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Goulburn Weir Complex (Pumping Station)

Other Name 1885 National Channel Location NAGAMBIE VIC 3608 - Property No B0897 File Number B0897 Level State

[1/1] B0897 Goulburn Weir Complex

Statement of Significance

Goulburn Weir, Stuart Murray Channel, Murchison Pump Site and the 1885 National Channel.
These works, which were interconnected, were exceptionally large public works undertakings in the 1880s. The high standard of design and construction showed professional excellence. The 1885 'National' channel, being 137 km long was the first significant irrigation channel in Australia. It required accurate surveying as the gradient is only about 1 in 10,000 or a fall of 100mm in each km. The installation of the Murchison pumps was a milestone in the application of centrifugal pumps. The huge pumps and the steam engines were designed and made in Victoria. The use of the hydro electric power to operate carbon arc lights and the use of water turbine to operate the raising and lowering of the flood gates, were examples of the use of the latest technology. The Goulburn Weir and the Stuart Murray channel have controlled and serviced a vast area of irrigation land for nearly 100 years. The two people most responsible for the work are notable: Alfred Deakin, the Minister, and Stuart Murray, the Engineer.
Classified: 'National' 26/09/1988
Revised:03/08/1998
Note:Goulburn Weir/Pumping Station, 2 miles Sth Murchison.