GOOLWA: Barrage construction showing wooden forms in position for Lock chamber

The construction of barrages near the mouth of the Murray had been suggested as early as 1890 because of issues to do with the salinity of the water in the lakes and upstream, and the water levels. Discussion continued into the early years of the 20th century and by 1913 the government was convinced of the need. World War I intervened and it was not until 1922 that the issue was again before the government. Argument and counter argument were put forward and finally in by the 1930s it was decided to proceed, taking advantage of the high unemployment at the time to obtain cheap labour. Construction began in 1935 and was completed in 1940.

There are actually five barrages: Tauwitchere, Ewe Island, Mundoo, Boundary Creek and Goolwa.

Linn, Rob A diverse land : a history of the Lower Murray, Lakes and Coorong [Meningie, S. Aust]: Meningie Historical Society, 1988

Linn, Rob Murray water is thicker than blood : the stories of the families who made the River Murray's locks and barrages Waikerie, S. Aust.: Historical Consultants for River Murray Locks & Barrages Reunion Committee, 2001

Johnston, E.N. Preliminary report of Captain E.N. Johnston, relative to the construction of locks and weirs on the River Murray, May 31st, 1912 Adelaide: Govt. Printer, 1913

 Goolwa barrages, South Australia: Keeping the seawater out

Murray Darling Basin Commission: The barrages

State Library of South Australia: Goolwa barrages

State Library of South Australia: Goolwa barrages completed