Ben Chifley Dam, Embankment dam near Bathurst, Australia
Ben Chifley Dam is an embankment dam that spans 455 meters across the Campbells River near Bathurst with a wall standing about 34 meters high. The structure holds water in a large reservoir behind the earth and stone wall.
The dam was constructed between 1948 and 1956, replacing an earlier water source for the Bathurst region. The project was part of postwar infrastructure development for the area.
The dam carries the name of Ben Chifley, the 16th Prime Minister of Australia, reflecting the connection between infrastructure and national leadership.
The site receives water daily from the river and supplies filtered water to the surrounding region through treatment facilities. Visitors should understand this is an active water supply infrastructure that continues to serve the local area.
The structure has two separate spillway systems that work together to discharge excess water safely from the reservoir. This dual approach allows the facility to manage large water flows during heavy rainfall periods.
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