Snowy Monaro Local History
The Snowy Monaro region is located in the south-eastern part of New South Wales, Australia. It is situated in the Snowy Mountains, encompassing nearly 15.8 km² of land and spanning across the towns of Cooma, Bombala, Jindabyne, Adaminaby, and Numerella. The region is known for its picturesque scenery, natural beauty, and wildlife, offering plenty of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. But beyond the natural beauty, the Snowy Monaro region has a rich local history that dates back thousands of years.
The local history of Snowy Monaro begins with the Indigenous conflict for land ownership. Before the European settlement, the region was home to different Indigenous groups, including the Ngarigo, Walgalu, and Djiringanj people. These groups were hunter-gatherers who relied on the natural resources of the land to sustain their livelihood. However, the arrival of Europeans in the late 18th century brought significant changes to the region.
The first European explorers arrived in Snowy Monaro in the 1820s, searching for new grazing lands and pastures. Over time, squatters and farmers began to settle in the region, leading to increased conflict with the Indigenous population. The European settlement also led to the displacement of the Indigenous people, who were forced to move to other areas or integrate into European society.
The Snowy Monaro region played a significant role in Australia's colonial history. During the 19th century, the region was a major center for gold mining, with several towns and diggings established. The discovery of gold in Adaminaby in 1859 led to the establishment of a thriving mining industry, attracting thousands of prospectors to the region. The gold rush also brought significant changes to the region, with new infrastructure, towns, and businesses established to support the mining industry.
The region's history is also intertwined with the development of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. The scheme was first proposed in the 1940s as a way to provide sustainable power for Australia's growing population. The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority was formed in 1949, and construction began in 1949. The scheme involved the construction of dams, tunnels, hydro stations, and pipelines across the region, revolutionizing the management of water resources in Australia.
The Snowy Monaro region has also been the site of many important historical events. During World War II, the region was an important training ground for the Australian military. The town of Cooma was used as a staging ground for troops, while Bombala was used for artillery practice. The region was also a key location for the Snowy Scheme, with many workers and engineers living in the area during the construction process. The region has also played host to several significant political events, including the 1975 visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Cooma.
In recent times, the Snowy Monaro region has become known as a hub for adventure sports and ecotourism. The region offers a range of outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fishing, camping, and mountain biking. Visitors can also explore the local history of the region by visiting historical landmarks, museums, and heritage sites.
In conclusion, the Snowy Monaro region has a rich and diverse local history, encompassing thousands of years of Indigenous culture and European colonialism. The region played a significant role in Australia's gold rush, the construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, and World War II. Today, the region offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore its natural beauty, uncover the history, and discover the cultural significance of this beautiful and dynamic part of the world.