Published Resources Details
Conference Paper
- Title
- Morgan Wharf: Proposed conservation works
- In
- Transactions of the Sixth South Australian Engineering Heritage Conference - Adelaide, 12 May 2017
- Imprint
- Engineers Australia, South Australia Division, Adelaide, 2017
- Abstract
The Morgan Wharf is historically significant as the largest remaining structure in South Australia representing the great period of river transport - a form of travel and trade now abandoned. Morgan was said to be Australia's busiest inland port, and in its heyday, the second busiest port in South Australia after Port Adelaide. From 1878, it was the interchange point between the steam-powered river vessels bringing goods down river from Central Queensland, Western NSW, Northern Victoria and South Australia, and the rail terminal from which six trains a day were dispatched to the sea port of Adelaide.
The massive timber Wharf measured an impressive 168 metres long and its construction in three phases - 1877, 1878 and 1912 - reflected the growing importance of the river trade through continued investment in the facility throughout the period. It has accordingly received recognition as being significant to the state of South Australia.
Since 1915 the Wharf has received little attention and has deteriorated. In 1965 repairs were made to the 1912 (northern) section and the decking substantially removed from the earlier two sections.
Apart from repairs and restoration of historical facilities, it is sometimes also necessary to adapt them to attract economically sustainable new uses. This paper presents an engineering approach to conservation works proposed for the Wharf, while maintaining heritage values and introducing an adaptive re-use.
Related Published resources
isPartOf
- Transactions of the Sixth South Australian Engineering Heritage Conference - Adelaide, 12 May 2017 edited by Venus, Richard (Adelaide: Engineers Australia, South Australia Division, 2017), 110 pp. Details