AGY-5954 | Harbours and Rivers Branch [II] [Department of Public Works]

Full description

The Harbours and Rivers Branch [II] of the Department of Works and Local Government was re-established on 1 February 1936 on the amalgamation of the former Department of Public Works and the Department of Local Government. Works related to roads and bridges, previously the responsibility of the Branch, were now undertaken by the National Works Branch under section 537 of the Local Government Act. (1)

On 2 June 1941 the Department of Works and Local Government was separated into the Department of Public Works [II] and the Department of Local Government and Housing. The Harbours and Rivers Branch [II] remained with the Department of Public Works [II]. (2)

In April 1967 the Harbours and Rivers Branch included the Construction Section, Investigation Section, Administration Section, Clerical Section and the Dredge Service. (3)

This branch was part of the Investigation and Development Division of Civil Engineering from 1969. The functions of the Harbours and Rivers Branch in 1969 were:
1. The investigation and planning of maritime and coastal works outside the ports of Sydney, Newcastle and Botany Bay, including breakwaters, training walls, wharves, wharf cranes, cargo sheds, rail and road access, jetties, slipways, reclamation works, small graving docks and the like.
2. Investigating proposals for the formation of Drainage Unions under the Drainage Act, 1939-40; investigating requests by farmers on drainage problems and giving advice on the most economical way of draining their property.
3. Examination of local government work of a maritime nature where financial assistance has been sought from the Department or where construction is on a flood plain.
4. Investigations of long range harbour developments, tide and wave action, sand movement, flood mitigation in coastal rivers, foreshore erosion, dredging and preservation of maritime structures.
5. Providing engineering advice to Lands and Mines Departments, on leases in tidal waters (eg. dreging, sand removal, etc.).
6. Administration of the River and Foreshores Improvement Act. (4)

From 1981 the work of the Harbours and Rivers Branch [II] was undertaken by the Rivers and Ports Branch. (5)

References
Public Service List, 1936-1960.
Report of the Department of Public Works for the year ended 30th June, 1941-1981.
Report of the Department of Works and Local Government for the year ended 30th June, 1936-1940.

Endnotes
1. Report of the Department of Works and Local Government for the year ended 30th June, 1937, p.1.
2. Report of the Department of Public Works for the year ended 30th June, 1941, p.1.
3. Departmental Telephone Directory, April 1967, (q.v. Pubilc Works Dept), p.150.
4. Report of the Department of Public Works for the year ended 30 June, 1969, p.5.
5. New South Wales Public Works Department, Annual Report, 1981-82, p.34.