FOLLOWING repairs to the pumping station’s iconic chimney the National Trust of WA will re-open the doors to No 1 Pump Station at Mundaring Weir (Minderinjy) on Whadjuk Nyoongar Country from Saturday, 19 October to mark National Water Week.

Metal strapping at the top of the 46-metre high brick chimney had deteriorated and broken posing a health and safety risk.
The site has been closed since August last year and all visitation to the area restricted.

High level work using a crane included removing the deteriorated and loose metal belts, followed with masonry conservation and treatment to the metal elements at the top of the chimney.

“We’re still uncovering new information. During the conservation period, the National Trust discovered the chimney is higher than previously thought. We had to bring in a second crane with a higher lift,” National Trust chief executive officer Julian Donaldson said.

On Saturday, October 19, people with connections to the pipeline are invited to bring their own picnics to catch up with each other and share their stories.

Many people have connections to the pipeline such as working on the scheme or childhood memories of living at the remote pumping stations.

Kalamunda Community Radio will be broadcasting live interviews at the No 1 Pump Station with those willing to share their stories.

The pump station will re-open to the public, kicking off with free ticket entry on Sunday, October 20, the beginning of National Water Week.

National Water Week occurs in Australia during the third week of October.

Mr Donaldson said there was no better opportunity to understand the value of water than by visiting the pump station’s exhibit on the remarkable scheme that supplies water to Western Australia’s arid eastern goldfields.”

On Sunday, families are invited to discover information about CY O’Connor’s engineering masterpiece as well as curious details such as why the chimney is not in line with the pumping station.

No 1 Pump Station at Minderinjy will be open for visits from 12pm to 4pm on Sunday, October 20.

Event information and registrations for free ticket entry is available here: https://www.ntwa.com.au/things-to-do/open-day-at-no-1-pump-station/