First Discovery, First Use, Fauna and Flora and Aboriginal Tribes
Over forty million years ago the Murray River started to form. The Murray River has a world of history behind it that when learnt can help the understanding of how the Murray River functions and how we can help it keep surviving for future generations to enjoy. The Murray River was discovered by European explorers Hamilton H. Hume and William H. Hovell in the year of 1824. It wasn't until five years later, however, that Charles Sturt navigated down the Murrumbidgee to fully encounter the Murray. He named the River Sir George Murray after the soldier and Tory Party Polotician who lived from 1772 - 1846. Previously Charles Sturt had navigated through the Darling River to the north and was able to determine that the Murray and the Darling are in fact the same river.
The Murray Rivers first use was to carry wool, wheat and other goods in a paddlesteamer to different places up and down the river. Since the river was first used so late in settlement the invention of railroad came very soon so the river wasn't a main source of trade. The passlesteamers that were used have been restored and are used to carry passengers around the river for a tour of the Murray and to experiance a real paddlesteamer.
The first irrigation system was introduced in 1887 by Canadian Gearge Chaffey. It greatly improved the settlement of the rivers water supply around Mildura and Renmark in South Australia.
Since it's discovery the Murray River has become the major domestic water supply for over 1.5 million households across Australia. Along with it's tributaries the Murray is part of the third largest water catchment on Earth.
Every year on the 27th of December since 1969 the Murray River has held the world largest canoe race. It starts in Yarranwonga and flows downstream ending in Swan hill. It lasts five days and the competiters race for a gut-wrenching total of 404km. It started when ten friends decided to raise money for the Australian red cross. They row for 404km with 18 checkpoints and 23 stages it gains it's title as the longest (and hardest) canoe race in all the world. The canoe race is still to raise money for the Australia Red Cross association which really shows Australia's kindness and compassion towards those in need.
A wide range of animal species can be found living along the river, including emus, koala's, western grey kangaroos, bearded dragon lizards, red-rumped parrots, black swans, pelicans, and even dolphins. A lot of fish also live in the river such as the Murray cod, bream, perch and redfin. You can also find carp in then river but this particular type of fish is illegal in the river because they kill other fish. If you catch a carp you have to kill it, you are not allowed to let it back in the river.
A lot of native historical plants can be found along the banks of the river. The willow tree is commonly found along the river which protects the bank of the river from erosion but it also takes over surrounding areas and spreads out the soil which kills off other plants.
The Aboriginal tribes were the first people to use the Murray River and they used it for millions of years before the European settlers came in and began to use the River. The tribes that lived at and used the river are: Ingalta, Moorundie, Goodwara, Parrain-kaperre, Tongwillum, Yoorlooarra and Mjarrindjeri. The Ngarrindjeri people lived on and along the lands around the Murray and they are currently the largest Aboriginal community.
Aboriginal tribes used the Murray River has a source of water, food (fish) and boating. Aboriginal people still use the Murray River as a source of water but they no longer fiwsh on the river. There are a lot of Aboriginal dreamtime stories that include the Murray River such as Tiddilik the frog. Tiddilik the frog tells the story of a thirsty frog who drunk all the water so the other animals had to pul together to try and make him put the water back. The moral of the story is that we need to conserve our water and in times of need we need to work together.The Murray river is an important source of cultural heritage for all Australians.
The Murray Rivers first use was to carry wool, wheat and other goods in a paddlesteamer to different places up and down the river. Since the river was first used so late in settlement the invention of railroad came very soon so the river wasn't a main source of trade. The passlesteamers that were used have been restored and are used to carry passengers around the river for a tour of the Murray and to experiance a real paddlesteamer.
The first irrigation system was introduced in 1887 by Canadian Gearge Chaffey. It greatly improved the settlement of the rivers water supply around Mildura and Renmark in South Australia.
Since it's discovery the Murray River has become the major domestic water supply for over 1.5 million households across Australia. Along with it's tributaries the Murray is part of the third largest water catchment on Earth.
Every year on the 27th of December since 1969 the Murray River has held the world largest canoe race. It starts in Yarranwonga and flows downstream ending in Swan hill. It lasts five days and the competiters race for a gut-wrenching total of 404km. It started when ten friends decided to raise money for the Australian red cross. They row for 404km with 18 checkpoints and 23 stages it gains it's title as the longest (and hardest) canoe race in all the world. The canoe race is still to raise money for the Australia Red Cross association which really shows Australia's kindness and compassion towards those in need.
A wide range of animal species can be found living along the river, including emus, koala's, western grey kangaroos, bearded dragon lizards, red-rumped parrots, black swans, pelicans, and even dolphins. A lot of fish also live in the river such as the Murray cod, bream, perch and redfin. You can also find carp in then river but this particular type of fish is illegal in the river because they kill other fish. If you catch a carp you have to kill it, you are not allowed to let it back in the river.
A lot of native historical plants can be found along the banks of the river. The willow tree is commonly found along the river which protects the bank of the river from erosion but it also takes over surrounding areas and spreads out the soil which kills off other plants.
The Aboriginal tribes were the first people to use the Murray River and they used it for millions of years before the European settlers came in and began to use the River. The tribes that lived at and used the river are: Ingalta, Moorundie, Goodwara, Parrain-kaperre, Tongwillum, Yoorlooarra and Mjarrindjeri. The Ngarrindjeri people lived on and along the lands around the Murray and they are currently the largest Aboriginal community.
Aboriginal tribes used the Murray River has a source of water, food (fish) and boating. Aboriginal people still use the Murray River as a source of water but they no longer fiwsh on the river. There are a lot of Aboriginal dreamtime stories that include the Murray River such as Tiddilik the frog. Tiddilik the frog tells the story of a thirsty frog who drunk all the water so the other animals had to pul together to try and make him put the water back. The moral of the story is that we need to conserve our water and in times of need we need to work together.The Murray river is an important source of cultural heritage for all Australians.
Locks, Weirs, Dams and Barrages
The Murray river has many locks, weirs and dams. The first
lock and weir on the Murray was placed in Blanchetown in 1922. Ten more followed between 1923 and 1935. The last lock and weir was completed in Euston in 1937. The original purpose of the locks and weirs was to provide year round navigation for commercial cargo boats and for irrigation diversions by pumping or gravity. The locks and weirs have a simple structure. When the boat reaches the gate they sail through to the compartment inbetween the river. Then the water in the
compartment either levitates or lowers depending on which way they enter. The boat then flows out into the river.The Murray river has many locks, weirs and dams. In 1918 a commision was formed to manage the water supply and over-see the construction of locks, weirs and dams to reduce the effects of flood and drought. The commision still exists today to make sure the millions of people using the rivers water for domestic and industrial uses, use the water wisely and do not waste it.
The dams are used for water storage. A dam is a large bowl-shaped mound of earth that stores water for many a usage. The first dam was built in 1990. The dams are primarily used for storage for irrigation and the domestic and stock use of water for the surrounding towns.
Another creating to help the Murray River strive are barrages. Barrages lay at the Murray Mouth and consist of five different structures with connecting roadways across Ewe Island and Tauwitchere Island. The primary purpose of the Barrages at the Murray mouth is to maintain the freshness of the River to as far as Wellington. the barrages will also help to stop salt water from the ocean entering the river during periods of low water levels. The barrages ensure the use of the river as the salt is kept out and otherwise there would be an even larger salinity problem. The barrages are kept a a bit away from the sea so it is not damaged during storms that usually occur near coastal areas.
lock and weir on the Murray was placed in Blanchetown in 1922. Ten more followed between 1923 and 1935. The last lock and weir was completed in Euston in 1937. The original purpose of the locks and weirs was to provide year round navigation for commercial cargo boats and for irrigation diversions by pumping or gravity. The locks and weirs have a simple structure. When the boat reaches the gate they sail through to the compartment inbetween the river. Then the water in the
compartment either levitates or lowers depending on which way they enter. The boat then flows out into the river.The Murray river has many locks, weirs and dams. In 1918 a commision was formed to manage the water supply and over-see the construction of locks, weirs and dams to reduce the effects of flood and drought. The commision still exists today to make sure the millions of people using the rivers water for domestic and industrial uses, use the water wisely and do not waste it.
The dams are used for water storage. A dam is a large bowl-shaped mound of earth that stores water for many a usage. The first dam was built in 1990. The dams are primarily used for storage for irrigation and the domestic and stock use of water for the surrounding towns.
Another creating to help the Murray River strive are barrages. Barrages lay at the Murray Mouth and consist of five different structures with connecting roadways across Ewe Island and Tauwitchere Island. The primary purpose of the Barrages at the Murray mouth is to maintain the freshness of the River to as far as Wellington. the barrages will also help to stop salt water from the ocean entering the river during periods of low water levels. The barrages ensure the use of the river as the salt is kept out and otherwise there would be an even larger salinity problem. The barrages are kept a a bit away from the sea so it is not damaged during storms that usually occur near coastal areas.