Kyabram Waterworks Trust

The trust was among the first major public authorities of the town, which – at the time - was sparsely populated.

It would eventually purchase the water tank, which was built three years after the railway line and station had been developed on the neighbouring land.

Kyabram only became the preferred route of the railway line after strong debate between two neighbouring towns – Henley and Taripta – saw it selected as the preferred route from Toolamba to Echuca.

Steam engines drew water through the waterworks plant from nearby dams before continuing their journey to Echuca.

The facilities used by the railways to operate the steam engines were identified early by the trust as vital to providing a reticulated water supply. It took some time, however, for a deal to be struck.

Soon after the tower's construction, in August 1890, the Tatura Herald reported the supply of water to Kyabram would eventually be delivered via the tower and through the use reticulated piping laid by the trust.

At that point Victorian Railway Commissioners agreed to charge one shilling (less than five cents $AUD today) for each 1000 gallons supplied from its dam via the water tower.

It was not, however, until April 1903 that the trust members suggested that Kyabram should move with the times by having a water tower and a pumping plant of its own.