Farm Learning
Genius Floodgate Design That Survives Massive Flows
Farm Learning with Tim Thompson | 14 August 2025 | Back to All Videos
This could be the smartest floodgate you’ll ever see.
At Challa Station in WA’s Murchison region, Ash Dowden has built a 250m floodgate that’s withstood floods so fierce the water almost tops the fence posts. In this video, we break down the clever engineering—from strainer posts and chain-link hinges to wire choices and quick-reset safety features—that make it last.
At Challa Station in WA’s Murchison region, Ash Dowden has built a 250m floodgate that’s withstood floods so fierce the water almost tops the fence posts. In this video, we break down the clever engineering—from strainer posts and chain-link hinges to wire choices and quick-reset safety features—that make it last.
Whether you’re fencing in high-rainfall country, along creeks, or across seasonal watercourses, you’ll learn practical tips to build floodgates that stand up to nature’s worst.
In this episode you’ll discover:
How to position and anchor your floodgate for maximum strength
Why wire type and strain length make a huge difference
The “quick-release” trick that saves you from total rebuilds after a flood
Cost-saving choices that don’t compromise durability
📍 Location: Challa Station, Murchison Region, Western Australia
👤 Featured: Ash Dowden
⚒ Topics: Floodgate design, flood fencing, rural infrastructure, farm fencing tips
#FarmFencing #FloodgateDesign #FarmLearning
🔗 Watch Next:
How to Build Strong End Assemblies
Tips for Fencing in Flood-Prone Areas
Farm Learning with Tim Thompson – Subscribe Here
💡 Support the Channel:
Visit: https://www.timthompson.ag
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarmLearning
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmlearning
Support me on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/timthompsonmedia
Subscribe for a new video each week! New content uploaded every weekend.
My Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdtlC5DtsgZKCM8gislyDJw
00:00 Intro – Australia’s most impressive floodgate?
00:37 Strainer post setup before the floodgate
02:00 Angle stays & star picket welds
03:14 Continuous wire & hinge point placement
04:18 First floodgate post – strut placement compromise
05:16 Chain link hinge system explained
06:36 Tight clipping for stability
07:40 High vs low flow area post supports
08:54 The low-point quick-release wire trick
09:22 Wire choice: plain vs barb in flood zones
10:03 Ash’s rules for bulletproof floodgates
11:41 Final thoughts & subscribe