Goolwa SA – Barrages, keeping the seawater out of the River Murray (16 –19 April, 2010)

While in the small town of Tailem Bend we heard about the Barrages at Goolwa, so decide to spend a few days around the area and see the barrages for ourselves.  The trip from Tailem Bend was very pleasant, we took the ferry over the River Murray to Wellington and then drove down through the picturesque villages along the valley. It was not long before acres and acres of grape vines came into view, lining both sides of the both sides of the roads around Strathalbyn; we were finally getting into grape country. Strathalbyn has a wonderful Lutheran Church which of course I just had to capture photographs for my Blog. Note: those of you who have been reading one of my other Blogs - ‘Churches Along the Wallaby Track’ – the church from Strathalbyn will be posted soon.  If you are interested in country churches, why not join my dear friend Sonia and become a Follower? 

After settling into the caravan park we took off to see the barrages, we had been following the River Murray for such along way, and now it felt terrific to be able to see where the river meets the sea. For those who may be interested, below is information on the barrages. 

The Goolwa Barrages, (South Australia near Murray Mouth & Coorong), have been constructed in the vicinity of the River Murray mouth, are commonly known as the Goolwa Barrages, and consist of five separate structures with connecting roadways across Ewe Island and Tauwitchere Island.

The main purpose of the barrages at the Murray mouth is to maintain the freshness of the River Murray as far downstream as Wellington. This is an obligation under the Act; and to keep the water at a sufficiently high level to permit the watering by gravitation of the various reclamation areas between Mannum and Wellington. In addition to this, it will prevent the ingress of salt water from the sea during periods of low river, and will help maintain the freshness of the water in Lakes Alexandrina and Albert. Thus ensuring the productivity of the surrounding areas which would otherwise be injuriously affected by salt water after long periods of salinity in the lakes.

For those who like more detail, why not read all about the Barrages, the site is very interesting.

Note: All information on the Goolwa Barrages has been copied from : http://www.murrayriver.com.au/river-towns/barrages/