Berembed Weir facts for kids

The Berembed Weir is an important historical structure located on the Murrumbidgee River in Matong, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Ernest de Burgh and built by the New South Wales Department of Public Works between 1909 and 1910. This weir is also known as the Berembed Diversion Weir. It was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999, recognizing its historical value.

History of Berembed Weir

Building the Weir

The Berembed Diversion Weir was a key part of a big project. This project was set up by the Barren Jack and Murrumbidgee Canals Construction Act of 1906. The main goal of the weir was to move water from the Murrumbidgee River into the Main Canal. This was done using a special gate called an offtake regulator.

The Rivers Water Supply & Drainage Branch of the New South Wales Department of Public Works designed and oversaw the building of the weir. This happened in 1909 and 1910.

Why Berembed?

The name "Berembed" comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "a heap of rocks". This spot was chosen because low hills near the river stayed above flood levels. Also, a wide granite bar stretched under the river and its banks. L. A. B. Wade, the Principal Chief Engineer, thought this was the perfect place. It was ideal for building a weir to send water into the main supply canal.

How the Weir Worked

The original weir had a main section with 55 special wooden gates. These gates could be collapsed. It also had a lock chamber, which is like a water elevator for boats. This lock could fit barges or steamers up to 30.48 meters (100 feet) long. There was also a sluiceway, which is a channel for controlling water flow.

A special off-take regulator was built at a right angle to the weir. This was at the very start of the Main Canal.

Modern Changes

In 1976 and 1977, the weir was updated. The old wooden gates were replaced with fixed concrete sections. These new concrete parts now stretch across about two-thirds of the river's width. In 1977, the Berembed Picnic Grounds were officially opened. This was done by the Hon. Lin Gordon MLA, who was the Minister for Water Resources at the time.

Sadly, the staff cottage at the site was destroyed by fire in 2012.

What Berembed Weir Looks Like

The weir is built on a strong granite rock formation that goes across the river. It measures 82.3 meters (270 feet) between its two ends. The weir is split into three main parts:

• A sluiceway, which is 12.19 meters (40 feet) wide.
• A lock chamber, also 12.19 meters (40 feet) wide.
• A concrete weir section, which is 50.29 meters (165 feet) wide.

The sluiceway and the lock chamber each have large iron gates at their upstream ends. These gates are called "Stoney" pattern gates. They were made by a company called Ransomes & Rapier in Ipswich, England. These gates can lift up to 10.67 meters (35 feet). The original gates at the downstream end of the lock chamber have been removed.

The off-take regulator has 10 gates. These gates were first made from tallow-wood and had three parts each. The gates and their lifting equipment were built at the Government Fitzroy Dock in Sydney. These gates have since been replaced with newer ones.

The Berembed Weir site also has other old structures. These include the former staff cottage, old timber pilings, and a memorial related to the weir's wickets. The area is also home to rare native plants and animals.

Why Berembed Weir is Important

The Berembed Diversion Weir is a very important part of a large project. This project was started under the Barren Jack and Murrumbidgee Canals Act of 1906. The weir plays a crucial role in controlling and moving water. It sends water into the Main Canal, which then supplies the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and nearby regions. This makes it a vital structure for water management in the area.

Berembed Weir was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.