Images(3)

PS Industry

Vessel numberHV000438

(not assigned)20544

Previous owner Engineering & Water Services Dept S.A.

Builder AJ Inches

Vessel type Paddle Steamers of the Murray-Darling

Designer AJ Inches

Date1911

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 34.2 m x 5.65 m x 2.13 m, 100 tonnes (112.21 ft x 18.54 ft x 6.99 ft, 98.4 tons)

DescriptionPS INDUSTRY was built at Goolwa by the State Government and commissioned in 1911 as a workboat for the SA Engineering and Water Services Department. It was designed to remove snags from the river and clear the passage for other river steamers, and to drive piles where needed. PS INDUSTRY was later used in the construction and maintenance of the locks and weirs. It was also used by the Irrigation Department and helped in establishing a settlement at Barmera for returned soldiers after the First World War. PS INDUSTRY was always based at Renmark and worked right down as far as Goolwa, near the river mouth and Lake Alexandrina. Removing snags which were fallen trees was a difficult and laborious process, made worse by the regularity at which trees continued to fall into the river.

When Renmark was threatened by the highest water levels ever recorded along the Murray during the 1956 floods, PS INDUSTRY remained at the ready with steam up to evacuate those who remained during the critical days of the flood when a total evacuation appeared imminent.

PS INDUSTRY was retired in 1969 and replaced by the steel work boat MARATALA which is an aboriginal word for 'industry'.

PS INDUSTRY was donated by the government to the town of Renmark in 1970, where it became a floating static museum along the Renmark riverfront for about 20 years. Around 1990 a local committee investigated the feasibility of restoring the vessel to operating condition as a steamer. The Renmark Apex Club became involved and engaged an Echuca shipwright to assess its restoration.

Another shipwright was then engaged to carry out the work with the help of volunteers. Once PS INDUSTRY was restored it featured in the film, 'River Kings' in 1990. The 'Friends of the Industry committee' was formed, and members continue to maintain the vessel, raise funds, and supervise the steaming days. With Government funding secured in 1994, almost a year of hard work by volunteers was then needed to bring the vessel to survey standard, so it could be operated as a passenger vessel.

In 1995 PS INDUSTRY was recommissioned as a historic passenger vessel running cruises and taking charters. Ongoing efforts of the volunteers and community sponsors have enabled PS INDUSTRY to continue to be enjoyed by visitors to Renmark. Steaming on regular occasions throughout the year, the general public can now experience the ambience of the River Murray and the atmosphere of a bygone era onboard PS INDUSTRY.

Prepared with assistance from material supplied by the PS Industry Committee

SignificancePS INDUSTRY is a paddle steamer built in 1911 at Goolwa South Australia that was used for clearing snags along with servicing locks and other facilities on the lower Murray River. For 58 years it was operated by the SA Government from Renmark, and was retired in 1969. In 2010 it has been restored, retaining its working configuration but now operational as a passenger carrying tour vessel at Renmark. It also retains its original engine that has been restored to further its working life.

Vessel Highlights