Winifred Davenport, one of Australia’s pioneering female engineers, left an indelible mark on Brisbane’s coastline with her significant contributions to the design of Manly Harbour, now a key gateway to Moreton Bay and future Olympic sailing venue.
Davenport’s contributions to marine and civil engineering have been recognised through various honours, including the naming of the “Winifred Davenport Centre” at the Queensland Maritime Museum in 1989. Born on 18 February 1924, Davenport’s career spanned nearly five decades, during which she played a crucial role in shaping Queensland’s coastline.
In 1950, Davenport joined the Harbours and Marine Department as an associate engineer, where she would spend the majority of her career. Her colleague, cartographer Shirly Webb, described her as “a very calm and pleasant person, gentle-natured and understanding and down to earth. She put a lot into her work but was never strident about it.”
Landmark Projects
One of Davenport’s most significant contributions was her input to the Manly Harbour project. The harbour, which is set to host sailing events during the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, has become a centerpiece of the Manly area, attracting visitors with its marina and seafood restaurants.
Pamela Davenport, Winifred’s cousin, noted, “She had always had a talent with mathematics which eventually led her to pursue a career in engineering.”
Recognition and Legacy
Throughout her career, Davenport broke numerous barriers:
– In 1951, she became the first female corporate member of the Institution of Engineers Australia.
– In 1958, she was accepted as a member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects.
– In 1990, she was awarded the Order of Australia for her service in engineering.
Davenport’s impact extends beyond her engineering feats. Her book, “Harbours and Marine: Port and Harbour Development in Queensland from 1824 to 1985,” has become an invaluable resource for historians and genealogists alike.
Manly Harbour Significance
The Manly Boat Harbour project was significant for Brisbane in several ways. It is the largest boat harbour on the east coast of Australia and serves as Brisbane’s gateway to the Moreton Bay Marine Park, providing access to offshore reefs, wetlands, seagrass meadows, and sandy beaches.
The Manly Boat Harbour is a key part of the local tourism infrastructure and serves as a centerpiece of the Manly area. Its marina, crowded with yachts and top seafood restaurants, attracts visitors.
The harbour is set to host the Olympic sailing events during the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, with a spectator capacity of up to 10,000 people including temporary seating. This highlights its importance as a major venue for the games.
The site is undergoing an expansion project, with MA Financial’s $33 million acquisition of the nearby East Coast Marina to facilitate the expansion. This demonstrates the ongoing importance of the harbour to Brisbane’s development.
Published 6-Aug-2024
