Clarendon Branch of the Agricultural Bureau

The Clarendon Branch of the Agricultural Bureau welcomed speaker, David Trueman to the June meeting.

David provided insight into the Clarendon Water Tunnel. David previously worked for SA Water and had some background knowledge of the Clarendon Water Tunnel. David explained the way the tunnel was excavated with shafts being dug to the required level. Workmen then dug to join the next shaft and eventually the tunnel was linked up and ready to receive water from the Clarendon Weir into the Happy Valley Reservoir.

David explained that the original tunnel was enlarged in the 1960s with the help of workers from the completed Snowy Mountain Scheme. The area now known as Peace Park was the site for worker accommodation and machinery and was later converted into a YMCA camp. When the tunnel was enlarged it was concrete lined at the beginning and at the exit to reduce erosion. The water tunnel is surveyed annually by SA Water Engineers who drive vehicles through the tunnel to ensure it is working properly.

Tony Fagg President

Clarendon Branch of the Agricultural Bureau