Melbourne's Water Catchments: Perspectives on a World-Class Water Supply

by James I. Viggers, Haylee J. Weaver, David B. Lindenmayer

Overview

This book charts the history of the water catchments and water supply for the city of Melbourne, which has many unique aspects that are a critical part of the history of Melbourne, Victoria and Australia. Much of the development of the water supply system was many decades ahead of its time and helped buffer the city of Melbourne from major diseases, droughts and water shortages.

The authors present a chronology of the evolution of the catchment and water supply system pre-1900 to today. They discuss major developments, policies, and construction and management activities. Each chapter is illustrated with historical black and white images as well as newly taken photos that contrast present scenes with those from the past. Chapters also include many fascinating stories of life within the water catchments and working for the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works.

Finally, the book includes many extraordinary insights into current and future issues with Melbourne’s water supply, including issues associated with the highly controversial North-South Pipeline and the desalination plant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781486300082
Publisher:	CSIRO PUBLISHING
Publication date:	11/14/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	144
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

James Viggers worked in Melbourne’s water catchments for 35 years and has researched the history of these areas for 50 years. He is a trained civil engineer and was responsible for many major construction projects such as the Thomson Dam, renovation of the Silvan Reservoir and the 40 km tunnel that connects the Thomson and Upper Yarra Dams.

Haylee Weaver is the fauna taxonomist at the Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS). She is a parasitologist who has written extensively on the ecology of parasites of Australian rodents. Haylee edits fauna books for ABRS and has developed an interest in bryozoan taxonomy.

David Lindenmayer is a Professor at The Australian National University. He has worked on the conservation of forests and their wildlife for more than 35 years. He has published 45 books and over 1100 scientific papers, and has broad interests in conservation biology, landscape ecology, vertebrate ecology, forest ecology and woodland conservation. He has received numerous awards and is a member of the Australian Academy of Science and an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow.

Table of Contents

Preface
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Glossary
Conversion table
PART 1: Early History (Pre-1900 to 1960)
Chapter 1: Pre-1900
Chapter 2: 1901–1939
Chapter 3: 1940–1960
PART 2: 1961 to 2012 – a water man’s perspective
Chapter 4: 1961–1984
Chapter 5: 1985–2012
Chapter 6: The future
References
Index