removed from the 125-year-old dam’s historic Clearwater Channel Outlet earlier in the year. The stones were stored onsite until the original façade was recreated.


The work is part of Melbourne Water’s restoration of the structure and marks the progress of the $11 million upgrade of the entire asset.


The Tourourrong Reservoir reconstruction was a contentious project, as reported by Star over a year ago and the relaid stones are sure to divide opinion in the community.


Residents previously told Star the plans Melbourne Water had to re-use the 175-year-old bluestone were nothing more than “pretty little sketches” (D-day for reservoir, Star, 28 Sep 2010).


Heritage Services Co-ordinator Paul Balassone said each block of stone was individually checked and recorded to ensure the recreation was entirely accurate.


“The stonework that has begun at Toorourrong is a rebuild of the original fabric of the Yan Yean water supply system, Melbourne’s first dam, and therefore must be faithful to the original,” said Mr Balassone.


“It is a painstakingly slow process that commands the best in craftsmanship.”


As a safety measure, the new outlet is being reassembled a few metres downstream of its original location.


“The upgrade is vital because the original dam is now 125 years old and doesn’t meet the modern safety standards,” said Mr Balassone.


“We’ve worked closely with Heritage Victoria and Parks Victoria to make sure the reservoir will not only be safe and functional, but retain its historic significance and recreational purpose for visitors.”


Melbourne Water was granted a works permit by Heritage Victoria to carry out the work at Toorourrong in December 2010.


As well as relocating the Clearwater Channel Gates, Melbourne Water is replacing the spillway, raising the dam wall by two and a half metres, and installing a filter layer in the dam embankment.