Perth's history recognised down in the sewer

• Six metropolitan sewerage vents included in State Register of Heritage Places
• Ornate vertical vents are one of the most unusual structures to be listed
• Hunt now on to find similar 'stink pipes' in Fremantle

One of the most quirky and unusual mementos of the history of Perth - ornate sewerage vents - have been included in the State Register of Heritage Places.

Heritage Minister Albert Jacob said the nine to 15 metre-tall pipes were believed to be the only ones of their type to be State heritage listed in Australia.

The six decommissioned vents, located in Perth, Highgate and Shenton Park, date from 1911 to 1930, and are a largely forgotten piece of Perth's early sewerage system.

Mr Jacob said the sewerage vents were elegant structures that belied their unsavoury function.

"Some may unkindly refer to the structures as 'stink pipes' because their purpose was to dispel noxious odours from the sewerage system, however the vents are valued by people who live and work near them as an attractive collection of quirky 'street furniture'," he said.

The pipes, possibly modelled on English sewer gas lamps, have decorative circular ornate cast iron bases with fluting and moulding containing the letters M S (Metropolitan Sewerage).

"While they might seem an unusual choice for State heritage listing, the vents are an important visible remnant of the earliest phase of Perth's deep sewerage system which was a significant milestone in the development of Perth as a modern city," the Minister said.

The vents join other sewerage infrastructure already on the State Register - the Low Level Sewage Pumping Stations Nos 1 & 2, in Langley Park and the Causeway, and the Lincoln Street Ventilation Stack in Highgate.

Mr Jacob said the inclusion of the vents on the State Register was a reminder that heritage was not just about buildings or parks, but all manner of places that help tell the story of the State's development and history.

The State Heritage Office was put on the scent of the 'stink pipes' following the re-discovery of one vent by an inquisitive assessment officer.

"While our Eastern States counterparts have State Registered sewerage ventilation shafts, they are large concrete or brick structures, nothing like the unique vents found here," the Minister said.

"The State Heritage Office believes there may be more vents in Fremantle and we are inviting the public to join us on this very unusual treasure hunt to find more."

Fact File

• For more information, visit http://www.stateheritage.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 5800

Sewerage vent, Highgate

Sewerage vent, Princess Margaret Hospital