The Rocklands Dam is a gravity dam with rock-filled embankments across the Glenelg River, in the Wimmera region of Victoria, Australia. Completed in 1953, the resultant eponymous reservoir, the Rocklands Reservoir, was created for the supply of potable water for the region. The dam and reservoir are the largest operated by Grampians–Wimmera–Mallee Water (GWMWater).
Dam and reservoir overview Dam Construction of the dam began in 1938; however, during World War II, construction ceased, recommenced in 1950, and the dam was completed in 1953. The concrete-faced dam wall is high and long. When full, the resultant reservoir has a storage capacity of and covers , drawn from a catchment area of . The uncontrolled spillway has a discharge capacity of . The main wall is flanked by two embankment sections.
Reservoir Originally constructed to supply the Wimmera-Mallee Domestic and Stock channel system, water held by the reservoir is now used for many different purposes. A unique feature of the reservoir is that all entitlement holders, including the environment, are able to be supplied with water from the reservoir.
The reservoir is a popular recreational boating location, with powerboating, water skiing and jet skiing allowed. Camping is permitted in designated areas. During the duck hunting season, duck shooting is allowed. It is also a popular fishing spot, with Murray cod, redfin, trout and carp taken at all times of the year. The reservoir was one of the premier carp fishing destinations in the late 1990s and early 2000s with carp in excess of regularly caught.
The reservoir is listed on the Southern Grampians Shire local government heritage register.
See also
List of reservoirs and dams in Victoria
References
External links