February 7 marks the 50th anniversary of the arrival of articulated water to the township of Iluka.
It comes in the same year as the 100th anniversary later this year, of the Soldiers Memorial Hall. The latter will be a bigger celebration to be marked by the inaugural Mermaid Festival in September.
Iluka owes its existence to the building of the north wall at the mouth of the Clarence and government records show that there were no fresh streams available to pot the water so built two wells instead, for town use. When the fishing industry started in earnest there was a need for water for the ice works and fish canning industry built down towards the ferry terminal.
In the 1950’s when Iluka was part of the Harwood Shire the idea of reticulated water was first discussed. At that time Iluka only had about 125 residences. Today there are over 1000.
By the 1960’s the cost had trebled and by this time most residents had a water tank for kitchen use and a spear pump for everything else.
Finally, the Lower Clarence Council bit the bullet and decided to build a reservoir on the highest part of Iluka (Thompson Street). It had the capacity of 300,000 gallons with a smaller holding at Woody Head and Woombah.
Long time resident of Iluka and current president of the local historical society, Marcia Hunter, does not remember too much of a fuss being made, as locals were not restricted by what they had. It was needed however for larger establishments like the clubs and hotel not to mention the possibility of connecting up to a septic system instead of the outside dunny.
It is hoped that Council will ‘celebrate’ this anniversary by installing a modern drinking fountain in the main street of town in readiness for the crowds in September. Council general manager Laura Black has told the committee it will be included in the next budget.
Col Hennessy