Title_oval.jpg (23037 bytes)   Balmain's Industrial History

Touring Guide

Developed by Leichhardt Council
Take a Self Guided Tour of Balmain and explore the industrial past of this harbourside suburb.

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orangeball.gif (924 bytes) Balmain Coal Mine Balmain Industrial.jpg (133127 bytes)

Morts Dock circa.1900  (courtesy of Leichhardt Council)

 

 

The tranquility of Balmain's narrow urban streets today does not reflect the bustle of Balmains working past. Balmain was a working mans suburb and was an important facet of the now declining "Working Harbour of Sydney". Balmain was home to a variety of industries that supported the maritime city of Sydney. Industries such as ship repairs, soap manufacture, coal mining and many other maritime services clung to the edge of the harbour, their transportation link to the city and the markets they served.

Below are just some of those businesses now long forgotten.

Balmain Coal Mine

The Balmain Coal Mine, which commenced in 1897, was operated by Sydney Harbour Collieries Co. Ltd, from two shafts. The main shaft (which was located in the vicinity of the present Balmain Sailing Club and Birchgrove Public School) was nearly 3000 feet (900m) deep and the area mined extended from Mort Bay under Goat Island and across to Balls Head.

Although a plentiful supply of coal was available, there were problems with water seepage, poor working conditions, and extraction was expensive when compared with the shallower coal-mines to the north and south of Sydney. By 1930, the mine had ceased to trade profitably, although later attempts were made at various times to produce natural gas. Increasing gas leakage led to the mine being flooded and the shafts sealed, which was completed by 1957.

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Head Frame - "Birthday" Shaft

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"Jubilee" Pit Head - Balmain Coal Mine

History Sheets

courtesy of AFLOAT Magazine

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Map of Mine

 

 

 

 

 

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Page last updated 26 April, 2008

Other References

BALMAIN COAL MINE

"Sydney Tunnels"

by Brian & Barbara Kennedy

ISBN 0.86417.525.6