River Murrary Barrages
From the earliest days of European settlement along the lower reaches there has been strong representation to construct barrages to keep the lower reaches of the river and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert fresh.
Barrages were finally constructed. 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 due to their type and scale.
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. This has had a major impact on biota and landscape in the lakes. They have created a permanent pool of fresh water which is an important animal habitat.
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.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | National Engineering Landmark (NEL) |
| Award Date | September 2001 |
| Heritage Significance | The River Murray Barrages' claim for registration as a National Engineering Landmark is primarily due to its uniqueness in Australia in terms of the type and scale of the works. The Barrages are unmatched by any other similar control structures elsewhere in Australia. Without these structures the growth of Adelaide to the metropolis of one million people that it is today would not have been possible. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Available here. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel | Not Available. |
