The purpose of Yarrawonga Weir is to raise the water level of the Murray River to a height sufficient for its diversion by gravity into irrigation canals in both states.
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The Victorian canal was not as wide nor deep as NSW, which had two huge 350 HP Bucyrus Erie Draglines.
Various scoops were used in construction, such as the Tumbling Tommy, Gaston, Close and McCabe, which was a one-man lever scoop patented by J McCabe of Yarrawonga.
The first water diversions through the two main canals were in October 1939.
After World War II, a soldier settlements scheme was developed between the towns of Numurkah, Strathmerton, Cobram and Nathalia.
About 500 dairy and horticultural farms were developed. Channels were extended to services these farms with water.
The Mulwala Canal took water to Berriquin, Deniboota and Wakool irrigation districts, becoming the largest canal system in the southern hemisphere.
A Gaston horse-drawn scoop which was used in the construction of the Weir and Yarrawonga Canal between 1935 and 1938 is now on permanent display at the entrance to the Pioneer Museum.
It was recently donated by the Dowling family.
The Yarrawonga Historical Society have provided these fantastic photos of various events from their archives and their must see new photographic exhibition “Time in Film”. The Historical Society’s Pioneer Museum is located at 151 Melbourne Rd, Mulwala and are open from 1pm - 4.30pm Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays.
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