Wattle Range Council
Encyclopedia
Wattle Range Council is a local government area in the Limestone Coast
region of south eastern South Australia
. It stretches from the coast at Beachport
east to the Victorian
border. The estimated population of the council area is about 12,554 people.
The council is divided into four wards; Kintore, Riddoch, Sorby Adams and Corcoran wards, with two or more councillors representing each ward.
of the region were composed of five powerful tribe
s, each occupying its own territory which was strictly defined, and territorial rights guarded jealously. Each had different dialects and the names of the tribes were Booandik, Pinegunga, Mootatunga, Wichitunga and Polingunga, of which the first was the most powerful. The tract of country occupied by the Booandik extended from the mouth of the Glenelg River
to Rivoli Bay North (Beachport
) for about 30 miles inland.
European
settlers first moved into the area in the late 1840s, and by the 1860s opened up tracts of land for farming cereal crops. Beachport
became an important port
during the 1880s, further increasing the population
of the area. The first local government areas were setup around the three towns of Millicent
, Penola and Beachport
in the late 19th century, with each operating independently of each other until 1997.
The Wattle Range Council was formed in 1997 from the amalgamation of the District Councils of Beachport
, Millicent
and Penola
.
is dependent on wide range of activities, with agriculture
, fishing
, forestry
and tourism
making up the major components.
Sheep and cattle
farming are the prominent agricultural venture, with dairy
farming common also. Cereal cropping is also prevalent in the nutrient
rich soil
s of the South East
.
Viticulture
is well established in the council area, with one of South Australia
's premier wine
growing regions, the Coonawarra
, located in its bounds, with rich terra rossa soil
aiding the wine quality.
Forestry
and milling
have also been important to the district, with processing plants at Nangwarry and Millicent
.
Tourism
is a diverse, growing aspect of the economy
, with seaside towns such as Beachport attracting tourists for the seaside atmosphere, and others such as Coonawarra, for the wine growing industry.
, with a large number of other towns and localities encompassed in the council area. The full list is:
Beachport
, Benara, Benara Flat, Canunda, Comaum, Coonawarra
, Furner
, Glencoe
, Glencoe West, Glenroy, Grey, Hatherleigh, Kalangadoo
, Katnook, Killanoola, Kirip, Koorine, Krongart, Leggs Lane, Maaoupe, Millicent
, Mount Burr
, Mount Graham, Mount McIntyre, Nangula, Nangwarry
, Penola
, Pompoon, Rendlesham
, Rivoli Bay, Rocky Camp, Sebastapol, Short, Snuggery, Southend
, St Clair, Tantanoola
, Thornlea
, Wattle Range and Wyrie
: Mark Braes
CEO: Frank Brennan
Councillor
and Ward:
Limestone Coast
The Limestone Coast is a name used since the early twentyfirst century for the geographical region and tourist region of the southeast coast of South Australia from the Victoria border to the towards the city of Adelaide.-Location and description:...
region of south eastern South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
. It stretches from the coast at Beachport
Beachport, South Australia
Beachport is a small coastal town 379 kilometres south-east of Adelaide, South Australia, located in the Wattle Range Council. Known for its 772 metre long jetty , Beachport is located on the northern end of Rivoli Bay...
east to the Victorian
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
border. The estimated population of the council area is about 12,554 people.
The council is divided into four wards; Kintore, Riddoch, Sorby Adams and Corcoran wards, with two or more councillors representing each ward.
History
The aboriginal peopleIndigenous Australians
Indigenous Australians are the original inhabitants of the Australian continent and nearby islands. The Aboriginal Indigenous Australians migrated from the Indian continent around 75,000 to 100,000 years ago....
of the region were composed of five powerful tribe
Tribe
A tribe, viewed historically or developmentally, consists of a social group existing before the development of, or outside of, states.Many anthropologists use the term tribal society to refer to societies organized largely on the basis of kinship, especially corporate descent groups .Some theorists...
s, each occupying its own territory which was strictly defined, and territorial rights guarded jealously. Each had different dialects and the names of the tribes were Booandik, Pinegunga, Mootatunga, Wichitunga and Polingunga, of which the first was the most powerful. The tract of country occupied by the Booandik extended from the mouth of the Glenelg River
Glenelg River
Glenelg River may refer to:*Glenelg River , which briefly crosses the border to South Australia.*Glenelg River...
to Rivoli Bay North (Beachport
Beachport, South Australia
Beachport is a small coastal town 379 kilometres south-east of Adelaide, South Australia, located in the Wattle Range Council. Known for its 772 metre long jetty , Beachport is located on the northern end of Rivoli Bay...
) for about 30 miles inland.
European
European ethnic groups
The ethnic groups in Europe are the various ethnic groups that reside in the nations of Europe. European ethnology is the field of anthropology focusing on Europe....
settlers first moved into the area in the late 1840s, and by the 1860s opened up tracts of land for farming cereal crops. Beachport
Beachport, South Australia
Beachport is a small coastal town 379 kilometres south-east of Adelaide, South Australia, located in the Wattle Range Council. Known for its 772 metre long jetty , Beachport is located on the northern end of Rivoli Bay...
became an important port
Port
A port is a location on a coast or shore containing one or more harbors where ships can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land....
during the 1880s, further increasing the population
Population
A population is all the organisms that both belong to the same group or species and live in the same geographical area. The area that is used to define a sexual population is such that inter-breeding is possible between any pair within the area and more probable than cross-breeding with individuals...
of the area. The first local government areas were setup around the three towns of Millicent
Millicent
Millicent is a female given name that has been in use since the Middle Ages. The English form Millicent derives from the Old French Melisende, from the Germanic amal "work" and swinth "strength"...
, Penola and Beachport
Beachport, South Australia
Beachport is a small coastal town 379 kilometres south-east of Adelaide, South Australia, located in the Wattle Range Council. Known for its 772 metre long jetty , Beachport is located on the northern end of Rivoli Bay...
in the late 19th century, with each operating independently of each other until 1997.
The Wattle Range Council was formed in 1997 from the amalgamation of the District Councils of Beachport
Beachport, South Australia
Beachport is a small coastal town 379 kilometres south-east of Adelaide, South Australia, located in the Wattle Range Council. Known for its 772 metre long jetty , Beachport is located on the northern end of Rivoli Bay...
, Millicent
Millicent, South Australia
Millicent is a town in South Australia, south-east of Adelaide, and north of Mount Gambier. At the 2006 Census, the population was 4,771.The town is home to the Millicent National Trust Museum, and is nearby to the Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park and the Canunda National Park.The Millicent...
and Penola
Penola, South Australia
Penola is located 388 km south east of Adelaide and is in the heart of one of South Australia's most productive wine growing areas. Coonawarra lies just to the north and is renowned for the quality of its red wines...
.
Economy
The local economyEconomy
An economy consists of the economic system of a country or other area; the labor, capital and land resources; and the manufacturing, trade, distribution, and consumption of goods and services of that area...
is dependent on wide range of activities, with agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
, fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
, forestry
Forestry
Forestry is the interdisciplinary profession embracing the science, art, and craft of creating, managing, using, and conserving forests and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values for human benefit. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands...
and tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
making up the major components.
Sheep and cattle
Cattle
Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
farming are the prominent agricultural venture, with dairy
Dairy
A dairy is a business enterprise established for the harvesting of animal milk—mostly from cows or goats, but also from buffalo, sheep, horses or camels —for human consumption. A dairy is typically located on a dedicated dairy farm or section of a multi-purpose farm that is concerned...
farming common also. Cereal cropping is also prevalent in the nutrient
Nutrient
A nutrient is a chemical that an organism needs to live and grow or a substance used in an organism's metabolism which must be taken in from its environment. They are used to build and repair tissues, regulate body processes and are converted to and used as energy...
rich soil
Soil
Soil is a natural body consisting of layers of mineral constituents of variable thicknesses, which differ from the parent materials in their morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics...
s of the South East
Limestone Coast
The Limestone Coast is a name used since the early twentyfirst century for the geographical region and tourist region of the southeast coast of South Australia from the Victoria border to the towards the city of Adelaide.-Location and description:...
.
Viticulture
Viticulture
Viticulture is the science, production and study of grapes which deals with the series of events that occur in the vineyard. When the grapes are used for winemaking, it is also known as viniculture...
is well established in the council area, with one of South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
's premier wine
Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
growing regions, the Coonawarra
Coonawarra
Coonawarra is a wine region, on the Limestone Coast of South Australia, that is known for the Cabernet Sauvignon wines produced on its "terra rossa" soil. Coonawarra is an Aboriginal word meaning "Honeysuckle". It is about 380 km southeast of Adelaide, close to the border with...
, located in its bounds, with rich terra rossa soil
Soil
Soil is a natural body consisting of layers of mineral constituents of variable thicknesses, which differ from the parent materials in their morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics...
aiding the wine quality.
Forestry
Forestry
Forestry is the interdisciplinary profession embracing the science, art, and craft of creating, managing, using, and conserving forests and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values for human benefit. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands...
and milling
Mill (grinding)
A grinding mill is a unit operation designed to break a solid material into smaller pieces. There are many different types of grinding mills and many types of materials processed in them. Historically mills were powered by hand , working animal , wind or water...
have also been important to the district, with processing plants at Nangwarry and Millicent
Millicent
Millicent is a female given name that has been in use since the Middle Ages. The English form Millicent derives from the Old French Melisende, from the Germanic amal "work" and swinth "strength"...
.
Tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
is a diverse, growing aspect of the economy
Economy
An economy consists of the economic system of a country or other area; the labor, capital and land resources; and the manufacturing, trade, distribution, and consumption of goods and services of that area...
, with seaside towns such as Beachport attracting tourists for the seaside atmosphere, and others such as Coonawarra, for the wine growing industry.
Localities
The service town of the district is MillicentMillicent, South Australia
Millicent is a town in South Australia, south-east of Adelaide, and north of Mount Gambier. At the 2006 Census, the population was 4,771.The town is home to the Millicent National Trust Museum, and is nearby to the Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park and the Canunda National Park.The Millicent...
, with a large number of other towns and localities encompassed in the council area. The full list is:
Beachport
Beachport, South Australia
Beachport is a small coastal town 379 kilometres south-east of Adelaide, South Australia, located in the Wattle Range Council. Known for its 772 metre long jetty , Beachport is located on the northern end of Rivoli Bay...
, Benara, Benara Flat, Canunda, Comaum, Coonawarra
Coonawarra, South Australia
Coonawarra is a small town north of Penola in South Australia. It is best known for the Coonawarra wine region named after it....
, Furner
Furner, South Australia
Furner is a settlement in South Australia.Furner is a farming community; some of the attractions of Furner include the historical Kangaroo Inn Ruins....
, Glencoe
Glencoe, South Australia
Glencoe is a small town in South Australia, Australia located approximately 25 km west of Mount Gambier. In its heyday the township was divided into Glencoe and Glencoe West.-History:...
, Glencoe West, Glenroy, Grey, Hatherleigh, Kalangadoo
Kalangadoo, South Australia
Kalangadoo is a small district in South Australia, Australia. It is about 50 km north of Mount Gambier, in the heart of redgum country. The area was originally proclaimed as Kalangadoo East in 1891, and the name changed to Kalangadoo in 1940. The town consists of a general store, a general...
, Katnook, Killanoola, Kirip, Koorine, Krongart, Leggs Lane, Maaoupe, Millicent
Millicent, South Australia
Millicent is a town in South Australia, south-east of Adelaide, and north of Mount Gambier. At the 2006 Census, the population was 4,771.The town is home to the Millicent National Trust Museum, and is nearby to the Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park and the Canunda National Park.The Millicent...
, Mount Burr
Mount Burr, South Australia
Mount Burr is a small town located in the South East of South Australia, about 12 km east of Millicent and about 50 km northeast of Mount Gambier. At the 2006 census, Mount Burr had a population of 380.-Geography:...
, Mount Graham, Mount McIntyre, Nangula, Nangwarry
Nangwarry, South Australia
Nangwarry is a town in south eastern South Australia. The town is in the Wattle Range Council local government area, south-east of the state capital, Adelaide. At the 2006 census, Nangwarry had a population of 503....
, Penola
Penola, South Australia
Penola is located 388 km south east of Adelaide and is in the heart of one of South Australia's most productive wine growing areas. Coonawarra lies just to the north and is renowned for the quality of its red wines...
, Pompoon, Rendlesham
Rendelsham, South Australia
Rendelsham is a town in the south east of South Australia, south east of the state capital, Adelaide....
, Rivoli Bay, Rocky Camp, Sebastapol, Short, Snuggery, Southend
Southend, South Australia
Southend is a settlement in South Australia. At the 2006 census, Southend had a population of 560....
, St Clair, Tantanoola
Tantanoola, South Australia
Tantanoola is a town in South Australia. The name is derived from the aboriginal word tentunola, which means boxwood / brushwood hill or camp. Tantanoola was originally named 'Lucieton' by Governor Jervois after his daughter Lucy Caroline, on 10 July 1879. It was changed by Governor Robinson to...
, Thornlea
Thornlea, South Australia
Thornlea is a locality on the Beachport-Penola Road within the boundaries of Wattle Range Council....
, Wattle Range and Wyrie
Elected Members
MayorMayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
: Mark Braes
CEO: Frank Brennan
Councillor
Councillor
A councillor or councilor is a member of a local government council, such as a city council.Often in the United States, the title is councilman or councilwoman.-United Kingdom:...
and Ward:
- Rosemary Kain - Kintore
- Michael McCourt - Kintore
- Peter Muller - Riddoch
- Vivian Reschke - Riddoch
- Glenn Brown - Corcoran
- Sharon Cox - Corcoran
- Gwenda Lawlor - Corcoran
- Darren O'Halloran - Corcoran
- Jennifer Osis - Corcoran
- Peter Dunnicliff - Sorby Adams
- Robert Dycer - Sorby Adams