The Problem of the Swamp

The problem of the swamp to the west of Melbourne, apart from its obstruction to any development of the city in that direction, was tied to several significant issues, which had become apparent very early in the history of the settlement.

The effect of flooding from the Yarra, the nuisance of noxious trades, pollution of its waterways, and the perception that attendant ‘miasma’ affected the health of the locals were significant issues.

Perhaps the most important for a developing city, though, was the provision of adequate port facilities for Melbourne. The Yarra was winding and difficult to navigate. Regular floods were costly in damage to such infrastructure as existed, not to mention a threat to life.

The obnoxious smells and putrid appearance of the riverbank and marsh areas were considered a threat to health.

Alexander Kennedy Smith, an engineer, prepared a paper on the reclamation of Batman’s Swamp, which he presented to the Philosophical Institute of Victoria on 5 May 1858.  This plan accompanied that report.  It shows three canals, either 15 or 20 feet in width.  It also proposed a road to Footscray, which went ahead and became Swamp Rd, later Dynon Road.

This detail of the map of Hobson Bay and River Yarra shows more of the swampy areas to the west and south of Melbourne, in the Yarra estuary.  The Swamp Road was built in 1863 across the northern section of the lagoon to a bridge crossing of the Saltwater (now Maribyrnong) River at Hopkins St, Footscray.