River Murray Barrages, 1935 to 1940-
Description
Designed and constructed by the Engineering and Water Supply Department of South Australia between 1935 and 1940, and funded by the Governments of the Commonwealth of Australia and the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia under the River Murray Waters Agreement.
The type and scale of the River Murray barrages are unique in Australia.
They maintain fresh water in Lakes Alexandrina and Albert and stabilize water levels to allow irrigation of adjacent land.
River floods pass through the concrete sluice and gate sections.
A lock in the Goolwa barrage permits the passage of large vessels, whilst a lock in the Ewe Island barrage caters for small boats.
Without the barrages, the growth of Adelaide and the supply of water from the lower River to the lower South-East of the state would not have been feasible.
Division
Marker Type
- NEL: National Engineering Landmark (to 2008)