Bradfield Scheme

Bradfield Scheme irrigation area

The Bradfield Scheme is a proposed water diversion project in Australia aimed at addressing water scarcity in the country's arid interior. The scheme was first proposed by Dr. John Bradfield, a prominent Australian engineer, in the 1930s. The project involves diverting water from the coastal rivers of Queensland to the inland areas of Australia, particularly the Lake Eyre Basin.

History

The Bradfield Scheme was conceived during a period of severe drought in Australia. Dr. John Bradfield, who is also known for his work on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, envisioned the project as a means to transform the arid interior into fertile agricultural land. The scheme was proposed to capture and redirect the flow of rivers such as the Tully River, Herbert River, and Burdekin River.

Proposed Plan

The original plan for the Bradfield Scheme involved constructing a series of dams, tunnels, and canals to divert water from the coastal rivers of northern Queensland. The water would be channeled through the Great Dividing Range and into the Thomson River and Barcoo River, eventually reaching Lake Eyre.

Key Components

• **Dams**: Construction of large dams on the Tully, Herbert, and Burdekin Rivers to capture and store water.
• **Tunnels**: Tunneling through the Great Dividing Range to facilitate the flow of water inland.
• **Canals**: Building extensive canal systems to transport water to the interior regions.

Potential Benefits

The Bradfield Scheme is proposed to offer several benefits, including:

• **Agricultural Development**: Providing a reliable water source for irrigation, thereby boosting agricultural productivity in the arid regions.
• **Drought Mitigation**: Reducing the impact of droughts by ensuring a steady supply of water.
• **Economic Growth**: Stimulating economic development in rural and remote areas through increased agricultural activities.

Criticism and Challenges

Despite its potential benefits, the Bradfield Scheme has faced significant criticism and challenges:

• **Environmental Impact**: Concerns about the ecological consequences of diverting rivers and altering natural water flows.
• **Economic Feasibility**: The high cost of construction and maintenance has raised questions about the economic viability of the project.
• **Technical Challenges**: The engineering complexities involved in tunneling through the Great Dividing Range and constructing extensive canal systems.

Current Status

As of now, the Bradfield Scheme remains a proposal and has not been implemented. Various studies and assessments have been conducted to evaluate its feasibility, but no concrete steps have been taken towards its realization.

See Also

• Water management in Australia
• Drought in Australia
• Lake Eyre Basin
• John Bradfield