The South West Slopes Local History
South West Slopes is a region located in the southwestern portion of New South Wales, Australia. The region spans over four local government areas, namely the Gundagai, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Snowy Valleys, and Hilltops Councils, covering about 2.5 million hectares of land. This area is rich in history, with a strong agricultural and pastoral heritage and abundant natural resources.
The first inhabitants of this region were the Wiradjuri, who had lived in this area for thousands of years before European settlement. They were the custodians of the land, and they lived off the land by hunting, fishing, and gathering. They also used the natural resources of the region to create their tools, weapons, and clothing. The Wiradjuri people still inhabit this region today, and their cultural heritage is celebrated by the community.
The region was first explored by Europeans in the early 19th century, with pastoralism being the primary economic activity. The arrival of the railway in the 1870s enabled the growth of the region's economy, with wool and wheat becoming the main produce of the region's primary sector. The area also became a major transportation hub for the state's agricultural exports.
The towns in the region grew alongside the railway line, with Cootamundra being one of the first towns established in the region. The town became a major center of the region's agriculture and pastoralism. The town was also a significant military center during the two world wars, with many of its residents serving in the Australian armed forces.
The town of Gundagai, located at the base of the Great Dividing Range, has a long history of pastoralism. The town became infamous for the Gundagai flood of 1852 when a flash flood destroyed much of the town and killed around 90 people. The disaster was a significant turning point for the region, prompting the construction of the Burrinjuck Dam to control the flood waters.
The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, which began construction in the late 1940s, provided a significant boost to the region's economy. The scheme's construction required the construction of a new town, Tumut 3, which became the base of operations for the scheme's construction crews. The scheme also created a significant amount of employment in the region, with many locals working on the scheme as laborers, administrators, and engineers.
The region's culture is rich and diverse, with many festivals and events held throughout the year. The town of Harden-Murrumburrah hosts several annual events, including the Murrumburrah Harden Show, an agricultural show featuring live shows, exhibitions, and competitions. The town of Batlow hosts the Batlow Ciderfest, a festival celebrating the region's apple orchards and the cider produced from their fruit. The Tumbarumba Festival of the Falling Leaf is another popular event, celebrating the arrival of autumn in the region.
The South West Slopes region has played a significant role in Australia's history. The region's rich agricultural and pastoral heritage, combined with its abundant natural resources, have helped it develop into a prosperous and vibrant community. Today, the region is still a major contributor to the state's economy and culture, and it remains a significant testament to the resilience and innovation of the Australian people.