Hume Dam, Murray River

From Engineering Heritage Australia


The design of Hume Dam, which was the major work authorised by the River Murray Waters Act (1915), was directed by engineers E M de Burgh (NSW) and J S Dethridge (Vic).

Lake Hume supplies water for extensive irrigated agriculture, towns and power generation, whilst mitigating floods in the Murray Valley. When commissioned in 1936 it was one of the largest dams in the world.

The doubling of Its storage capacity in 1961 to 3 million megalitres included post-tensioning of the gravity structure, relocation of Tallangatta township and the raising of Bethanga Bridge, and involved a large number of post-war migrants.

Substantial works between 1994 and 2003 brought the dam to contemporary design standards.

In its basic design and subsequent upgrading, Hume Dam provides evidence of the development of dam technology in Australia.

National Engineering Landmark plaques were awarded to Hume and Dartmouth Dams in a ceremony at Hume in 2005.


Hume Dam from the air.
Plaque at the Hume Dam.
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Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type Engineering Heritage National Marker (EHNM)
Award Date 22 April 2005
Engineering Significance In its basic design and subsequent upgrading, Hume provides evidence of the development of dam technology in Australia.
Nomination Document Available here.
Ceremony Booklet
Ceremony Report
Not available.
Plaque/Interpretation Panel Not available.
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