Riverland

This article is about the locality. For the wine region in South Australia, see Riverland wine region.
Riverland
South Australia

Paringa Bridge over the Murray River
Population 30,000
LGA(s)
State electorate(s) Chaffey, Stuart
Federal Division(s) Barker

The Riverland is a region of South Australia. It covers the area near the Murray River from where it flows into South Australia downstream to Blanchetown. The major town centres are Renmark, Berri, Loxton, Waikerie, Barmera and Monash. Each of these are accompanied by minor townships, the total area comprising approximately 30,000 people. Many of the towns were established for the re-settlement of soldiers after their return from World War I or World War II. Most towns were established as separate irrigation districts.

The region hosted an internment camp for people of Japanese,[1] German and Italian origin or descent during World War II. This camp was based at Loveday and little remains to testify to its existence.

Agriculture

The region grows about half of South Australia's grapes, and 90% of the citrus and stone fruit. Most major Australian wine companies source a significant amount of bulk wine from the Riverland. The Agriculture industry is the largest employer in the area.

The Riverland is also a significant almond growing region.[2]

Recreation

Houseboating, water skiing and golfing are popular pastimes for visitors to the area.

Conservation

Riverlanders share an interest in the health of the River Murray.[3] The majority of the River Murray and surrounds in the Riverland area is a declared reserve. The predominant natural environment consists of River Red Gum and Black Box forests that line the river banks and flood plains, as well as steep cliffs. The Riverland is abundant in wildlife, the more common species encountered being Pelicans, Kookaburras, Brush Tail Possums and Perons Tree Frogs. Less common species include Koalas (introduced to Renmark), Bush Stone Curlews and Carpet Pythons (rated 'vulnerable' to extinction in the region).

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Loveday Project: Japanese civilians interned in Australia". Wordpress.com. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  2. ↑ "Australian almond history". Nut Producers Australia. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  3. ↑ Sydney Morning Herald (2008-07-02). "Xenophon want help for Murray River". Fairfax. Retrieved 2008-07-02.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Riverland.

Coordinates: 34°15′S 140°28′E / 34.250°S 140.467°E / -34.250; 140.467

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Saturday, January 09, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.