Cattle Tanks and Reservoir

Hosted by Local Studies Librarian, Andrew Allen, this video looks at the history of the Cattle Tanks and Reservoir.

Watch video:

CATTLE TANKS AND RESERVOIR from Campbelltown City Council on Vimeo.

Cattle Tanks and Reservoir 1838

To solve early Campbelltown's unreliable water supply problems, a reservoir and cattle tank were constructed in Allman Street in 1838 using convict labour.

The reservoir provided the town with water from 1840 to 1889.

It continued to be used for recreational purposes, including a huge regatta in 1917. Sadly, the cattle tank became polluted and was the scene of two drowning fatalities in the 1920s and 1930s. The water had disappeared in the early 1960s after the topography of the land changed from nearby earthworks.

The cattle tank and reservoir are both heritage listed and are believed to be the last convict-built constructions in Campbelltown.

Image reference:

Image of Reservoir in 1886, Kerry and Jones Collection, Campbelltown City Library. Local Studies Collection.
Image of Cattle Tank in 1957, Campbelltown City Library. Local Studies Collection.
Image of Cattle Tank in 1957, Goodsell Collection, Campbelltown City Library. Local Studies Collection.
Image of Jack's Day Regatta in 1917, Campbelltown City Library. Local Studies Collection.