| Gherang Victoria |
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Gherang
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| Population: | 592 |
| Postcode: | 3240 |
| Elevation: | 144 m (472 ft) |
| Time zone: | AEST (UTC) |
| Location: | |
| LGA: | Surf Coast Shire |
| Federal Division: | Corangamite |
Gherang is a small rural township in Victoria, Australia. It is in the Surf Coast Shire local government area and located on the northern edge of Anglesea Heath State forest. The area is mostly farmland, but there are also several quarries in the area producing gravel mostly used for roads. At the 2006 census, Gherang had a population of 592.[1]
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The area was settled by Europeans in the early 19th century. The area was heavily forested and gravel suitable for roads was discovered. The Wensleydale railway line was completed in 1890 connecting the area to the Port Fairy railway line near Moriac with the intention of transporting timber and gravel. A small station served Gherang but saw very little traffic.
During World War II a small army base was established a few hundred metres east of the station, materials and troops were brought in and out by train. After the war the line fell back into disuse and was abandoned. The Gherang Military Post Office was open from 13 January 1942 until 22 September 1942, and from 15 February 1943 until 13 April 1943. Gherang has never had a civilian post office.[2]
Marsupials that inhabit Gherang include kangaroos, echidnas, koalas and the brushtail possum. Pest animal species include rabbits, foxes and feral cats. The area supports bird populations the kookaburra, magpie, crow, willie wagtail, pigeon, quail and a variety of cockatoo species. Reptiles present include the brown snake, blue-tongued lizard and small skinks.
In 2007 Greenearth Energy announced a plan to build several geothermal power plants in the Gherang area to harness heat from granite 4km below ground. Construction of a trial plant was planned to commence in 2010 but as of July 2011 work has not begun.
On the south side of Gherang is the Australian Automotive Research Centre, the largest privately owned and independently operated automotive testing facility in Australia. Occupying a 1000 hectare site, it includes a 4.2 km highway circuit, vehicle handling tracks, brake test surfaces, and four wheel drive test tracks.
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