Breakout Creek Channel, SA
The location of the City of Adelaide was set by the River Torrens. The River Torrens at the time flowed from the Adelaide Hills in the east to the Gulf St Vincent via the Port River.
The River Torrens deposited sediments that hampered the outflow which was also blocked by coastal sand dunes. The river’s alluvial fan formed swampy areas and reed beds. This lack of outflow for the river meant that there was regular flooding in Adelaide’s western suburbs. It also prevented the development of mains sewerage in the western suburbs.
Reservoirs constructed on the River Torrens was expected to reduce the flooding risk however major flooding in 1931 and 1933 showed this not to be the case.
The Breakout Creek channel was completed in 1937 to route the water to Gulf St Vincent. It diverted the River Torrens at Lockleys and discharged the river at West Beach. The works were designed to accommodate the 1 in 60-year flood event. The reedbeds were later reclaimed and developed into the suburb of West Lakes.
References:
Adelaide A-Z website
