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Message from the MayorLast modified: November 7, 2008 - 10:21 AM
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Founded in 1906, the Shire of Wakool was mapped following the border (Murray River) from Barham down stream to Goodnight, approximately northwards to a point above the Murrumbidgee River beyond Balranald, then returning, generally in a South South Easterly direction to the Murray River upstream from Barham, encompassing some seven and one half thousand square kilometres, interlaced by some main rivers the Wakool, Niemur, Edward, numerous creeks and backwaters and the mighty Murrumbidgee. Moulamein (the meeting of the waters) settled some decade or so before Melbourne. Being centrally situated it was selected as the Shire headquarters. The Shire adopted the name"Wakool" which I suspect was possibly derived from the then namedWakool River, which singularly rises on the Shires Eastern boundary and flows its full length with the Shire before flowing into the Murray River beyond Tooleybuc. Men of vision supported by their women folks gradually farmed this broken, sparsely populated land experiencing flood, fire and drought, with scant reserve prophetically to combat any. Roads, bridges and infrastructure, many still in use today, stand as testament to the ingenuity, stamina and fortitude displayed by these early pioneering families. With the completion of the Moama to Balranald railway line (1920s) coupled with the extension of the Irrigation System (1930s) larger holdings were subdivided. The Depression, World War II and the severe drought years of the 1940s took their toll, many areas reverting back to the original larger holdings. Following World War II, Soldier Settlement, along with "proclamations" being placed on larger freehold title land, compulsory acquisition again repeated itself. Because of the availability of almost unlimited Irrigation Water, a wider range of Agricultural pursuits i.e. rice, dairying, cereal, grazing was encouraged. "Loose" irrigation practises over time lead to yet another environmental calamity ie rising water table, resulting in wide spread salinity problems. Meanwhile the collapse of the Wool Industry has created enormous pressures on the graziers in the Northern section of the Shire. Modern farming techniques, full farm planning, land grazing, recycling, along with the sub-surface drainage scheme and the community driven Land and Water Management Plan, have under pinned and restored confidence in our Shires rural future. Since the foundation many have given their time, knowledge and expertise, both on Council and in Administration, names synonymous with District, Presidents/Mayors whose privilege it has been to lead the Shire over the past 100 years. "Setbacks" experienced and overcome in the past, have not only built character and discipline within our Council but has also "steeled" the Shires desire to go forward, build on the foundations laid down by our fore fathers and progress confidently through this century. By continuing good governance, accountable transparent administration and "duty of care" towards our commitments, the Council of the Shire of Wakool looks forward to the future, while never forgetting the achievements of those of the past.
MAYOR |
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© 2008 Wakool Shire Council |
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