Redbanks Reservoir
| Address: | Forrest Rd/corner of Coleman Rd. off Wasleys Rd |
|---|---|
| Town or Locality: | Redbanks |
In 1907 Barossa water was piped to Redbanks and this made stock watering reliable and convenient. It was also welcomed at homesteads and the gardens flourished. In 1909 the service reservoir at Redbanks was built and has a capacity of 10,000,000 gallons. Mallala, Dublin and other nearby areas are supplied from this reservoir. Smith and Timms were the contractors that built the dam, although they used all local labour. Arthur Fry from Mallala was the works manager and lived in a tent by the reservoir while it was being constructed.
The farmers in the area dug the dam with shovels and carried the earth up the sides of the dam with horse and drays and later carted stone back to make the surface watertight. The sides are 20ft high. The water rates were levied at 4 pence per acre on all land within the first mile abutting a water main, and a special rate was adopted in the towns.A constant supply of water has been provided to properties in the area from the Redbanks Reservoir to Dublin
In March 1985, the State Government approved $1.6 million to upgrade the existing supply system between Redbanks and Dublin S.A. The vital project enabled the Australian Saudi Arabian Livestock Co Pty. Ltd. (ASALCO) to develop the feedlot on land in the vicinity of Dublin. The sheep were transported to the property and quaranteened for a required duration before they were exported to the Middle East. The ASALCO company contributed $110.000 to the capital cost of the works.
It was envisaged the increased supply of water would service the intensive animal keeping which had developed in the area.
Sources
- "Life Around the Light" A History of the Mallala District Council Area. Published 1985
Memories of Redbanks Reservoir
Do you remember Redbanks Reservoir ? Then Join up and add your memory here.
Print
Subscribe by RSS
