In an effort to assist the citrus and grape growing industry, the Shire Chairman, C. Lloyd-Jones, advocated for a state financed weir on the Alice River. In November 1952 work began on a Department of Irrigation and Water Supply project believed to cost approximately £50,000. About 33 men were employed, many of them New Australians (as migrants were then called). Some had wives and families and all lived in pre-fabricated buildings at the site. The weir was complete by October 1953 and handed over to the Barcaldine Shire Council for maintenance. It overflowed for the first time in January 1954 but Lloyd-Jones, for whom it was named, did not live to see the fulfilment of his 15 year old dream. He died on 19 December 1953, having been chairman for 23 years.
The rain soaked fifties were a severe test for the weir and major repairs were required after its first filling, in March 1955, and again in January 1956. The work was carried out for the Department of Irrigation and Water Supply under the supervision of council engineer, C. H. Wilson. The Lloyd-Jones Weir became a popular place for fishing and picnics and provided some irrigation for farms and orchards but has not become the centre of development that was ambitiously predicted in its early years.
