Blanchetown’s Lock One marks centenary of service

One of the River Murray’s most iconic landmarks has clocked up a significant historic milestone, with Lock One at Blanchetown this month officially marking 100 years of service.

Following the laying of the foundation stone at the Riverland site in 1915, the lock officially completed its first lockage for river traffic on 6 April 1922, which was also the first for the entire lock system.

Situated approximately 270 kilometres from the Murray Mouth, the site was the first lock or weir constructed along the River Murray system, with the wider network of river assets progressively constructed over the following two decades.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of River Murray Operations Garry Fyfe said the centenary is a significant milestone.

“From the early days of cargo boats and paddle steamers to the modern day fleet of tinnies and speedboats we see today, Lock One continues to play a significant role in the safe movement of water vessels between the Murray Mouth and upstream communities in the Riverland and interstate,” Garry said.

“In fact, Lock One remains one of our busiest locks along the South Australian stretch of the Murray, with just under 700 vessels passing through the concrete chamber during 2021.

“Our crew estimates this lock would have seen around 100,000 vessels pass through the chamber since the first lockage 100 years ago, and we look forward to seeing many more over the next 100 years!

“We’re also excited to have worked with the River Murray Boat Owners Association of SA on the installation of a new plaque at the lock, to commemorate this momentous occasion.

“This is a significant milestone for both South Australia and our team who have safely operated Lock One for the community over its lifetime, and we’re proud to have played a part in this historical achievement.

“Our team of lock operators – known as ‘lockies’ – stationed along the Murray love getting a chance to explain the rich history of these sites as visitors pass by every day, and we thank everyone for continuing to visit our locks in a safe way.”

On behalf of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, SA Water manages Locks One to Six in South Australia as well as Lock Seven at Rufus River and Lock Eight at Wangumma in New South Wales, and Lock Nine at Kulnine in Victoria. The utility also operates barrages at Goolwa, Mundoo, Boundary Creek, Ewe Island and Tauwitchere.

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