Yerbillon, Western Australia facts for kids
Yerbillon, Western Australia was an important place in Western Australia's history. It was home to Number 5 Pumping Station for the amazing Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Today, it's where Pumping Station Number 11 is located on the same pipeline. Yerbillon was also a stop on the Eastern Goldfields Railway.
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What is Yerbillon?
Yerbillon is a location in Western Australia. It became known for its role in two big projects that helped the state grow. It was a key spot for getting water to the goldfields and for connecting them by train.
Water for the Goldfields
The Goldfields Water Supply Scheme is a huge pipeline that brings fresh water to the gold mining areas in Western Australia. These areas, like Kalgoorlie, didn't have much water naturally. In the late 1800s, many people rushed to the goldfields hoping to find gold. They needed water to live and to work the mines.
How the Water Scheme Works
The Goldfields Water Supply Scheme was designed by a brilliant engineer named C.Y. O'Connor. It carries water over 560 kilometers (about 350 miles) from Mundaring Weir near Perth all the way to Kalgoorlie. To push the water such a long distance and uphill, many pumping stations were built along the pipeline. Each station has powerful pumps that give the water a boost, sending it to the next station. Yerbillon was the site of Pumping Station Number 5, which played a vital role in this system. Today, a newer station, Number 11, continues this important work.
The Eastern Goldfields Railway
The Eastern Goldfields Railway was another crucial link for Western Australia. It connected the capital city, Perth, to the rich goldfields in the east. This railway helped transport people, supplies, and, of course, gold. It made it much easier for miners and settlers to reach the goldfields and for the gold to be sent back to the coast. Yerbillon was a stop along this important railway line.
A Railway Accident in 1902
In 1902, Yerbillon was the site of a railway accident. Such events were sometimes a risk on early railway lines, especially as they were still developing. Details about the accident are part of the historical records of the Eastern Goldfields Railway.
Where is Yerbillon?
Yerbillon is located between other important pumping station sites. It was positioned after Pumping Station Number 4, which was near Merredin. It was also before Pumping Station Number 6, which was located at Ghouli. These locations show how Yerbillon was a key link in the long chain of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme.
