90 Years On

2 July 2002

On the 13th of July, 1912 the Hon. Arthur Griffith, Minister for Public Works, opened the sluice gates, to a roar of applause, at the Yanco regulator releasing the first water for irrigation in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. The MIA was considered to be "a scheme for the poor man...an opportunity to enable thousands of new settlers to establish a future for their families".

The opening of the MIA was the birth of a plan of hope for the future, a continuing theme for soldier settlers and European immigrants following the world wars. Today, thanks to irrigation we have a rich and diverse area with a thriving community. The protection of this is of paramount importance to us at Murrumbidgee Irrigation.

To celebrate this event Murrumbidgee Irrigation is planting a commemorative tree in the garden of the Leeton Visitor Centre and hosting an informal morning tea at 11:00 am on Saturday, 13 July. Interested community members are very welcome to participate in the mornings events.

A photo display will be open to the public at the Leeton Visitor Centre during the following time: Saturday, 13 July, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday, 14 July, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm; Monday, 15 July to Friday, 19 July between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

The photos date back to 1913 and show many original buildings and irrigation practices distinct to the MIA. The display will be of interest to older residents who remember the development of the area as well as younger children who may be fascinated to see what the town looked like "all those years ago" - a great school holiday activity.

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