Goulburn Weir
Constructed 1887 - 1891
The first major diversion structure built for irrigation in Australia
Construction of the Goulburn Weir began in 1887 and was completed in early 1891. It was considered to have had a very advanced design at that time.
It was designed and constructed under the direction of Stuart Murray, who became the first Chairman of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, with Professor Kernot of the University of Melbourne as a consultant.
The weir is 209 metres long by about 16 metres high.
Constructed of concrete, consisting of Portland cement, sharp sand, clean washed shingle and broken stone, the weir is faced with large granite blocks that step downstream.
Originally it had overshot type flood gates which were lowered into recesses in the crest to pass floodwaters. Hydro Turbines provided power for lifting and lighting.
 The weir enables water to be diverted to a number of irrigation channels to irrigate thousands of properties in Northern Victoria, and when necessary, for stock and domestic supplies to wheat farms in the Mallee.
Because of its importance to the nation at the time of Federation, Goulburn Weir was featured on the first Commonwealth of Australia bank notes.
In 1987, the Rural Water Commission completed the rehabilitation of the weir, replacing the overshot flood gates with radial gates. However the significant heritage values of the weir, were respected and sample flood gates, and the turbines were restored in situ. An interpretative display is housed in the adjacent control building.
Location:
VicRoads Map 46 D5
About 9 km north of Nagambie on the Goulburn Valley Highway, turn west onto Weir Road and travel 2km to the Goulburn Weir Reserve.
Further References:
Stuart Murray, The Goulburn Weir and its Dependent System of Works (Melbourne 1893)
Goulburn-Murray Water, Goulburn Weir
Prepared by:
Ken McInnes
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