Published Resources Details
Journal Article
- Title
- Chaffey Brothers Irrigation Works in Australia
- In
- Australasian Journal of Water Resources
- Imprint
- vol. 23, no. 2, October 2019, 2019, pp. 116-128
- Url
- https://doi.org/10.1080/13241583.2019.1606475
- Abstract
George and William Chaffey made significant contributions to the development of irrigated agriculture with successful projects in California and at Mildura and Renmark in Australia. Engineer George Chaffey pushed the limits of centrifugal pumps to achieve affordable high-volume pumping. He also planned efficient channel networks to distribute water over large areas by gravity flow. Horticulturalist William Chaffey pioneered dried fruit production and wine-making and helped to establish Australian excellence in those industries. However, because of flaws in the financial models adopted, the Chaffey colonies were subject to serious disputation. This also occurred at a time of much wider economic problems and resulted in the failure of the Chaffey companies. Irrigation Trusts were then established at Mildura and Renmark to operate, maintain and expand irrigation systems in return for rates from the landowners. This model has proved to be sustainable and has brought stability and prosperity to the irrigation areas