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Attractions
Bundaleer Channel System and Bundaleer Reservoir
The Bundaleer reservoir project began in 1898. The project was to
build a reservoir and 26 kilometres of concrete lined channels to feed
the reservoir. At the peak of construction, over 500 men were employed
and the site at the reservoir took the shape of a small town, complete
with butchers, bakers, shoemaker, draper, doctors surgery and police
station. A cricket club was formed, several boarding houses began and
a galvanized iron Institute was built. Life was not easy for the workmen
who had to cook their own meals.
The scheme was eventually completed in 1902 having been the cause of
much controversy as to the effectiveness of collecting water via channels.
The reservoir is today managed by SA Water. One northern section of
the channel continues to be used, the other sections are now managed
by Department Sport and Recreation and the Heysen and Mawson trails
follow these sections.
Heritage
listed Railway Bridge
It took many years for railway to be brought to Spalding. In 1910
the first moves were made for a railway line from Riverton to Spalding.
Work progressed very slowly over the next 12 years! Much lobbying and
pressure had to be exerted to ensure the completion of the line and
the necessary bridge over the River Broughton. In 1918 tenders were
let for the construction of the bridge, but it wasn't until Monday January
9th, 1922 that the first train travelled to Spalding.
The bridge was listed on the state Heritage Register, in 1993.
Broughton
River
The River Broughton, is South Australia's longest river, to begin
and end in the state. The explorer, Edward John Eyre, makes this comment
in his journal.
"The latter watercourses (the Hill and Hutt Rivers) we traced
in the northerly direction towards junction with the larger watercourse
which I named the 'Broughton'... here I found very extensive reaches
of water connected by a strongly running stream."
The River Broughton is fed by underground water and permanent spring
fed pools.
Spalding
Hotel
First built and licensed in 1877 to publican, John Ryles. In 1880 a
new card and billiard room was added along with accommodation for guests.
Additional extensions have been added over the years.
The Hotel has been owned by the Fahey family for over 65 years, but
in 1998, the Spalding community raised sufficient funds to lease the
Hotel. The local management committee has appointed a manager.
Geralka
Rural Farm
Geralka Farm grows cereal and grain legume crops and run Merino
sheep.
In 1972, a section of the property was established to receive visitors,
and to provide conducted tours promoting the region's features.
A large visitor centre incorporates a reception area, displays, shop
and catering hall.
This is complimented by a picnic area, playground, walking track, caravan
park, with a country atmosphere and rural views.
Located
between Clare & Spalding
Address: Geralka, R.M.D. Spalding S.A. 5454
Phone: (08) 8845 8081
Fax: (08) 8845 8073
Morgan
Whyalla Pipeline
The Morgan Whyalla Pipeline snakes across the Spalding countryside.
The history of the decision to construct the pipeline is fascinating.
Sir Thomas Playford had to plan and work very hard to ensure the construction
of the 359km long pipeline, during the second world war. The pipeline
is a series of continuously welded steel pipeline, which involved four
pumping stations and 127 concrete storage tanks along the route. It
was completed in 1944. A number of branch lines have been added and
a second pipeline was begun in 1963 to meet the industrial expansion
of Whyalla and places enroute.
Natural
History
The Spalding district has a richness of natural history specifically
water usage, land usage, flora and fauna.
- Spalding Blown Grass
- Lachnagrostis (formerly Agrostis)
limitanea.
In 1931, J.Black reported the South Australian distribution of
Lachnagrostis limitanea as being found in only one area near Riverton. The species
of grass was not found again until 1992, having been thought to be
extinct until that time. It was found by R.Bates in a small water
reserve along the Yakilo River, near Spalding.
This rare and endangered grass is being protected by Local Government
action, State Heritage listing and the Threatened Species Network.
The Lachnagrostis is now known officially as Spalding Blown Grass.
Lachnagrostis limitanea is a short lived, shallow rooted perennial grass.
It is apparently highly susceptible to grazing and vulnerable to weed
invasion. Little is known about the ecology of the species. Since
1992 another small siting has been made at Tarlee.
- Grasslands
The Spalding area is known for it's grasslands, rolling hills with
some scrub on upper reaches and grassy plains and river flats. In
recent years interest has developed as to the remnant plants that
exist from early grasslands. Some areas have been fenced by land owners
in an effort to re kindle interest in native grassland plants. Many
species are returning in the protected areas.
Natural Heritage Trust funding has been secured by Land Care Groups
and Grassland groups to work with farmers towards improving native
pastures and associated stock production.
Spalding
Cemetery and Gaelic Cemetery
The land for the Spalding Cemetery was donated by Mr. John Page
and he was the first person buried in it in 1884.
A complete listing of those buried at the Spalding Cemetery is available.
Contact the Spalding History and Archive Group, Mrs. Jan Trengove.
Email: ianandjantrengove@bigpond.com
The Gaelic
Cemetery was at the rear of the Free Presbyterian Gaelic Church,
built in 1879.
The records are not in tact, but burials known are:
Bray, Catherine, dau of SC & M. Bray
Bray, Mabel Katherine, died 9.2.1881, 1 year 7 months, dau of SC &
M. Bray
McAskill, Donald, aged 73
McAskill, Angus, (a child)
McLeod, Jessie, (child)
McLeod, Mary (child)
Nourse, Albert (child)
Ross, Angus
Ross, Christina, wife of Peter Ross
Ross, Mary, wife of Jack Ross
Smith, Donald (child)
Sommerville, William born 7.8.1808, at Sanquhar, Scotland. Died 16.9.1880
Sommerville Thomas
Sommerville An infant of Thomas Sommerville
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