Redan Creek

The Redan Creek is a short creek that flows into the Yarrowee River. Most of the creek has been lined with bluestone and concrete.

From Heritage Study: In August 1890 the Mayor of the City of Ballaarat remarked that 'the South Ward can rejoice in the commencement of a work (to be continued by Government aid next year) which will constitute the main drainage of the Ward i.e. the channelling of the Redan Creek - a great work of sanitation.'(City Council of Ballaarat, Mayor's Annual Report, August 1890, p.1) From 1890 to 1899 almost the entire length of the Redan Creek Channel was formed. Although the works were carried out in different, usually unconnected sections, by the end of the decade a permanent bluestone walled and lined channel had been constructed from the south side of Essex Street to the north side of George Street (the present Cooke Street), and the original course of the Redan Creek had been substantially straightened. Along this length, the present arched bluestone culvert under the intersection of Bell and Ripon Streets was also constructed as well as flat decked culverts, with vertical bluestone walls, at Lonsdale Streets, and under the intersection of Leith and Talbot Streets, both of which have recently been replaced. Flat decks appear to have been laid over the open channels in the other streets, except Darling Street where a culvert had already been erected in 1888.

In August 1890 money was allocated in the State budget for work on the creek: "Ballarat City—To assist in improving Redan Creek, main drain, council to expend £200 additional .. .. £200"

Further work on lining the creek was approved in April 1891: "Constructing channel, &c.. Redan Creek, G. Rowsell, £358 12s;"

In October 1894 the City Council estimates included £254 for channeling the creek between Darling Street and Bell Street.

On Thursday 27 September 1906, a schoolboy, Joseph McKay, was drowned in the creek.

The creek was again in need of sanitation work in 1912: "General Business—Cr Pearse moved that the engineer be instructed to put on three men to cut a channel along portion of the Redan creek, in the south ward at a spot that is in an unhealthy state. Cr Hill seconded the motion. He thought the work was an urgent one, as the place was in a disgraceful condition. Cr Lederman said the council would eventually have to do some pitching at the creek. He moved that an estimate be obtained of the cost of this work. Both motions were carried."